| |
Beatriz Lorenzo, nursing systems research analyst in Children’s Hospital Boston’s Patient Services Department, has long been devoted to the hospital—a trait she got from her mother, Nancy, who worked at the main lobby information desk for close to 20 years before she passed away. “My mother instilled a strong commitment to service in me and taught me that we all have the ability—and responsibility—to assist others,” she says.
While Lorenzo has always loved her work, her desire to do more led her to become a member of the Children’s Advocacy Network (CAN), a 1,200-member group of trained volunteers interested in influencing public policy to improve children’s health inside and outside of the hospital. “I thought, What a great way to bring together my passion for service, interest in policy and commitment to Children’s mission,” she says.
The Office of Child Advocacy created CAN’s training program in 2006 to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to advocate for policy solutions that will improve children’s access to care and the quality of their care. “The goal is for members to know when to speak up for children and how to get their messages across to legislators,” says Lisa Mannix, manager of State Government Relations. In the past, the group has advocated for expansion of health care coverage for children, injury prevention measures and mental health services, and has successfully helped shape public policy.
For most people, the legislative process is akin to filing taxes: a confusing process that only insiders can truly comprehend. “If you’re not in this field, you wouldn’t know what the Ways and Means Committee does or how to advocate in your community,” says Mannix. “The training helps demystify the legislative process and shows people how they can influence policy decisions.”
Trainers teach participants how to research policy issues, connect with legislative offices and work with the media and outside groups. There’s also a thorough discussion of top child advocacy issues. Some participants want to learn how to advocate for causes close to their hearts that aren’t part of the hospital’s goals, and they’re encouraged to do that, too. “We want people to walk away with the skills they need to engage in the political process even if their priorities don’t align exactly with the hospital’s,” says Mannix. “We brainstorm ways they can get involved with existing networks and strategize about tactics they can use to advance their cause.”
The training culminates in a mock committee hearing at the State House, where trainees role-play a hearing about an issue like health education. They act out positions either in support of or opposed to a bill, and then real legislators come and talk to the group to share their insight.
It may sound daunting, but it’s not necessary to have any experience working on legislation before going through the training, which is open to clinical and non-clinical employees alike. “Advocacy efforts bring different voices to the table,” says Lorenzo. “It’s important for policymakers to hear different perspectives and understand the impact of their decisions.” Mannix especially encourages those who have a real passion for advocacy to participate. “The few of us in our office can talk all we want, but it makes a huge difference to have committed volunteers amplify what we’re saying,” she says.
It’s also made a difference to some of the volunteers. Lorenzo, for one, learned a tremendous amount. “I’m certainly no longer hesitant to pick up the phone and call any one of my elected officials or make a visit to a legislative office,” she says. Lorenzo has even taken it a step further. “Nurses advocate for their patients on a daily basis and their experiences can, and should, influence policy,” she says. To get nurses’ voices heard, she worked with Marcie Brostoff, MS, RN, director of Staff Development and Education, to form the Nursing Legislative Action Interest Group. This group has made several visits to the State House to meet with legislators and has been involved in shaping policy surrounding nursing staffing ratios.
After the training, volunteers can assist with the hospital’s many health care-related efforts, receive monthly email updates and action alerts and attend advocacy forums offered by CAN. “No matter what your role is at Children’s, we’re all committed to and carry out the mission of the hospital every day,” says Lorenzo. “This training offers yet another opportunity to do just that. If you can take five minutes to make a personal, compelling argument, you can make a difference.”
This year’s free training takes place on five Monday nights May 11 through June 8 (except for Memorial Day week, when it takes place on May 26). Sessions last two and a half hours. Space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For details, contact Lisa Mannix at lisa.mannix@childrens.harvard.edu or 617-919-3062.
|
|
| |
