INR Features

At the time of this writing there are less than 60 days to the Primary Election. Several things have occurred during the past quarter. Once again I am going to give you summaries about certain events, in the hopes that you the nurse reader will seek a policy holding office in your church, your children’s school, your own institution of higher learning, or government at the city or state level.

Partially because of our educational preparation in learning how to complete a nursing care plan, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, we are naturals for positions in policy development. In addition to my core preparation, I have attended several trainings that are available to persons seeking higher office.

The American Farm Bureau sponsored, "How to Win an Election". While attending the two day intense seminar, I met two other nurses seeking office. Pictured with me below is INA member Linda Upmeyer, from Garner, along with nurse anesthetist, Art Willhover from Mason City. Linda is running for the House, and Art for the Senate. If any of you are thinking about seeking office, communicate early with Iowa Farm Bureau about enrolling in this class. This class touched on brochure development, campaign theme development, and the best learning experience for me, was a "pretend" TV interview, that was video recorded and critiqued by the class and instructor.

The second training was from EMILY’s list. (Early Money Is Like Yeast, it raises the dough). It was the first time this national organization held training in Iowa, and the most applicants(71) from any state in the Nation enrolled. The evening panel composed of Lt. Governor Sally Pederson, a lobbyist, and two Legislators, was just outstanding.

I received one of the most touching notes along with a donation came from an INA member. Here are some of her words, "I have learned that we nurses must stand up for patients and nursing needs. We could be so much stronger if we were more united…..I only wish I could send a bigger monetary contribution, but I will be starting graduate school soon." An e mail came from a public health colleague, expressing that she had always had secret desire to run for office. I encouraged both of these people and you also, to become involved now. Become a part of your county’s political party central committee. Volunteer for a candidate seeking office. It is a great way to meet people, learn the ropes and utmost, the logic and thoughts of nurses are so very needed!!

My nursing and health care colleagues across the State of Iowa, have just been wonderful. I was asked to speak at the Iowa Association of Home Care annual meeting, and was very humbled by their individual donations surpassing $500.00. I have also called upon another nursing colleague, and INA member Mary Aquilino to hold a fundraiser in Iowa City for me. I am hoping to generate last minute money for radio ads, which are $7.50 per 30 seconds, not quite as high as the $750.00 as indicated in the last article. Our goal is to generate enough for 13 ads, or $1000.00

I continue my goal, to see at least 40 persons every day, either directly, by knocking on doors, or through presentations to Seniors about health issues. I am also attending local board meetings such as city council, school board, or hospital boards as part of my orientation to the issues within the District. I am no longer feeling jittery or scared about these activities, in fact have grown to really enjoy learning from listening. Iowans are so wonderful. It was really hot yesterday(April 15, nearly 90 degrees), and a woman invited me, a total stranger, into her house and gave me cold water, and a wonderful history of the home, which had previously been a roadhouse.

My current House Legislator, Michael O’Brien invited me to spend a day with him at the State House last week. It did whet my appetite to see his chair and desk on the House floor, and to meet his colleagues.

I continue to work hard, and with your support both financially and telling others who live in the District about me, and urging them to vote, I think I will win.

Next time. The thrill of victory, or the agony of defeat.

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