After several years being focussed on matters round whistleblowing in the NHS, I have just found a way to join some grass root movement - two ways, in fact. For one, I was invited by a former client and very skilled organiser, to join a local project by Citizens UK to improve social care. (They previously have made some impact on local NHS commissioning.) And I found a way, how I can, as a small business owner be part of the trade union movement - namely through UNITE Community membership (something I had been trying to find for years).
Have attended a first meeting of both and find myself energised by making a small contribution. In some way, I am reminded of my start, at age 20, attending trade union meetings at my local teacher training college. And now, almost at the other end of my career, my views are being sought and heard. Yet, I am under no illusion how much we may be able to achieve. Somehow, though, I feel more relaxed: It is good to be counted where it counts. My professional focus remains on advocacy for those disadvantaged (often several times over) by the powerful system that is claiming to support them. Yet, in both those groups, I see people from varied backgrounds stepping out of their comfort zone to use that background, their personal story to make a difference. It does count.
Have attended a first meeting of both and find myself energised by making a small contribution. In some way, I am reminded of my start, at age 20, attending trade union meetings at my local teacher training college. And now, almost at the other end of my career, my views are being sought and heard. Yet, I am under no illusion how much we may be able to achieve. Somehow, though, I feel more relaxed: It is good to be counted where it counts. My professional focus remains on advocacy for those disadvantaged (often several times over) by the powerful system that is claiming to support them. Yet, in both those groups, I see people from varied backgrounds stepping out of their comfort zone to use that background, their personal story to make a difference. It does count.
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