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Medicine and War Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/fmcs19
Some thoughts on influencing Danuta O'neill SRN SCM
a
a
Tyneside MEDACT , 66 Manor House Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2LX Published online: 22 Oct 2007.
To cite this article: Danuta O'neill SRN SCM (1992) Some thoughts on influencing, Medicine and War, 8:4, 302-303, DOI: 10.1080/07488009208409064 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07488009208409064
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form
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to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions
PERSONAL VIEW
Some Thoughts on Influencing DANUTA O'NEILL SRNSCM
Downloaded by [Tufts University] at 12:52 18 November 2014
Tyneside MEDACT
At the recent MEDACT launch, in the delightful environs of Regents College, it was suggested that I write for Medicine and War on the topic of campaigning. I would like to broaden this to the entire question of influencing, of which campaigning is of course one facet. I would like to view the issue from two levels: firstly, the macroscopic and, secondly, the microscopic level with the hope that in some way these thoughts might act as a catalyst for action. The challenges facing the organization are many and it is indeed an exciting prospect both to develop and to build upon the existing strengths of the Medical Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons and the Medical Association for Prevention of Wars. Undoubtedly we have come far, but much remains to be done, both in terms of establishing a new formal identity, asserting our raison d'etre, and acquiring an overall sense of direction, utilizing both new and existing priorities. The words challenging, proactive and consciousness-raising were all used in connection with the role of MEDACT. Let us first consider what might be viewed as a possible priority for this role. Regrettably, there now seems to be a consensus viewpoint in British politics of acceptance and institutionalization of our so-called nuclear deterrent, and this must surely continue to be a challenge for the new organization. To quote Professor Joseph Rotblat at the MEDACT launch, 'since the ending of the cold war not a single nuclear weapon has been eliminated — nothing has changed and there remains much to be done'. When considering ways of influencing and areas to focus on 'the what and how equation', undoubtedly the 'how' element is the most problematic. How to be really effective in both the long and the short term? I believe that with the existing skills of both former organizations we can effectively have the best of both worlds and adopt a multi-faceted approach. By this I mean that we need to build upon our existing influence in the medical and scientific communities, both by continuing with our academic papers and our recent advancements in medical education, combined with campaigning action. It is specifically to the issue of campaigning that I would now like to turn. In order to prove that campaigning really works, I would like us to consider the following examples. Firstly, in connection with the atmospheric testing in MEDICINE AND WAR, VOL. 8,302-303 (1992)
INFLUENCING
303
Downloaded by [Tufts University] at 12:52 18 November 2014
the 1950s, I have in my possession recently declassified 'Top Secret' files that clearly show the effectiveness of mounting public pressure and effective grassroots campaigning on the government of the day. Beyond doubt it was this that ultimately halted atmospheric testing. For those of you involved at that time in campaigning action, and I am sure there will be many reading this article today, we as a nation owe you an overwhelming debt of gratitude and I feel you need to know this. More recently we on Tyneside had the enormously effective Druridge Bay Campaign which received national coverage. This was a classic example of good and effective grass-roots campaigning which ultimately prevented the building of a nuclear plant on a beautiful stretch of the Northumbrian coastline. There are of course many other fine examples of effective campaigning, but I have used these because they prove my point categorically. What I do feel is worth stressing at this point is that campaigning should never exist in splendid isolation but should be one facet of an overall strategy designed to influence on a variety of levels. MEDACT needs to build on the high profile stance that MCANW enjoyed with its open meetings aimed at both the general public and the related professions. It also needs to identify its agenda and to continually press this home to Government and Members of Parliament. In order to keep ahead of the constantly shifting political landscape, I would strongly advocate the creation of a Parliamentary officer for MEDACT and that, furthermore, this person should then liaise with branches and keep them informed and updated - all crucial if we are to be effective campaigners. I need remind no one that wars are created by politicians, fought by others, and suffered by the innocent millions and that we ignore influencing politicians at our peril. Finally, I would like to turn to what I call the microscopic level; the essential hidden ingredient which I believe makes the whole thing possible. Somewhere at the heart of our effectiveness must lie communication, affirmation and support for each other, and to this effect I believe that some sort of forum should be created for meeting and exchange of ideas outside the existing framework. I would welcome discussion on this vital subject of enabling the development of creative thinking and releasing the imagination. I trust that this has provided food for thought and will be the start of an ongoing process of self-development. (Accepted 15 May 1992)
Correspondence: 66 Manor House Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2LX.
Medicine and War Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/fmcs19
Some thoughts on influencing Danuta O'neill SRN SCM
a
a
Tyneside MEDACT , 66 Manor House Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2LX Published online: 22 Oct 2007.
To cite this article: Danuta O'neill SRN SCM (1992) Some thoughts on influencing, Medicine and War, 8:4, 302-303, DOI: 10.1080/07488009208409064 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07488009208409064
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form
Downloaded by [Tufts University] at 12:52 18 November 2014
to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions
PERSONAL VIEW
Some Thoughts on Influencing DANUTA O'NEILL SRNSCM
Downloaded by [Tufts University] at 12:52 18 November 2014
Tyneside MEDACT
At the recent MEDACT launch, in the delightful environs of Regents College, it was suggested that I write for Medicine and War on the topic of campaigning. I would like to broaden this to the entire question of influencing, of which campaigning is of course one facet. I would like to view the issue from two levels: firstly, the macroscopic and, secondly, the microscopic level with the hope that in some way these thoughts might act as a catalyst for action. The challenges facing the organization are many and it is indeed an exciting prospect both to develop and to build upon the existing strengths of the Medical Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons and the Medical Association for Prevention of Wars. Undoubtedly we have come far, but much remains to be done, both in terms of establishing a new formal identity, asserting our raison d'etre, and acquiring an overall sense of direction, utilizing both new and existing priorities. The words challenging, proactive and consciousness-raising were all used in connection with the role of MEDACT. Let us first consider what might be viewed as a possible priority for this role. Regrettably, there now seems to be a consensus viewpoint in British politics of acceptance and institutionalization of our so-called nuclear deterrent, and this must surely continue to be a challenge for the new organization. To quote Professor Joseph Rotblat at the MEDACT launch, 'since the ending of the cold war not a single nuclear weapon has been eliminated — nothing has changed and there remains much to be done'. When considering ways of influencing and areas to focus on 'the what and how equation', undoubtedly the 'how' element is the most problematic. How to be really effective in both the long and the short term? I believe that with the existing skills of both former organizations we can effectively have the best of both worlds and adopt a multi-faceted approach. By this I mean that we need to build upon our existing influence in the medical and scientific communities, both by continuing with our academic papers and our recent advancements in medical education, combined with campaigning action. It is specifically to the issue of campaigning that I would now like to turn. In order to prove that campaigning really works, I would like us to consider the following examples. Firstly, in connection with the atmospheric testing in MEDICINE AND WAR, VOL. 8,302-303 (1992)
INFLUENCING
303
Downloaded by [Tufts University] at 12:52 18 November 2014
the 1950s, I have in my possession recently declassified 'Top Secret' files that clearly show the effectiveness of mounting public pressure and effective grassroots campaigning on the government of the day. Beyond doubt it was this that ultimately halted atmospheric testing. For those of you involved at that time in campaigning action, and I am sure there will be many reading this article today, we as a nation owe you an overwhelming debt of gratitude and I feel you need to know this. More recently we on Tyneside had the enormously effective Druridge Bay Campaign which received national coverage. This was a classic example of good and effective grass-roots campaigning which ultimately prevented the building of a nuclear plant on a beautiful stretch of the Northumbrian coastline. There are of course many other fine examples of effective campaigning, but I have used these because they prove my point categorically. What I do feel is worth stressing at this point is that campaigning should never exist in splendid isolation but should be one facet of an overall strategy designed to influence on a variety of levels. MEDACT needs to build on the high profile stance that MCANW enjoyed with its open meetings aimed at both the general public and the related professions. It also needs to identify its agenda and to continually press this home to Government and Members of Parliament. In order to keep ahead of the constantly shifting political landscape, I would strongly advocate the creation of a Parliamentary officer for MEDACT and that, furthermore, this person should then liaise with branches and keep them informed and updated - all crucial if we are to be effective campaigners. I need remind no one that wars are created by politicians, fought by others, and suffered by the innocent millions and that we ignore influencing politicians at our peril. Finally, I would like to turn to what I call the microscopic level; the essential hidden ingredient which I believe makes the whole thing possible. Somewhere at the heart of our effectiveness must lie communication, affirmation and support for each other, and to this effect I believe that some sort of forum should be created for meeting and exchange of ideas outside the existing framework. I would welcome discussion on this vital subject of enabling the development of creative thinking and releasing the imagination. I trust that this has provided food for thought and will be the start of an ongoing process of self-development. (Accepted 15 May 1992)
Correspondence: 66 Manor House Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2LX.
