Getting it on the agenda Putting together a successful Congress agenda item

What makes a good Congress agenda? Topics that: u spark good debate u enable the nursing voice to be heard u stimulate action – to make a difference u are inclusive and relevant to our diverse membership u cover a wide variety of issues

Firstly….some background u Number of agenda items submitted has varied from year to year. u Recently it has been between 110 and 120 with a peak of 206 in in 2011 there over 140 items submitted. u Quality also been variable – some are very good; other submissions are unlikely to stimulate good debate, are poorly worded, or factually incorrect. u Agenda Committee considers the submissions blind each year – so it’s the quality that counts, not who has submitted them.

….some background (cont) u Variability where submissions come from. u High proportion from England because that’s where most members are. u In 2008 Scotland contributed 4 per cent of submissions and made up 18% of the final agenda – in 2010 there were no submissions from that country. u Forums have submitted fewer in the last couple of years.

How it works u Agenda Committee considers the submissions blind each year. u Quality counts, not who has submitted them. u Council consider and sign off the final agenda. u There is a deadline for submitting items but emergency items can be submitted any time right up until Congress finishes. u Between 1 in 4 and 1 in 8 items will be accepted – depending on the overall number submitted.

What makes a good subject? Ask yourself…is it: u topical and current? u relevant with broad appeal (think 4 country)? u likely to stimulate discussion and debate? u a new or emerging issue – or is it a new angle on an existing issue ? u something where the views of members could make a real difference?

Resolution or matter for discussion? Be clear about the difference u Resolution – asks Congress to decide something; a call for action. u Matter for discussion – seeks the views of members.

Resolutions u That this meeting of RCN Congress asks Council to lobby…etc u That this meeting of RCN Congress decides to…etc u That RCN Congress calls on governments to change…etc u That RCN Congress publicly shows support…

Matters for discussion u That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses…… u That this meeting of RCN Congress reflects on whether……. u That RCN Congress considers whether or not…….

Drafting the wording of the item u Keep it short and simple. u Introduce one idea and say it once. u Don’t qualify it with sub clauses. u Don’t use really long sentences and words. u Avoid repetition. u Use active verbs – not passive ones.

Stimulate debate, don’t debate u Ask a question but don’t try to answer it yourself in your wording. u Don’t include your own, or others, opinions. u Don’t include background information in the wording of the item. u No need to add in references.

A well worded resolution “This meeting of RCN Congress asks RCN Council to lobby governments to ban cream cakes.”

A poorly worded resolution “This meeting of RCN Congress asks RCN Council to lobby, and put pressure, on governments to ban (or severely restrict) cream cakes, apart from chocolate eclairs which have slightly fewer calories and less saturated fat content, because of the growing obesity epidemic particularly in some, but not all, parts of the UK and the subsequent rise in obesity related illness, especially in younger people, such as type 2 diabetes amongst others.”

What else? u Check your facts and accuracy. u Don’t ask for something that is already happening or is impossible to achieve. u Don’t say something that isn’t true. u Recognise the four country perspective. u Check if Congress has recently debated it. u Check spelling, punctuation, grammar. u Send it in on time!

Think about the media u Has it stimulated debate in the media before or is it likely to generate interest in the future? u Is it current? u Is it relevant to the public? u Does it affect people’s lives – is there human interest? u How would it affect the perception of nursing or the RCN?

What else do you need to do? u You will also be asked to provide supporting information - this is your chance to tell the Agenda Committee why they should include it on the agenda, so be clear and precise. u It’s not the same as the background information that is published alongside each agenda item – staff will write that (along with a snappy title), in consultation with you, if your item is accepted.

What happens when your item is submitted? u It is considered by the Agenda Committee. u They may come back to you and suggest rewording or changing the angle. u If accepted you are expected to stay involved – to help write the background information, to propose the item at Congress itself, and be part of any resulting work post Congress. u If it is not accepted you will be told why not.

Finally….. You can get more information and help from: u The RCN website – u The Agenda Committee u RCN staff - your country or regional communications staff are a good first port of call.