AMUMA Editorial: For We are Fire

A/N: This editorial was supposed to be published in the Amuma, a magazine that is planned by the Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders and Advocates. As editor-in-chief, I was the one who wrote this article. This piece might not be published soon, but since it only seems fitting, I am sharing this in my blog anyway. Please note that despite being Amuma's editorial(which means the collective opinion of the staff), I was the one who wrote this and it is now published in my blog. Thus, it may no longer represent the insight of Amuma's editors and writers. 

Perfection is a myth and many times in an organization’s, there will be those who will take note of a group’s imperfections and believe themselves capable of augmenting them. An organization with this kind of members – those rooted in both idealism and reality – is possibly meant for great things, simply because the people within it will never settle for mediocrity.

The Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders and Advocates is such an organization. We have seen our young group blaze through the opposition of many, in order to fight for what we believe in and for the people we advocate for. Our voices have been heard, and what we have to say has gotten across. In our three years f existence, AYNLA continues to prove that it is as much talk as it is action.

Nevertheless, it is not without faults, and the national election is proof of this. The fact that our members participated enthusiastically, as voters or candidates, is an indication that they have been trained to not overlook wrongdoings and to strive for betterment through both words and actions. It sends a message to our leaders: Do not be complacent. We are watching you.

The organization welcomes this. It recognizes everyone’s ability to contribute to the organization’s goals. However, two things may inevitably stem from this: either a call for action that will benefit the organization or a mindless struggle for power that may lead to the destruction of our group.

The latter has happened to many other organizations. Often in the name of change, many potential leaders become blinded by their quest for power. The resulting action is below them: in the struggle to take control, their professionalism is eclipsed by greed and arrogance.

There shall always be the struggle for power. There will always be people who seek reform. The Alliance welcomes this. It is a sign that everyone is empowered.

The Alliance burns with the drive of advocacy, but its leaders (for, in AYNLA, no one is just a member) are faced with this dilemma: shall we direct our fire to our goals, or direct it to ourselves?

You decide.