Dear members,
We’re very proud to share our new brand with you. We’ve got a new identity, and along with it, a refreshed website. This brand was built in collaboration with members and Local Presidents. It recognizes who we are, what makes us strong, and how we’re going to thrive in our environment. It’s a brand that honours our past, but in many ways, it’s a new beginning.
At our AGM on Tuesday, members voted on constitution changes that affirm our return to grassroots unionism and enhance your representation at the Local level. The governance changes, new brand, and upcoming strategic plan set the structure for you to fight for what is right and what is long overdue within the system. This isn’t going to be easy. But it is going to be a powerful and fulfilling ride.
I wanted to share with you the theory behind our new logo. When I first saw it, I didn’t really understand what those three little abstract circles meant. But as I sat with it, it all became clear.
Perspective
We make nursing visible; help patients understand its complexity; build respect for our training and recognition for our hard work and effort.
But too often that isn’t our reality, is it?
We smile and carry on. We push through long days and difficult conditions because that’s what’s been expected of us. Over time, that shapes how we see things: “It is what it is.” “Just a bad day.” “You’re lucky to have a job.”
We’ve let them own our perspective. And that lets them own us.
That stops here.
Our focus is clear. Our perspective is unwavering. Who we are and what we want as nurses and members is unified. We deserve to feel safe. We deserve to rest. We deserve to be ourselves.
First, we shift our individual perspective. One rooted in vulnerability.
Next, we shift each other’s perspective. One rooted in support.
Finally, we shift our collective perspective. One rooted in power.
Then, they’ll hear our stories.
Then, they’ll understand our value.
Then, they’ll see our perspective.
Of course, our brand is more than just a logo. It’s a reflection of who we are and what we’re going to achieve together. It’s the lens through which we see our situation. And it’s our strategy for how we take back power. We have a set of brand goals and principles that keep us focused on this fight and guide all union activities.
You’ll be hearing from me over the coming weeks as we unpack this brand, our return to grassroots, and how you’ll be instrumental in guiding our strategic direction going forward.
Together, we’re over 1,500 nurses united and we surround each other.
These are exciting times.
Sincerely,
Kim Sears
President, Prince Edward Island Nurses Union