Applications Open: Join the EONS Advocacy Working Group!

Are you passionate about Advocacy? The EONS Advocacy Working Group is looking for one new member who will actively help us share our vision and deliver our mission for cancer nursing across Europe.  

Mission Statement / Purpose of the Advocacy Working Group: 

The Advocacy Working Group (AWG) of the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) is in alignment with EONS mission and Strategic Goals to increase public and political awareness of the critical role that cancer nurses play in comprehensive cancer care, professional development and policies, plans, regulations and legislation making across Europe. The AWG shall have the mandate to assist the EONS Executive Board to meet its goals related to advancing and promoting cancer nursing and cancer care. 

The work of AWG includes the development and employment of communications channels and advocacy tactics and strategies to advance EONS advocacy agenda on behalf of its members to a broad range of policy makers, decision makers, influential stakeholders, and other organizations. Audiences may include, but not be limited to, members of European parliament/legislature, bureaucrats, other advocacy and nongovernmental organizations, media, patient advocacy groups, professional regulatory bodies, and providers of cancer care and related services. 

Membership of the AWG is reviewed by the Executive Board. The AWG chairs, members and the Executive Board work together to determine AWG needs and brainstorm new and potential tasks and members. 

Description of Duties: 

The AWG is expected to provide advice on advocacy efforts and initiatives that can be taken up by EONS, and to provide feedback and reports on advocacy efforts undertaken by the society. Advocacy is defined as any action which promotes the profession, patients’ care and its members. Advocacy includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Meeting with parliamentarians and other agencies, 
  • Liaising with partner organizations, 
  • Position statements and letter writing, 
  • Promotional campaigns. 

The AWG is expected to be knowledgeable of the issues and needs of cancer nurses and cancer patients in Europe. 

The AWG develops goals and objectives every five years which are submitted to Board for approval. The AWG provides to the board a review of advocacy activities undertaken and recommendations for future activities. 

AWG Expectations and Responsibilities: 

  • Evaluate issues in alignment with EONS’ mission and goals to determine if appropriate to send to our membership to take action. 
  • Be available by scheduled conference calls to discuss topics or current issues pertinent to AWG. 
  • Develop awareness of current cancer care issues and opportunities for EONS to be represented. 
  • May be asked to represent EONS before legislators in Brussels. 
  • Build relationships with legislators and lobbyists to support EONS’s position on an appropriate cause. 
  • Build relationships with other healthcare organizations in order to collaboratively advocate for opportunities that promote EONS. 
  • Discuss advocacy visions and or advocacy opportunities with the members of the AWG and obtain the approval of the Executive on advocacy issues that require EONS action. 
  • Advocate for local and European legislation, policy and funding to support EONS work. 
  • Annually submit objectives and a work plan for the group as part of the planning and budgeting process. 
  • Participate in the development and implementation of the AWG work plan. 

Guidelines and AWG Terms: 

  • AWG members serve two-year term with an option to renew twice. Membership of Working Group therefore lasts for a maximum of 6 years. 
  • Each member commits to pursuing activities that contribute towards the achievement of the EONS Strategic Goals. 
  • AWG members meet on a monthly basis. Meetings may be held in person or via conference call. 
  • AWG members actively participate in meetings, contributing to the discussion, brainstorming and sharing innovative ideas. 
  • AWG reviews the task groups’ work, work plan and membership. Any members who have not attended regular meetings or documented activities to promote the AWG’s objectives for a period of 6 consecutive months will be removed from the membership list. 
  • AWG create an annual work plan outlining its calendar of major activities to be covered. 
  • Members review material and provides input for improvement. 
  • Serves as internal/external linkages for EONS to open doors to further the EONS’s mission and vision. 

Time Commitment for AWG Members 

  • AWG members should anticipate giving an average of 2‐3 hours per month to complete the activities. 

Requirements for applying for AWG Member: 

  • Individual EONS member or member of the national cancer nursing society. 
  • Interest in advocacy, and have knowledge and expertise to AWG activities. 
  • Provide a brief CV (maximum two-page) and a motivation letter, including reasons for wanting to join the group and a summary of what you would bring to it. 
  • Availability to be interviewed. 

You can submit your CV and motivation letter to EONS Secretariat at eons.secretariat@cancernurse.eu

Deadline for application: 13th January 2025

EONS Advocacy Working Group Co-Chairs:  

Grazyna Suchodolska (gsuchodolska@gumed.edu.pl) 

Merel van Klinken (merelvan_klinken@hotmail.com) 

For further information please visit EONS website: https://cancernurse.eu/advocacy/