On 6 June 2025, voices from every corner of the nursing profession came together to celebrate RCN Activism Day. Hosted by the Royal College of Nursing, this was more than just a date in the diary — it was a bold affirmation that activism, in its many forms, is an essential part of professional nursing. As a proud member of the RCN Diabetes Forum, I left the event inspired, invigorated, and more committed than ever to advocate for change, equity, and excellence in diabetes care.

Activism isn’t just waving placards or taking to the streets — though those acts of courage are part of the story. As we explored during the day’s sessions, activism in nursing means fighting for better care, demanding fair pay and conditions, and giving voice to overlooked patient groups. For some, it’s contributing to guideline updates or leading education sessions. For others, it's about being the person who speaks up in a meeting, who supports a colleague, or who sees injustice and chooses not to ignore it.

We were reminded by Winifred Hector’s timeless words:

“There is no doubt that their united demands for the improvement of their profession will come with a force which will be irresistible.”

And this is exactly the energy that was alive in the room.

One of the most powerful moments of the day came from “The Voice of Nursing Speaks with Many Tongues” — a collaborative poem composed by attendees that captured the strength, diversity, and honesty of our shared profession. From student nurses to those approaching retirement, from learning disability specialists to defence nurses, each voice was heard, respected, and woven into a collective vision.

Our own Diabetes Forum proudly reflected on our achievements and goals:

• Developing and updating structured resources for people living with diabetes such as Diabetes Essentials.
• Collaborating on national campaigns to improve access to technology like CGMs and insulin pumps including forum committee members and our Professional Lead contributing to a paper around CGM education.
• Contributing our specialist knowledge to national guidance and public health projects via RCN consultations.

But we also acknowledged the challenges we face — underfunding, burnout, a lack of recognition for the critical work diabetes nurses undertake. Through these open discussions, we identified areas where we can build power, share leadership, and ignite activism in others.

A key part of the day focused on practical tools for organising. As George Woods reminded us, real change happens when we act together. We explored the three pillars of effective organising:

• developing leadership from within
• identifying and winning on issues that matter to our members
• understanding and using our collective power wisely.

The RCN’s Activism Strategy 2025–27 gives us the roadmap. From supporting Standards Champions in every workplace, to recognising activism as a vital part of leadership, the strategy offers tangible pathways for us to amplify our impact.

Looking forward, the Diabetes Forum is committed to:

• encouraging more members, especially students and newly qualified nurses, to become active contributors
• strengthening our influence on national diabetes policy and care models
• creating a supportive space where members feel empowered to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas.

Because, as was beautifully said during the event:

“Activism is the stone in your shoe. It keeps on bothering you until you do something about it.”

Activism Day 2025 was not a one-off — it was a spark. And in the Diabetes Forum, that spark is already lighting fires of positive change. Whether you’re an experienced DSN or a student on your first placement, your voice matters. Your actions matter. Together, we are the voice of nursing. We speak with many tongues, but we act as one.

Let’s keep the momentum going.

Let’s build, organise, and lead — for our patients, for our profession, and for ourselves.