Training the next generation of nurse advocates.
We're building a community of advocates to elevate the nursing profession in policy, politics, and media.
ADVOCACY INSTITUTE
Build your knowledge, skills, and confidence through our guides, trainings, and Fellowship programs.
MEDIA INSTITUTE
Develop your messaging and outreach opportunities through our digital courses, trainings, and Fellowship programs.
The Advocacy Institute
Every nurse’s advocacy journey begins with a vision for improvement—whether in patient care, professional growth, or standing up for what’s right. Advocacy is a strategic journey, rewarding those who persist by opening doors and amplifying their voices.
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Th Advocacy Institute serves as a comprehensive resource, equipping nurses with the tools to navigate policy landscapes confidently. For those seeking deeper engagement, an advanced fellowship offers in-depth training and ongoing support.
Read our introductory series on nursing advocacy in California.
Join our legislative advocacy training.
​Develop advanced advocacy and messaging skills through hands-on training and breakout sessions.
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Objectives:
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Empower you to confidently engage in legislative advocacy through targeted messaging and relationship-building.
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Equip you with an understanding of the California Legislature and insights into Assemblymember and Senator roles, terms, and offices.
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Strengthen your ability to build connections with legislators through hands-on role-play and meeting techniques.
Become an Advocacy Institute Fellow.
The Advocacy Institute Fellowship is an immersive program designed to help nurses develop the skills and knowledge necessary to engage in advocacy initiatives affecting legislation, regulations, and policies in California.
During their one-year commitment, Fellows will leverage ANA\California's network of coalitions, partners, media, and political contacts to engage new opportunities for creating sustainable change in nursing.
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Requirements:
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Minimum 2 years continuous membership.
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Minimum Baccalaureate degree in nursing.
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Commit to (8) hours per month.
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Pay the Fellowship Program Fee of $499.
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Expectations:
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Build confidence in the influence nurses can have on public policy and the importance of active participation in policy and politics.
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Develop a strong grasp of legislative, regulatory, and public policy processes at the state level to advocate effectively for nursing and healthcare improvements.
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Strengthen skills in networking with policymakers, stakeholders, and experts to expand the reach and impact of advocacy efforts.
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Gain the ability to analyze policy and synthesize evidence to create data-driven, actionable policy recommendations aligned with nursing and healthcare objectives.
The Media Institute
Every nurse’s voice has the power to shape public perception and influence healthcare—our Media Institute is here to make it stronger. Through digital courses and strategic training, you'll gain the skills to confidently navigate media, share compelling stories, and elevate nursing’s role in the public and political eye.
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For those starting to build their media presence, we're here to equip you with tools to engage journalists, policymakers, and your community. For those ready to lead, our Media Institute Fellowship offers an immersive, year-long program designed to embed nurse advocates in media.
On-Demand Digital Courses
Advanced nurses in media training.
Join our live, advanced media training to elevate your voice in news and journalism.
Build on foundational skills to help you engage confidently with journalists and PR teams in interactive sessions, breakout rooms, and simulated interviews.
Objectives:
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Differentiate benefits and limitations of media types, understand audience dynamics, and master earned media pitching and editorial guidelines.
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Develop effective interview tactics and learn to communicate complex concepts in relatable terms for diverse audiences.
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Pitch stories, engage journalists, and practice outreach in simulated interviews.
Become a Media Institute Fellow.
This year-long, immersive fellowship empowers nurses to shape public narratives, build media relationships, and become trusted voices in healthcare discussions.
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Throughout the year, fellows will tap into ANA\California's media network, PR partners, and healthcare influencers to provide nursing perspectives.
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Requirements:
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Minimum 2 years continuous ANA\California membership.
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Bachelor’s degree in nursing.
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Commitment of 8 hours per month.
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Fellowship Program Fee: $499.
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Expectations:
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Develop long-term media strategies that spotlight nursing's critical role in healthcare.
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Gain proficiency in tracking media coverage and analyzing trends to refine communication strategies.
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Build and maintain a dynamic media presence that consistently conveys key healthcare messages.
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Hone skills in drafting impactful public statements tailored to diverse audiences and healthcare topics.
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Practice media techniques, including handling challenging interview scenarios while staying on message.
Meet the authors and creators of the Advocacy Institute and Media Institute.
"My DNP work in nursing advocacy opened doors, but seeing those ideas shape the Advocacy Institute and Media Institute has been truly humbling. These programs offer nurses the skills and support to navigate policy and media landscapes confidently. It’s inspiring to see how, with the right tools, our nurses are taking on new roles as advocates and change-makers, bringing nursing’s voice to the forefront of public discourse."
Dr. Marketa Houskova DNP,MAIA,BA,RN
CEO, ANA\California
"Transforming Dr. Houskova’s vision into these structured programs has been incredibly rewarding. Nurses are now connecting with each other and stepping up to influence policy and public perception like never before. Our work on the Institute is about amplifying nurses' voices and equipping them with practical, impactful skills. It’s a privilege to support these journeys and see the powerful outcomes they create for the nursing profession."
Jared Fesler
Director of Communications & Programs, ANA\California
"Leading the development of the Media Institute has been an incredible experience. Nurses who were once hesitant about media now speak with confidence, clarity, and purpose. The Media Institute isn’t just about giving nurses new skills; it’s about building a community of advocates who understand the importance of representation."
Chelsea Gianna
Communications & Programs Senior Coordinator, ANA\California
"Completing the Advocacy Institute Guide and launching the blog series transformed the trajectory of my nursing journey—providing me with insight and inspiration that fuels my passion for creating positive change in healthcare and the nursing profession. Being part of this has deepened my commitment to advocacy, and I’m excited to continue making an impact alongside this incredible network of nurse leaders."
Dahlia Maldonado BSN, RN
Advocacy Institute Fellow 2024
"Helping create the first draft of the Advocacy Institute Guide was a powerful experience. It’s more than just a resource—it’s a call to action for nurses ready to shape the future. The Institute showed me how much influence we can have when we’re equipped and supported."
Rachael Viale MSN, RN, CCRN
Advocacy Institute Fellow 2023
