This article was downloaded by: [Tufts University]On: 18 November 2014, At: 12:52Publisher: RoutledgeInforma Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T3JH, UK

Medicine and WarPublication details, including instructions forauthors and subscription information:http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/fmcs19

Some thoughts on influencingDanuta O'neill SRN SCM aa Tyneside MEDACT , 66 Manor House Road,Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2LXPublished online: 22 Oct 2007.

To cite this article: Danuta O'neill SRN SCM (1992) Some thoughts on influencing,Medicine and War, 8:4, 302-303, DOI: 10.1080/07488009208409064

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07488009208409064

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE

Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of allthe information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on ourplatform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensorsmake no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy,completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinionsand views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views ofthe authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis.The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should beindependently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor andFrancis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings,demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoeveror howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, inrelation to or arising out of the use of the Content.

This article may be used for research, teaching, and private studypurposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution,reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form

to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use canbe found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Tuf

ts U

nive

rsity

] at

12:

52 1

8 N

ovem

ber

2014

PERSONAL VIEW

Some Thoughts on InfluencingDANUTA O'NEILL SRNSCM

Tyneside MEDACT

At the recent MEDACT launch, in the delightful environs of Regents College,it was suggested that I write for Medicine and War on the topic of campaign-ing. I would like to broaden this to the entire question of influencing, of whichcampaigning is of course one facet. I would like to view the issue from twolevels: firstly, the macroscopic and, secondly, the microscopic level with thehope that in some way these thoughts might act as a catalyst for action.

The challenges facing the organization are many and it is indeed an excitingprospect both to develop and to build upon the existing strengths of theMedical Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons and the Medical Associationfor Prevention of Wars. Undoubtedly we have come far, but much remains tobe done, both in terms of establishing a new formal identity, asserting ourraison d'etre, and acquiring an overall sense of direction, utilizing both newand existing priorities.

The words challenging, proactive and consciousness-raising were all usedin connection with the role of MEDACT. Let us first consider what might beviewed as a possible priority for this role. Regrettably, there now seems to bea consensus viewpoint in British politics of acceptance and institutionaliza-tion of our so-called nuclear deterrent, and this must surely continue to be achallenge for the new organization. To quote Professor Joseph Rotblat at theMEDACT launch, 'since the ending of the cold war not a single nuclearweapon has been eliminated — nothing has changed and there remains muchto be done'.

When considering ways of influencing and areas to focus on 'the what andhow equation', undoubtedly the 'how' element is the most problematic. Howto be really effective in both the long and the short term? I believe that withthe existing skills of both former organizations we can effectively have thebest of both worlds and adopt a multi-faceted approach. By this I mean thatwe need to build upon our existing influence in the medical and scientificcommunities, both by continuing with our academic papers and our recentadvancements in medical education, combined with campaigning action. It isspecifically to the issue of campaigning that I would now like to turn.

In order to prove that campaigning really works, I would like us to considerthe following examples. Firstly, in connection with the atmospheric testing in

MEDICINE AND WAR, VOL. 8,302-303 (1992)

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Tuf

ts U

nive

rsity

] at

12:

52 1

8 N

ovem

ber

2014

INFLUENCING 303

the 1950s, I have in my possession recently declassified 'Top Secret' files thatclearly show the effectiveness of mounting public pressure and effective grass-roots campaigning on the government of the day. Beyond doubt it was thisthat ultimately halted atmospheric testing. For those of you involved at thattime in campaigning action, and I am sure there will be many reading thisarticle today, we as a nation owe you an overwhelming debt of gratitude and Ifeel you need to know this.

More recently we on Tyneside had the enormously effective Druridge BayCampaign which received national coverage. This was a classic example ofgood and effective grass-roots campaigning which ultimately prevented thebuilding of a nuclear plant on a beautiful stretch of the Northumbriancoastline. There are of course many other fine examples of effective cam-paigning, but I have used these because they prove my point categorically.What I do feel is worth stressing at this point is that campaigning should neverexist in splendid isolation but should be one facet of an overall strategydesigned to influence on a variety of levels.

MEDACT needs to build on the high profile stance that MCANW enjoyedwith its open meetings aimed at both the general public and the relatedprofessions. It also needs to identify its agenda and to continually press thishome to Government and Members of Parliament. In order to keep ahead ofthe constantly shifting political landscape, I would strongly advocate thecreation of a Parliamentary officer for MEDACT and that, furthermore, thisperson should then liaise with branches and keep them informed and updated- all crucial if we are to be effective campaigners. I need remind no one thatwars are created by politicians, fought by others, and suffered by the innocentmillions and that we ignore influencing politicians at our peril.

Finally, I would like to turn to what I call the microscopic level; theessential hidden ingredient which I believe makes the whole thing possible.Somewhere at the heart of our effectiveness must lie communication, affirma-tion and support for each other, and to this effect I believe that some sort offorum should be created for meeting and exchange of ideas outside theexisting framework. I would welcome discussion on this vital subject ofenabling the development of creative thinking and releasing the imagination.

I trust that this has provided food for thought and will be the start of anongoing process of self-development.

(Accepted 15 May 1992)

Correspondence: 66 Manor House Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2LX.

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Tuf

ts U

nive

rsity

] at

12:

52 1

8 N

ovem

ber

2014