We are fortunate to have Nona Bear, a seasoned expert in advocacy and alliance development, leading the way at McUlsky Health Force. With over three decades of experience, Nona has empowered the voices of patient groups, seniors, veterans, and rural communities, and has been instrumental in shaping healthcare policy. Her work in aging, including co-founding the Mature Market Institute, and co-authoring one of the first books on marketing to older adults, has helped bring attention to underrepresented groups in healthcare.
As Nona often says, “You need help. And how you choose your help really determines whether or not you’re going to be successful.” Successful advocacy is all about building the right partnerships—those who bring valuable expertise, perspectives, and experiences to the table.
Networking in healthcare isn’t transactional but instead should be focused on developing long-term relationships based on trust and mutual understanding. As Nona reminds us, “From the time we meet a group we keep in touch with them forever, our relationships don't end when our project ends.” These lasting connections are critical, especially when navigating the shifting landscape of government policies and funding.
But it’s not just about who you know; it’s also about what you learn from your partners. “A side benefit of choosing good partners is that you learn a whole bunch of stuff that you never knew you were going to know,” says Nona. Through collaboration with key stakeholders, we ensure that our messaging is aligned with the real-world challenges and needs of the communities we serve.
“You need to listen before you tell. And certainly, listen before you ask. By understanding the concerns of those we work with, we can better align our efforts and drive the policy changes that matter most."
