203 Being a campaigner 09 " " W Campaigning is communication fuelled by a cause and an emotional compulsion, crafted by a range of attributes and skills, bound by values and time. AlAn BARnARd Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage. RAlPh WAldo eMeRson e began by offering our new definition of campaigning and showing its place within the framework we called Thinking inside the box. The decision to include our philosophy of campaigning along with the attributes of a campaigner was made because we feel that campaigning is more than a clinical, technical pro- cess. Through our communication we share far more than just information and data. Ultimately we share ourself. And through that process of sharing we engage in an interactive feedback loop that influences everyone directly involved and, often, others who are not. We know the costs we can pay for miscommunication. We know, too, the positive and powerful impacts we can have when our communication is based on insight, understanding, care and respect and is then delivered with eloquence and skill. Communication is both a right and a responsibility. Caring about, and being willing to commit to, a cause creates a feeling of purpose, reinforces a sense of identity and belonging, and often brings with it a number of challenges. Whenever we campaign our communications we are not only showing what we believe in, we are also showing at least a part of who we are and of what we are striving for.