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Membership Committee provides support for chapters
SEPTEMBER 1998, VOL 68, NO 3 COMMITTEE REPORT
Membership Cornmiflee provides support for chapters
A
s a new chapter year begins, AORN’s Membership Committee is continuing to promote and maintain chapter growth and development with new and ongoing resources. The committee was restructured this year to provide a coordinator for each state to meet the increased need for communication among state coordinators, local chapters, and Headquarters. This expansion gives chapters personalized support and communication and provides a stronger link to Headquarters. The expanded committee is working to improve the flow of information and to develop several projects that will benefit AORN members, including a speaker’s bureau and a chapter self-assessment tool.
COMMUNICA TlON STRA TEGlES The committee has a page on AORN’s web site, which includes a listing and contact information for all state coordinators. The page can be found in the About AORN section of AORN Online. It also links to other information described in this report that would be of interest to chapters. The committee is planning to publish committee reports detailing projects, activities, and new information in upcoming issues of the AORN Journal. AORN SPEAKER‘S BUREAU One of the first projects accomplished by the committee is development of an AORN speaker’s
bureau. The purpose of a speaker’s bureau is to assist chapters and AORN members in providing education seminars to members and their colleagues through the expertise of the 43,000 AORN members. The initial listing of AORN members who are available to speak at chapter programs and other events was distributed at the 1998 Chapter Leadership Conference in June. The list is continually updated and is available by request from Lorrie Briggs, chapter relations coordinator, at (800) 755-2676 x 8367. AORN members are encouraged to participate in the speaker’s bureau. To join the speaker’s bureau, submit your name, telephone number, address, e-mail address, topics, and any fees that you charge for speaking to the chapter relations coordinator. STRENGTHENING CHAPTERS Other committee responsibilities include helping strengthen chapters at risk and providing guidelines and mechanisms for merging with other chapters in the same geographic area. The committee has been involved in two projects designed to help meet chapter needs.
Chapter Incentive Grant Program. The f i s t project for strengthening chapters is a program to offer ten grants of $1,500 each to chapters that are collaborating to develop new and innovative ways of conducting chapter business. The Chapter Incentive 447 AORN JOURNAL
Grant Progam was introduced in July, and it will continue until all 10 grants are awarded. Chapters that have ideas for collaborating or that want to try different ways of doing business can apply for the grants. Chapters must propose pilot projects that meet one or more of the following program goals: stimulate creativity and foster collaboration among chapters, develop new models for chapter structure, help chapters better serve the needs of their members and the Association into the future, and strengthen chapters at risk. Chapters interested in applying for a grant should submit a proposal that addresses the following oints. Descr&e the project your chapter would like to develop. If funded, identify when the project will begin. Describe how the project meets each of the evaluation criteria listed below. Describe how the success of the project will be measured. Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following criteria : demonstrates collaboration between two or more chapters or MAL networking groups; helps chapters reach out to members who might not otherwise have access to chapter services; proposes a new approach or model for chapter structure: gives struggling chapters the
SEPTEMBER 1998, VOL 68, NO 3
opportunity to redefine organizational status; and keeps members connected at the local level for purposes of education, communication, networking, and delegate representation. Proposals may be submitted at any time from July 1, 1998, through June 30, 1999: however, no more than 10 grants will be awarded. Proposals should be submitted to Center for Member Services, Attn: Chapter Incentive Grants Program, 2 170 S Parker Rd, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80231 571 1. Chapter self-assessment. A mechanism for strengthening chapters at risk is a self-assessment tool that will identify chapters that need state coordinator guidance. The Chapter Membership Award survey will serve a dual purpose as the award application and the tool that state coordinators can use to determine which chapters need consultation or personal visits. In the past, chapter risk was assessed by the chapter relations coordinator based on adherence to the chapter standards published in the Chuptry Resour.ce Manual. Although chapters are still required to follow these st'andads, the self-assessment tool will identify their risk status. Beginning this year, all chapters are required to complete the Chapter Membership Award survey and return it to Headquarters by Oct 1. The surveys then will be mailed to the appropriate state coordinator, who will use the information to determine which chapters need assistance.
Although not all chapters will meet award criteria, the selfassessment process will provide state coordinators with valuable information and allow chapters to communicate with the committee members the types of assistance they need. SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS The Membership Committee responsibilities for the 1998-1999 year are assigned to subcommittees, which are led by members of the Membership Committee advisory group. Membership Committee chair William Duffy, RN, MJ, CNOR, leads the subcommittee on leadership and development. This group has the responsibility to assess, identify, and recommend methods and opportunities for mentoring and leadership training at the local and state levels. This subcommittee will coordinate the 1999 Congress orientation for first-time attendees and the Membership Committee booth schedule. They also will provide input for planning the 1999 Chapter Leadership Conference. The subcommittee on state councils will encourage and provide assistance to states that are considering forming a state or multistate council. Linda Savage, RN, CNOR, who leads this group, is available for consultation for states that need information and assistance to develop councils. Another responsibility of the committee is to reestablish or strengthen the connection between members-at-large (MALs) and AORN and to provide current
448 AORN JOURNAL
information to people in that membership category. If a MAL cannot belong to a chapter, other resources such as the specialty assemblies are available. Wendy Valentine, RN, MSN, CNOR, CRNN, heads this subcommittee. Mary Lynne Weemering, RN, MSN, CNOR, leads the subcommittee charged with the awards for chapter membership and newsletters. This group will develop a process for selection and judging of these awards. Pam Utz, RN, BSN, CNOR, oversees the subcommittee charged with developing communication tools and mechanisms for interacting with state coordinators through newsletters produced electronically or by other means. SHARING IDEAS The committee is exploring other opportunities for communication with perioperative nurses, such as an Internet chat room through which committee meetings, and possibly chapter meetings, c w l d be conducted online. Committee members are excited to meet member needs during this demanding time in health care, and they look forward to suggestions and comments from AORN members. Committee members can be contacted via the committee page on AORN Online or by calling the chapter relations coordinator. WILLIAM DUFFY RN, MJ, CNOR CHAIR,MEMBERSHIP COMMIITEE LORRIE BRIGGS MPA
CHAPTER RELATIONSCOORDINATOR
Membership Cornmiflee provides support for chapters
A
s a new chapter year begins, AORN’s Membership Committee is continuing to promote and maintain chapter growth and development with new and ongoing resources. The committee was restructured this year to provide a coordinator for each state to meet the increased need for communication among state coordinators, local chapters, and Headquarters. This expansion gives chapters personalized support and communication and provides a stronger link to Headquarters. The expanded committee is working to improve the flow of information and to develop several projects that will benefit AORN members, including a speaker’s bureau and a chapter self-assessment tool.
COMMUNICA TlON STRA TEGlES The committee has a page on AORN’s web site, which includes a listing and contact information for all state coordinators. The page can be found in the About AORN section of AORN Online. It also links to other information described in this report that would be of interest to chapters. The committee is planning to publish committee reports detailing projects, activities, and new information in upcoming issues of the AORN Journal. AORN SPEAKER‘S BUREAU One of the first projects accomplished by the committee is development of an AORN speaker’s
bureau. The purpose of a speaker’s bureau is to assist chapters and AORN members in providing education seminars to members and their colleagues through the expertise of the 43,000 AORN members. The initial listing of AORN members who are available to speak at chapter programs and other events was distributed at the 1998 Chapter Leadership Conference in June. The list is continually updated and is available by request from Lorrie Briggs, chapter relations coordinator, at (800) 755-2676 x 8367. AORN members are encouraged to participate in the speaker’s bureau. To join the speaker’s bureau, submit your name, telephone number, address, e-mail address, topics, and any fees that you charge for speaking to the chapter relations coordinator. STRENGTHENING CHAPTERS Other committee responsibilities include helping strengthen chapters at risk and providing guidelines and mechanisms for merging with other chapters in the same geographic area. The committee has been involved in two projects designed to help meet chapter needs.
Chapter Incentive Grant Program. The f i s t project for strengthening chapters is a program to offer ten grants of $1,500 each to chapters that are collaborating to develop new and innovative ways of conducting chapter business. The Chapter Incentive 447 AORN JOURNAL
Grant Progam was introduced in July, and it will continue until all 10 grants are awarded. Chapters that have ideas for collaborating or that want to try different ways of doing business can apply for the grants. Chapters must propose pilot projects that meet one or more of the following program goals: stimulate creativity and foster collaboration among chapters, develop new models for chapter structure, help chapters better serve the needs of their members and the Association into the future, and strengthen chapters at risk. Chapters interested in applying for a grant should submit a proposal that addresses the following oints. Descr&e the project your chapter would like to develop. If funded, identify when the project will begin. Describe how the project meets each of the evaluation criteria listed below. Describe how the success of the project will be measured. Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following criteria : demonstrates collaboration between two or more chapters or MAL networking groups; helps chapters reach out to members who might not otherwise have access to chapter services; proposes a new approach or model for chapter structure: gives struggling chapters the
SEPTEMBER 1998, VOL 68, NO 3
opportunity to redefine organizational status; and keeps members connected at the local level for purposes of education, communication, networking, and delegate representation. Proposals may be submitted at any time from July 1, 1998, through June 30, 1999: however, no more than 10 grants will be awarded. Proposals should be submitted to Center for Member Services, Attn: Chapter Incentive Grants Program, 2 170 S Parker Rd, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80231 571 1. Chapter self-assessment. A mechanism for strengthening chapters at risk is a self-assessment tool that will identify chapters that need state coordinator guidance. The Chapter Membership Award survey will serve a dual purpose as the award application and the tool that state coordinators can use to determine which chapters need consultation or personal visits. In the past, chapter risk was assessed by the chapter relations coordinator based on adherence to the chapter standards published in the Chuptry Resour.ce Manual. Although chapters are still required to follow these st'andads, the self-assessment tool will identify their risk status. Beginning this year, all chapters are required to complete the Chapter Membership Award survey and return it to Headquarters by Oct 1. The surveys then will be mailed to the appropriate state coordinator, who will use the information to determine which chapters need assistance.
Although not all chapters will meet award criteria, the selfassessment process will provide state coordinators with valuable information and allow chapters to communicate with the committee members the types of assistance they need. SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS The Membership Committee responsibilities for the 1998-1999 year are assigned to subcommittees, which are led by members of the Membership Committee advisory group. Membership Committee chair William Duffy, RN, MJ, CNOR, leads the subcommittee on leadership and development. This group has the responsibility to assess, identify, and recommend methods and opportunities for mentoring and leadership training at the local and state levels. This subcommittee will coordinate the 1999 Congress orientation for first-time attendees and the Membership Committee booth schedule. They also will provide input for planning the 1999 Chapter Leadership Conference. The subcommittee on state councils will encourage and provide assistance to states that are considering forming a state or multistate council. Linda Savage, RN, CNOR, who leads this group, is available for consultation for states that need information and assistance to develop councils. Another responsibility of the committee is to reestablish or strengthen the connection between members-at-large (MALs) and AORN and to provide current
448 AORN JOURNAL
information to people in that membership category. If a MAL cannot belong to a chapter, other resources such as the specialty assemblies are available. Wendy Valentine, RN, MSN, CNOR, CRNN, heads this subcommittee. Mary Lynne Weemering, RN, MSN, CNOR, leads the subcommittee charged with the awards for chapter membership and newsletters. This group will develop a process for selection and judging of these awards. Pam Utz, RN, BSN, CNOR, oversees the subcommittee charged with developing communication tools and mechanisms for interacting with state coordinators through newsletters produced electronically or by other means. SHARING IDEAS The committee is exploring other opportunities for communication with perioperative nurses, such as an Internet chat room through which committee meetings, and possibly chapter meetings, c w l d be conducted online. Committee members are excited to meet member needs during this demanding time in health care, and they look forward to suggestions and comments from AORN members. Committee members can be contacted via the committee page on AORN Online or by calling the chapter relations coordinator. WILLIAM DUFFY RN, MJ, CNOR CHAIR,MEMBERSHIP COMMIITEE LORRIE BRIGGS MPA
CHAPTER RELATIONSCOORDINATOR