Announcement
2008 Association-wide Elections
What You Need To Know About NYSNA Elective Offices
The 2006 NYSNA Voting Body adopted a motion requesting “that the NYSNA board of directors… address the need for diverse geographic representation on the board of directors.”
The Strategic Planning Committee reminds members who are considering making a commitment to service by becoming a candidate for elected office that diversity enriches the organization – every kind of diversity: ethnic, racial, and geographic; diversity in clinical and functional practice.
Association members who initiated and supported the Voting Body motion calling for geographic diversity point out that nursing practice needs in rural areas and in metropolitan areas can differ significantly. A geographically diverse board of directors can help NYSNA to support the practice of all registered professional nurses and to promote the health of all residents. The Strategic Planning Committee encourages NYSNA members from every region to run for association leadership positions. You have valuable experience and expertise to offer the association and your colleagues. Running for office is a benefit of membership, and an ideal way to become active in your professional association.
2008 NYSNA Elections Self-declaration Nomination Form (.pdf format; Adobe Acrobat Reader required)
Basic information about the duties of officers, directors at large, and members of the Nominating Committee may be found in the NYSNA bylaws. The following information, most of which is not in the bylaws, is provided here for members’ reference as they consider becoming candidates.
- Board of Directors
The Board of Directors consists of five officers (the Executive Committee) and eight directors at large. The president-elect, treasurer, and four directors at large are elected in odd-numbered years. The vice president, secretary, and four directors at large are elected in the even-numbered years. Offices up for election in 2008:
- The Vice President assumes the responsibilities of the president-elect in the president-elect's absence, attends all meetings of the Board and Executive Committee, and a limited number of other meetings and activities.
- The Secretary is responsible for the minutes of Board meetings, Executive Committee meetings, and certain other records; attends all meetings of the Board and Executive Committee, and a limited number of other meetings and activities.
- Directors at Large (4 elected) perform duties specified in the bylaws and attend all board meetings.
In 2008, the board of directors meets in January, March, June, August, twice during the Annual Business Meeting, and November. Additional special meetings may be scheduled. Board members also serve on several board committees. Attendance policy stipulates that absence from two consecutive board meetings shall be deemed sufficient cause for requesting resignation.
- Nominating Committee
Nominating Committee members’ terms of office are one year in duration. Members cannot succeed themselves. The Nominating Committee usually meets twice annually.
NYSNA reimburses travel and living expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors and all other structural units, in accordance with established policy. Nomination forms are available using the above link, and also in NYSNA's Members Only area; forms are included in the December, 2007 and January, 2008 issues of New York Nurse. A brochure titled “NYSNA Nominations Manual” is available by request. Call today: 800.724.NYRN, ext. 205.