Announcement
2012 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.
2012 Elections Nomination Form (.pdf; Adobe Acrobat Reader required) - NYSNA Nomination and Election Manual (.pdf)
Basic information about the duties of officers, directors at large, and members of the Nominating Committee may be found in the NYSNA bylaws, available in the Members Only area. 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 open for election in 2012:
- 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 2012, the Board of Directors meets in January, March, June, September, 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 once annually.
- Election Committee
The Election Committee’s role and responsibilities are described in NYSNA Board of Directors Policy 3.8 Election Protest Procedure, adopted by the board of directors in June 2008. All board policies are posted in the NYSNA Members Only area. Three members of the Election Committee are elected to a three-year term, and two members are appointed.
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 November/December 2011 issue of New York Nurse.