SEPTEMBER 1998, VOL 68, NO 3

C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T

A

Membership Cornmiflee provides support for chapters

s a new chapter year begins, AORN’s Membership Com- mittee is continuing to pro-

mote and maintain chapter growth and development with new and ongoing resources. The commit- tee 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 sup- port and communication and pro- vides a stronger link to Headquar- ters. The expanded committee is working to improve the flow of information and to develop sever- al projects that will benefit AORN members, including a speaker’s bureau and a chapter self-assessment tool.

COMMUNICA TlON STRA TEGlES

AORN’s web site, which includes a listing and contact information for all state coordi- nators. 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 inter- est to chapters. The committee is planning to publish committee reports detailing projects, activi- ties, and new information in upcoming issues of the AORN Journal.

The committee has a page on

AORN SPEAKER‘S BUREAU One of the first projects accom-

plished by the committee is devel- opment of an AORN speaker’s

bureau. The purpose of a speak- er’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 avail- able by request from Lorrie Brig- gs, 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, tele- phone number, address, e-mail address, topics, and any fees that you charge for speaking to the chapter relations coordinator.

STRENGTHENING CHAPTERS

ties include helping strengthen chapters at risk and providing guidelines and mechanisms for merging with other chapters in the same geographic area. The com- mittee has been involved in two projects designed to help meet chapter needs.

gram. The f i s t project for strengthening chapters is a pro- gram to offer ten grants of $1,500 each to chapters that are collabo- rating to develop new and innova- tive ways of conducting chapter business. The Chapter Incentive

Other committee responsibili-

Chapter Incentive Grant Pro-

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 chap- ter 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 pro- posal that addresses the following

oints. Descr&e the project your chap- ter 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 other- wise have access to chapter services; proposes a new approach or model for chapter structure: gives struggling chapters the

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SEPTEMBER 1998, VOL 68, NO 3

opportunity to redefine organi- zational status; and keeps members connected at the local level for purposes of education, communication, net- working, and delegate repre- sentation. 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 sub- mitted to Center for Member Ser- vices, Attn: Chapter Incentive Grants Program, 2 170 S Parker Rd, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80231 - 571 1.

mechanism for strengthening chapters at risk is a self-assess- ment tool that will identify chap- ters that need state coordinator guidance. The Chapter Member- ship Award survey will serve a dual purpose as the award applica- tion and the tool that state coordi- nators can use to determine which chapters need consultation or per- sonal 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 iden- tify their risk status.

Beginning this year, all chap- ters are required to complete the Chapter Membership Award sur- vey 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.

Chapter self-assessment. A

Although not all chapters will meet award criteria, the self- assessment 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 subcommit- tees, which are led by members of the Membership Committee advi- sory group.

Membership Committee chair William Duffy, RN, MJ, CNOR, leads the subcommittee on leader- ship 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 subcommit- tee will coordinate the 1999 Con- gress orientation for first-time attendees and the Membership Committee booth schedule. They also will provide input for plan- ning the 1999 Chapter Leadership Conference.

The subcommittee on state councils will encourage and pro- vide assistance to states that are considering forming a state or multistate council. Linda Savage, RN, CNOR, who leads this group, is available for consulta- tion for states that need informa- tion 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

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 subcom- mittee 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 commu- nication 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 communi- cation with perioperative nurses, such as an Internet chat room through which committee meet- ings, and possibly chapter meet- ings, cwld 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 B R I G G S MPA

CHAPTER RELATIONS COORDINATOR

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