WASHINGTON, DC, USA | 16-20 November 2019 DELEGATE INFORMATION GUIDE Please bring this guide with you to the 45 TH Biennial Convention. Welcome
Thank you for representing your chapter of Sigma at the 45th Biennial Convention, where you’ll gather with colleagues from around the world to conduct the business of the society. It is vital that every chapter is represented and has a voice, so your time and dedication are truly appreciated!
This guide is designed to help you prepare for and fulfill your delegate duties during the House of Delegates sessions on 19-20 November. Within this guide you’ll find an explanation of your role as delegate, a schedule of events, the complete ballot for the international elections, and an outline of proposed bylaws changes.
Prior to the convention, please familiarize yourself with the issues to be addressed and communicate with your chapter membership to determine how the chapter would like you to cast its votes. Should you need further clarification about any of the proposed bylaws changes or have questions related to the election, please post your question to the Convention Delegate Community for a prompt response. The community and additional information can be found online on The Circle by visiting https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups and then clicking on “Convention Delegates”.
Please remember to bring this guide with you, as it will be referenced during the House of Delegates. We look forward to seeing you in Washington, DC, USA!
HOUSE OF DELEGATES DATES AND TIMES
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Session I and Delegate Briefing Tuesday, 19 November (1030-1530) 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Session II Wednesday, 20 November (0830-1500)
Located in Prince George’s Exhibit Hall AB
2 Welcome TABLE OF CONTENTS Important Delegate Information...... 4
Standing Rules of the House of Delegates...... 9
Ballot Information...... 10
Candidates...... 11
Voting Instructions...... 19
House of Delegates Agenda...... 20
2019 Proposed Resolutions...... 26
2017-2019 (Current) International Bylaws...... 29
Additional Information for Delegates...... 35
Notes...... 36
Proposed Bylaws Amendments...... Insert
3 IMPORTANT DELEGATE INFORMATION
The House of Delegates is the body of Sigma that holds legislative and judicial powers. According to Article V. of the 2017-2019 Bylaws, chapters must send delegates to represent their voice and act on their behalf in the House of Delegates for items of business before the organization. Each chapter has two votes which can either be cast by two delegates or one delegate whose vote will count twice. A delegate is certified, obligated, and responsible to vote; carry out particular instructions of the chapter; complete assigned delegate duties; and report to the chapter on actions during the House of Delegates.
During the House of Delegates, the following business will take place: • Adoption of standing rules and order of business • Action on bylaws amendments • Election • Presentation and adoption of resolutions • Reporting session and state-of-the-society address • Departure and recognition ceremony • Presentation of newly chartered chapters and • Installation and transition ceremony charter amendments • Presidential call to action • Declaration of the election DUTIES OF DELEGATES
• Register for biennial convention and make plans to attend both sessions of the House of Delegates. • Familiarize yourself with the contents of this guide, particularly the proposed bylaws amendments. • Participate in the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle, where you can find and review the complete candidate information by visiting https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups.
BEFORE • Communicate with your chapter members to discuss issues to be considered at convention and determine how the chapter would like their vote to be cast. • View the online Delegate Education Video before the event. • Attend House of Delegates Session I and Delegate Briefing on Tuesday, 19 November, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Delegates will receive voting instructions and can ask questions about proposed bylaws amendments. This will be the only time delegates can make nominations for candidates from the floor and cast the chapter’s votes for elected candidates. A quorum of chapters must be present to conduct business of Sigma. • Attend House of Delegates Session II on Wednesday, 20 November, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (or until business has DURING concluded). This will be the only opportunity for chapter delegates to cast votes on the proposed bylaws amendments and resolutions. • Vote on all motions that come before the House of Delegates.
• Prepare a complete report for the chapter that includes work conducted during the business meetings, results of the election, workshops attended, the content of special presentations, and social events.
AFTER • Complete the event survey and share feedback about your experience as a delegate.
NOTE: If an authorized delegate cannot attend the convention and the House of Delegates, it is the delegate’s responsibility to: 1) notify his/her chapter and Sigma; and 2) transfer all materials concerning convention and the House of Delegates to an alternate.
4
PARTICIPATE IN THE ONLINE COMMUNITY
Located on The Circle, Sigma’s online member community, delegates can find and access the Convention Delegate Community. Use this community to ask questions about convention and your role, the ballot, and proposed bylaws changes. Log in to familiarize yourself with this important hub where you can read candidate statements, talk to other delegates, learn more about the schedule of events, and more.
• Visit https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups • Scroll to find the community called “Convention Delegates”
CERTIFICATION OF DELEGATES
Delegate designation: To be identified as a chapter delegate, the person’s name is required to appear on the Officer and Committee Chair Report located in the Chapter Management System (Management.SigmaNursing.org). Each chapter must submit this information prior to convention. In order to be added to the report, delegates must be active, dues-paying members of the chapter(s) they represent. Also, delegates must be registered event attendees. Chapters can add two (2) delegates to the report. If only one person from the chapter is serving as delegate, please indicate that by entering the individual as Convention Delegate 1 and Convention Delegate 2 on the report. Substitutes or alternates: Members attending convention as a substitute for previously named delegates or as delegates not previously submitted must be individually certified at the Delegate Information Desk. Delegate education: All members of the House of Delegates are asked to view the online Delegate Education Video prior to House of Delegates Session I on Tuesday, 19 November, beginning at 10:30 a.m. To access the Delegate Education Video, please visit the Convention Delegate Community located on The Circle. Delegate check-in: Delegate credentialing is automatically complete when you check in to register for the event. Should questions arise, please visit the Delegate Information Desk for assistance. Delegate Information Desk: Sigma staff will be available to answer questions about the House of Delegates at these specified times.
DELEGATE INFORMATION DESK HOURS FRIDAY, 15 November: 6:00-8:00 p.m. (1800-2000) SATURDAY, 16 November: 7:00-10:00 a.m. (0700-1000) 2:00-6:00 p.m. (1400-1800) SUNDAY, 17 November: 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.(0800-1530) MONDAY, 18 November: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (0800-1700)
Located in Potomac Ballroom Foyer.
5 ELECTIONS (FROM ARTICLE V. AND ARTICLE IX. OF 2017-2019 BYLAWS)
1. Voting is by members of the House of Delegates. Membership in the House of Delegates shall be composed of two (2) delegates from each chapter, the members of the Board of Directors, chairs of standing committees, the regional chapter coordinators, and the past presidents of the society. 2. Each member of the House of Delegates has the right to cast one vote. If any chapter has only one delegate attending, that delegate shall have two votes. 3. Elected positions shall be the officer and non-officer members of the Board of Directors, the chair of the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee, the regional coordinators of the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee, and members of the Leadership Succession Committee and Governance Committee. 4. A majority vote shall elect officers. 5. A plurality vote shall elect the non-officer members of the Board of Directors and elected committee members. 6. In the event of a tie, the election shall be determined by lot.
VOTING INFORMATION • All voting for the election will occur at the time designated on the convention schedule. Voting at other times will not be permitted. • Delegates who are not present during voting times may not vote. There is no voting by proxy. • Each delegate will vote electronically using the provided device. • Only certified delegates may vote. • Instructions for the voting process will be reviewed during the House of Delegates sessions.
DOWNLOAD THE EVENT APP! During the event, any important information for delegates and attendees will be communicated through the event app. Be sure to download the free app to ensure any and all updates get to you!
TO GET THE APP: Search for Sigma Theta Tau International in the App Store or Google 6 Play, download, and install. Open the app, search for Convention 2019, and tap Download. HOUSE OF DELEGATES PARTICIPANTS
• Chair – The president of the Sigma Board of Directors is the chair of the convention House of Delegates. • Tellers – Volunteers in charge of the election of Sigma officials. These individuals assist delegates during voting and confirm official voting results. • Voter expeditor – Sigma staff person available for delegate changes after the House of Delegates comes into session; assists with questions about the electronic voting mechanism. • Microphone monitors – Sigma staff in charge of assisting delegates who wish to speak during the House of Delegates. • Runner – Sigma staff who will take motions and other items to the parliamentarian after they have been presented by a delegate to the House of Delegates. • Head timer – Individual who tracks the time that a motion has been discussed and ensures that the chair is aware when the 15-minute discussion time is ending.
ROLE OF THE PARLIAMENTARIAN
A parliamentarian is an expert in Robert’s Rules of Order and the proper procedures for the conduct of meetings of deliberative assemblies. Parliamentarians assist organizations in drafting and interpreting bylaws and rules of order and planning and conducting meetings.
Chapter delegates have opportunities to speak with the parliamentarian, Colette Collier Trohan, MS, PRP, CPP-T, CAE, before each House of Delegates session. This is particularly helpful for groups that have questions about motions or making nominations from the floor.
PARLIAMENTARIAN OFFICE HOURS MONDAY, 18 November Level 3, National Harbor 15 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (1100-1300) 4:00-5:30 p.m. (1600-1730) TUESDAY, 19 November Level 3, National Harbor 15 Available for 90 minutes starting 30 minutes after the close of the house of delegates
7 PREPARING TO SPEAK
• Delegates wishing to make a nomination or motion • You must wait to be recognized by the presiding are encouraged to speak with the parliamentarian officer before speaking. prior to the House of Delegates session to ensure • To speak about a motion, come to one of the motions are appropriate and required paperwork is microphones and take the appropriate card: ready for submission. • Red card = Delegate would like to speak against • If you are nominating a candidate, you must have a motion/issue. a completed, legible Candidate Consent Form. These can be obtained from the parliamentarian prior to the • Green card = Delegate would like to speak for meetings and can also be found at each microphone a motion/issue. monitor’s station. • White card = Interrupting motions have the right • If you are making a motion, you must have a legible to use the white card. Interruption motions are: Motion Form completed before the motion is stated. Appeal the decision of the chair, call for orders of These forms are available from the parliamentarian the day, move for a counted vote, parliamentary prior to the meetings and can also be found at each inquiry, point of order (meaning that the rules microphone monitor’s station. Please print and sign have been broken), or to raise a question of your name on the Motion Form. privilege.
• Discussion of any motion is limited to 15 minutes. The • Delegates are recognized in alternating order: for, discussion may be extended by a vote called by the against, for, against. chair and completed by the House of Delegates. • When you speak, please be sure to state your name • Each delegate may speak only twice about an issue and chapter name. and may speak only for two (2) minutes each time.
If your travel plans are on Wednesday, you should plan to check out of your room before the beginning of the House of Delegates session. Once the session starts, you should not leave until it is recessed. Depending on how quickly business is conducted, the sessions may conclude prior to the scheduled end time.
Hotel staff will be available to store your luggage in a secured area. More information about luggage drop-off will be posted in the Convention Delegate Community.
8 STANDING RULES OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES
RULE 1. The voting body shall be composed of certified RULE 7. All motions shall be submitted in writing at the delegates to the convention. All participants shall be time they are made. registered before being admitted to the convention and RULE 8. Only certified delegates may make motions; House of Delegates. voting may occur only during the hours designated. RULE 2. Delegates shall be seated in the section reserved RULE 9. When addressing the chairperson, the speaker for voting members during the business meeting. shall rise, address, be recognized, and state his or her RULE 3. All certified delegates are expected to attend all name and chapter(s). sessions of the House of Delegates. A person whose RULE 10. The Board of Directors shall approve the religious obligations prevent his or her participation on minutes of the House of Delegates. the day of the House of Delegates may designate in writing another delegate to exercise his or her vote on his RULE 11. A summary of actions shall be provided to all or her behalf. chapters.
RULE 4. Each verbal report given during the reporting RULE 12. Campaign and voting violations shall be session shall be followed by a question-and-answer initially investigated by the president or his or her session of up to five (5) minutes. designee(s). If more than admonishment is required, the matter will be brought before the House of Delegates for RULE 5. Debate shall be limited to fifteen (15) minutes for a discussion. each main motion and two (2) minutes for each speaker. No member of the House of Delegates may speak more RULE 13. The individual vote totals for elections shall than twice to the same question except by a two-thirds remain confidential. vote. RULE 14. Delegates who are unable to rise when
a standing vote is called may vote while remaining If there are delegates wishing to speak when the time seated by raising their hand. expires for consideration of the main motion, the chair will take an automatic vote to extend debate five (5) RULE 15. All electronic devices shall be silenced or turned minutes. Additional time extensions shall be in five off during the House of Delegates. (5)-minute increments, and all time extensions shall RULE 16. Electronic voting may be used at the discretion require a two-thirds vote. of the chairperson.
RULE 17. These rules may be suspended by a majority RULE 6. When no delegate is seeking the floor, the House vote, but if suspended, the rules in the parliamentary of Delegates may grant a non-delegate permission to authority shall apply, if applicable. speak.
9 BALLOT INFORMATION
Electing the leadership of Sigma is one of the most important responsibilities of chapter delegates. A ballot of distinguished candidates has been prepared by the Leadership Succession Committee, employing a rigorous review and interview process. The goal of the presentation of candidates is to enable you, the convention delegates, to vote on the basis of candidates’ leadership qualities, their demonstrated understanding of Sigma’s mission and goals, and their organizational involvement.
ELECTED OFFICES, ELIGIBILITY, AND TERMS OF OFFICE
• Elected positions shall be the officers and non- running next for the president-elect position. The officer directors of the Sigma Board of Directors, Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair, will serve a two-year term and may not serve more Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee than two consecutive terms on the board in this members, Leadership Succession Committee position. members, and Governance Committee members. • Committees: A committee member may not serve • Active members are eligible for positions on the longer than six consecutive years. ballot. Members shall hold no more than one • Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee: elected office at a time. The term of office shall be two years. • Current Leadership Succession Committee • Governance Committee: Two members of the members and Sigma employees are excluded from Governance Committee shall be elected each the current ballot. biennium for a four-year (4-year) term, and • All elected persons shall begin their terms of office three (3) members of the Governance at the close of the meeting at which they are Committee shall be elected each biennium for elected. a two-year (2-year) term. The two members elected in the previous biennia for a four-year • Officer directors: The president-elect will be (4-year) term shall continue their service on elected for a term of two years and then succeed to the committee. a two-year term as president. The vice president will be elected for a term of two years. The • Leadership Succession Committee: Three treasurer and the secretary are each elected for members of the Leadership Succession a term of four years. A maximum of four years may Committee shall be elected for a 4-year term, be served unless running next for president-elect. and four (4) members of the Leadership Succession Committee shall be elected for • Non-officer directors: Non-officer directors will be a two-year (2-year) term. The three members elected in alternating biennia: three in one elected in the previous biennia for a four-year biennium and two in the next biennium. The term (4-year) term shall continue their service on of a non-officer director is four years. Non-officer the committee. directors may serve a maximum of four consecutive years (one term) on the board unless
10 CANDIDATES
PRESIDENT-ELECT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER
Kenneth Dion Karen Gorton Jose Alejandro
Thóra Hafsteinsdóttir Anna McDaniel Scott Emory Moore
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (elect 3)
Janice Agazio Irmajean Bajnok Cynthia Diefenbeck
Debra Anderson Rachel Choudhury Sara Horton-Deutsch
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE 2-year term (elect 3)
Myrna Doumit Debra Kramlich Amanda Veesart
Trina Embrey Keondra Rustan Elizabeth Weathers
4-year term (elect 2)
Debbie Anglade Steven Palazzo
Rita Munley Gallagher Jenny Sauls
To view candidate statements, visit the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle at https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups. 11 CANDIDATES (CONTINUED)
LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE 2-year term (elect 4)
Pauline Anderson-Johnson Teresa Hultquist
Tina Antill Keener Laly Joseph
Diana-Lyn Baptiste Beverly Reigle
Sheila Burke Tara Whitmire
4-year term (elect 3)
Li-Chi Chiang Peggy Jenkins
Karen Grigsby Sara Kaylor
Monina Hernandez Elizabeth Rosser
REGIONAL CHAPTERS COORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR
Ellen Buckner Carole Liske
To view candidate statements, visit the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle at https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups. 12 CANDIDATES (CONTINUED)
SIGMA GLOBAL REGIONAL COORDINATORS (elect only the representative for your region) AFRICA
Fhumulani Mavis Mulaudzi Stanley Rungua
ASIA
Sally Chan Janet Wong
EUROPE
Marie-Louise Luiking
LATIN AMERICA/CARIBBEAN
Roxana De las salas Luz Patricia Díaz Heredia
MIDDLE EAST
Yasmin Nadeem Parpio
OCEANIA
Elizabeth Halcomb Eleanor Horton
To view candidate statements, visit the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle To view candidate statements, visit the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle at https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups. at https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups. 13 CANDIDATES (CONTINUED)
SIGMA GLOBAL REGIONAL COORDINATORS (elect only the representative for your region) NORTH AMERICA REGION 1
Wanda Borges Sujatha Shanmugasundaram
NORTH AMERICA REGION 2
Pamela Fuller Susan Opas
NORTH AMERICA REGION 3
Karen Maxwell Dylan Severson
NORTH AMERICA REGION 4
Stephanie Bruce
NORTH AMERICA REGION 5
Lynda Bartlett Susan McReynolds
NORTH AMERICA REGION 6
Stacey Knight Kimberly Lewis
NORTH AMERICA REGION 7
Shena Gazaway
NORTH AMERICA REGION 8
Pamela Johnson D’Ann Somerall
To view candidate statements, visit the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle 14 at https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups. CANDIDATES (CONTINUED)
SIGMA GLOBAL REGIONAL COORDINATORS (elect only the representative for your region) NORTH AMERICA REGION 9
Kady Martini Angela Opsahl
NORTH AMERICA REGION 10
Shannon Brunt Donald Rose
NORTH AMERICA REGION 11
Janice Jones Rebecca Norman-Eck
NORTH AMERICA REGION 12
Joanne August Jennifer Graber
NORTH AMERICA REGION 13
Tamatha Arms Deanna Mulvihill
NORTH AMERICA REGION 14
Amita Avadhani Selena Gilles
NORTH AMERICA REGION 15
Patricia Bartzak
To view candidate statements, visit the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle at https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups.
To view candidate statements, visit the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle 15 at https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups. MEET THE CANDIDATES
OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW CANDIDATES BEFORE CONVENTION
To post questions regarding the ballot for election and to learn more about the candidates, please sign in to the Convention Delegate Community on The Circle by visiting https://TheCircle.SigmaNursing.org/MyGroups.
OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET AT CONVENTION Candidate Displays Each candidate has an opportunity to display information in Prince George’s Exhibit Hall C.
VIEWING TIMES SUNDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (0800-1700) MONDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 9:15 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (0915-1700) TUESDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 8:00-9:45 a.m. (0800-0945)
Candidate Presentations Delegates are invited to meet the candidates at their displays in Prince George’s Exhibit Hall C.
VIEWING TIMES SATURDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 5:45-7:00 p.m. (1745-1900) SUNDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 9:30-10:30 a.m. (0930-1030)
The purpose of the candidate displays and presentations is: • To share the candidates’ qualifications for the positions, their concept of the office or committee, and their potential contributions to Sigma • To promote informed decision making by convention delegates • To increase communication among potential officers/committee members, chapters, and convention delegates
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE CANDIDATES
SATURDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 3:15-4:00 p.m. (1515-1600) Treasurer/Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair SUNDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 10:45-11:30 a.m. (1045-1130) Director-at-Large 1:45-3:00 p.m. (1345-1500) President-elect/Vice President 3:15-4:00 p.m. (1515-1600) Treasurer/Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair MONDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 9:00-9:45 a.m. (0900-0945) Director-at-Large 1:15-2:30 p.m. (1315-1430) President-elect/Vice President
All sessions will take place in National Harbor 4 on level 3. 16 REGIONAL MEETINGS Regional Coordinator candidates will be introduced at the regional meetings on Sunday, 17 November, from 4:15-5:30 p.m. (1615-1730). Delegates should plan to attend their region’s meeting.
RESTRICTIONS FOR CANDIDATES’ CAMPAIGNING • Hosted receptions on behalf of individual candidates • Sigma staff and members of the Board of Directors are are prohibited. prohibited from assisting or supporting any individual • Candidates and persons promoting the interest of candidate. candidates can distribute candidate information only • Candidates are prohibited from engaging in any at Meet the Candidate times in Prince George’s Exhibit pre-convention campaigning. Hall C.
VOTING PROCEDURE, SCHEDULE, AND RESULTS Tuesday, 19 November — House Session I • Voting instructions will be given to the delegates. The Leadership Succession Committee Chair will present the slate of candidates. Nominations from the floor may be made at this time. Prior consent is required for floor nominations. • Only certified convention delegates will vote. All delegates vote for the Board of Directors, Governance Committee, Leadership Succession Committee, and Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair. Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee members are elected by delegates from chapters in their respective regions. Wednesday, 20 November — House Session II • The results of the election will be presented. • New officers will be installed.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Sigma headquarters staff and Leadership Succession Committee members are available to answer questions regarding the election and campaigning.
Staff Contact: Leadership Succession Bobbi Arnold ([email protected]) Committee Chair: Phone: +1.317.634.8171 (International) Gwen Sherwood, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF or 888.634.7575 (US/Canada toll-free) [email protected]
All sessions will take place in National Harbor 4 on level 3. 17 2019 SIGMA BALLOT
PRESIDENT-ELECT GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE • Kenneth Dion 2-year term (elect 3) • Thóra Hafsteinsdóttir • Myrna Doumit • Keondra Rustan • Trina Embrey • Amanda Veesart VICE PRESIDENT • Debra Kramlich • Elizabeth Weathers • Karen Gorton 4-year term (elect 2) • Anna McDaniel • Debbie Anglade • Steven Palazzo TREASURER • Rita Munley Gallagher • Jenny Sauls • Jose Alejandro LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE • Scott Emory Moore 2-year term (elect 4) DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE • Pauline Anderson-Johnson • Teresa Hultquist (elect 3) • Tina Antill Keener • Laly Joseph • Janice Agazio • Diana-Lyn Baptiste • Beverly Reigle • Debra Anderson • Sheila Burke • Tara Whitmire • Irmajean Bajnok 4-year term (elect 3) • Rachel Choudhury • Li-Chi Chiang • Peggy Jenkins • Cynthia Diefenbeck • Karen Grigsby • Sara Kaylor • Sara Horton-Deutsch • Monina Hernandez • Elizabeth Rosser REGIONAL CHAPTERS COORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR • Ellen Buckner • Carole Liske
SIGMA GLOBAL REGIONAL COORDINATORS (elect only the representative for your region)
AFRICA NORTH AMERICA • Fhumulani Mavis REGION 1 REGION 6 REGION 11 Mulaudzi • Wanda Borges • Stacey Knight • Janice Jones • Stanley Rungua • Sujatha Shanmugasundaram • Kimberly Lewis • Rebecca Norman-Eck ASIA REGION 2 REGION 7 REGION 12 • Sally Chan • Pamela Fuller • Shena Gazaway • Joanne August • Janet Wong • Susan Opas • Jennifer Graber REGION 8 EUROPE REGION 3 • Pamela Johnson REGION 13 • Marie-Louise Luiking • Karen Maxwell • D’Ann Somerall • Tamatha Arms LATIN AMERICA/ • Dylan Severson • Deanna Mulvihill CARIBBEAN REGION 9 • • Roxana De las salas REGION 4 Kady Martini REGION 14 • • • • Luz Patricia Díaz Heredia Stephanie Bruce Angela Opsahl Amita Avadhani • Selena Gilles MIDDLE EAST REGION 5 REGION 10 • • • Yasmin Nadeem Parpio Lynda Bartlett Shannon Brunt REGION 15 • Susan McReynolds • Donald Rose • Patricia Bartzak OCEANIA • Elizabeth Halcomb • Eleanor Horton 18 VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
Delegates will use hand-held voting devices for election and bylaws amendment voting. A device will be issued to each delegate. If you are listed as the sole delegate for your chapter, the voting card in your device has been programmed to cast both of the chapter’s votes. If you are a delegate representing more than one chapter, you will be issued multiple devices and will cast a vote on each device.
While delegates will receive voting instructions prior to election voting during House of Delegates Session I, you may also visit the Delegate Information Desk during the dates/times listed on page 5 to learn more about these devices, obtain one-on-one training, and ask questions.
The devices will not allow you to select more than the prescribed number of choices.
• Teresa Hultquist Votes for Regional Coordinators will be limited to delegates from defined regions using the programmed voting cards. • Laly Joseph • Beverly Reigle • Tara Whitmire MAKING A SELECTION: • Peggy Jenkins • Use the center trackball to scroll and view your • Sara Kaylor choices. • Elizabeth Rosser • For positions with more than five candidates, keep scrolling downward to reveal all available candidates. • Press down on the trackball. An “X” will appear by the names you have selected. CHANGING A SELECTION: • Clicking on a selected candidate again will clear that selection and remove the “X” next to the REGION 11 candidate’s name. • Janice Jones • To clear all selections made, simply hit the RED • Rebecca Norman-Eck triangle. REGION 12 • Joanne August SUBMITTING YOUR VOTE • Jennifer Graber • When you have made your selection and are ready to cast your vote, press the GREEN REGION 13 square to send. • Tamatha Arms • The keypad will confirm the choices you submitted. • Deanna Mulvihill If you wish to change your mind, simply press REGION 14 the RED triangle to cancel, and reselect. • Amita Avadhani • Selena Gilles REGION 15 • Patricia Bartzak
19 HOUSE OF DELEGATES AGENDA
SESSION I AGENDA Tuesday, 19 November 2019, 10:30 a.m. (1030)
OPENING CEREMONY Arrivals and Introductions Daniel J. Pesut, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN, Protocol Presider Arrival of Past Presidents and Past CEO Arrival of the Board of Directors Arrival of the President
CONVENING THE DELEGATION Call to Order Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President Welcome and Introductions Moment of Silence Credentials Report Safiya George Dalmida, PhD, APRN-BC, FAANP, Secretary Adoption of Standing Rules Adoption of Order of Business
BUSINESS SESSION Overview and Testing of Voting Devices Presentation of the Ballot Gwen Sherwood, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, Chair, Leadership Succession Committee Nominations From the Floor Instructions on Voting Jeffrey J. Doner, RN, BSN, BA, Chair of Tellers Voting
LUNCH
20 REPORTING SESSION & RECOGNITION CEREMONY President’s Report Advisory Councils and Task Forces Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC Global Advisory Panel on the Future of President Nursing & Midwifery Hester C. Klopper, PhD, MBA, RN, RMA, FANSA, Board of Directors Report FAAN, ASSAF, Chair Safiya George Dalmida,PhD, APRN-BC, FAANP Secretary Research & Scholarship Advisory Council Mustafa Bodrick, PhD, RN, MPH, MSc(Nsg), Chair Treasurer’s Report Resolutions Advisory Council Kenneth Dion, PhD, MSN, MBA, RN Safiya George Dalmida,PhD, APRN-BC, FAANP, Treasurer Chair Headquarters Report Conference Planning Task Force Elizabeth Madigan, PhD, RN, FAAN Megan Pfitzinger Lippe, PhD, MSN, RN Chief Executive Officer Next Generation Leaders Task Force Alvin Jeffery, PhD, RN-BC, CCRN-K, FNP-BC, Reports & Recognition of Service of Chair Standing Committees, Advisory Councils, Retired Member Task Force Task Forces, and Subsidiaries Karen Grigsby, PhD, RN, Chair Standing Committees Governance Committee Related Subsidiaries Larry Slater, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, Chair, Governance Committee Sigma Foundation for Nursing Patrick Palmieri, DHSc, EdS, MBA, MSN, RN, Leadership Succession Committee CPHQ, CPHRM, FACHE, FAAN, Chair Gwen Sherwood, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, Chair, Leadership Succession Committee International Honor Society of Nursing Building Corporation Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Suzanne Prevost, PhD, RN, FAAN, Chair Karen Gorton, PhD, FNP, MS, RN, Chair, Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Sigma Marketplace Terry Siek, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, President
ADJOURNMENT Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President
The Delegate Briefing will take place immediately following House of Delegates Session I business.
21 SESSION II AGENDA Wednesday, 20 November 2019, 8:30 a.m. (0830)
RECONVENING THE DELEGATION Call to Order Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President Revised Credentials Report Safiya George Dalmida,PhD, APRN-BC, FAANP, Secretary
ELECTION RESULTS Report of the Tellers Jeffrey J. Doner, RN, BSN, BA, Chair of Tellers Declaration of Election Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President
BUSINESS SESSION Action on Proposed Bylaws Amendments Larry Slater, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, Chair, Governance Committee Presentation and Adoption of Resolutions Safiya George Dalmida,PhD, APRN-BC, FAANP, Secretary
BREAK
RECOGNITION OF CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NEW CHAPTERS Larry Slater, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, Chair, Governance Committee Psi Chi Chapter Psi Omega at-Large Chapter St. Luke’s College The Christ College of Nursing and Health Kansas City, Missouri, USA Sciences and The Christ College Health Network Psi Psi Chapter Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Georgian Court University Lakewood, New Jersey, USA
22 Omega Alpha Chapter Omega Theta Chapter Touro University California Pennsylvania College of Technology Vallejo, California, USA Williamsport, Pennsylvania, USA
Omega Beta Chapter Omega Iota Chapter University of South Dakota Arkansas Tech University Vermillion, South Dakota, USA Russellville, Arkansas, USA
Omega Gamma Chapter Omega Kappa Chapter Capella University University of the West Indies Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Kingston, Jamaica
Omega Delta Chapter Omega Lambda Chapter Pace University University of Haifa Pleasantville, New York, USA Haifa, Israel
Omega Epsilon at-Large Chapter Omega Mu at-Large Chapter Institute of Technology Tralee, University Norwich University and Vermont Technical College Cork, and Waterford Institute of College Technology Northfield and Randolph, Vermont, USA Tralee, Cork, and Waterford, Ireland
Omega Zeta Chapter Omega Nu Chapter James Madison University Long Island University - Brooklyn Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA Brooklyn, New York, USA
Omega Eta Chapter Omega Xi Chapter Wilson University Queen Margaret University Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, USA Edinburgh, Scotland
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CHARTER AMENDMENTS Larry Slater, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, Chair, Governance Committee Iota Delta Chapter Omicron Iota Chapter added Utica College added Mercy Hospital Utica, New York, USA St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Upsilon Mu Chapter Delta Psi Chapter added Wingate University added Campbellsville University and Berea Wingate, North Carolina, USA College Campbellsville and Berea, Kentucky, USA Omicron at-Large Chapter merged with Omicron Alpha Chapter Lambda Pi at-Large Chapter Syracuse, New York, USA added York University Ontario, Canada 23 Omicron Sigma Chapter Psi Zeta at-Large Chapter added Maria College added Deakin University and Latrobe Albany, New York, USA University Victoria, Australia Mu Gamma Chapter added Northwest Nazarene University Delta Upsilon at-Large Chapter Nampa, Idaho, USA added New England Institute of Technology East Greenwich, Rhode Island, USA Theta Lambda Chapter Beta Rho Chapter added College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, Missouri, USA merged with Upsilon Gamma Chapter Anderson, Indiana, USA
Nu Beta Chapter Gamma Tau at-Large Chapter added Johns Hopkins Hospital System added California State University Channel Baltimore, Bethesda and Columbia, Maryland; Islands Washington, DC; and St. Petersburg, Florida, Camarillo, California, USA USA Iota Alpha Chapter Xi Kappa at-Large Chapter added Bloomfield College added Mayville State University Bloomfield, New Jersey Mayville, North Dakota, USA Mu Phi Chapter Iota Xi Chapter added WellStar Douglas Hospital, Douglasville added Broward College and Palm Beach State WellStar Pauling Hospital, Hiram College WellStar Kennestone Hospital, Marietta Lake Worth and Miramar, Florida, USA WellStar Atlantic Medical Center, Atlanta WellStar Cobb Hospital, Austell Theta Psi Chapter Georgia, USA added Rochester College Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA
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DEPARTURE AND RECOGNITION CEREMONY Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President Standing Committee Chairpersons Regional Coordinators Board of Directors
24 STAND AT EASE
INSTALLATION AND TRANSITION CEREMONY Daniel J. Pesut, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN, Protocol Presider Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC, President Elizabeth Madigan, PhD, RN, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer
Arrival of Elected Committee Designates Governance Committee Leadership Succession Committee Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Arrival of Board and Officer Designates Administration of Oath of Office Investiture of the New President Transfer of the Presidential Chain and Gavel Departure of Outgoing President Outgoing President’s Video Introduction of New President Presidential Video Presentation of President-elect Chain
PRESIDENTIAL CALL TO ACTION Richard Ricciardi, PhD, NP, FAANP, FAAN, 2019-2021 President
CLOSING REMARKS AND ADJOURNMENT Richard Ricciardi, PhD, NP, FAANP, FAAN, 2019-2021 President
DISMISSAL/RECESSIONAL Daniel J. Pesut, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN, Protocol Presider
GREETINGS TO OUTGOING AND INCOMING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Delegates will have the opportunity to congratulate and thank the 2017-2019 and 2019-2021 board members immediately following dismissal of the House of Delegates.
25 2019 PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS
1. Proposed Resolution in Appreciation for the Leadership and Stewardship of President Beth Baldwin Tigges, the Board of Directors, and Subsidiary Boards
Whereas, Beth Baldwin Tigges, the 32nd President of The Society, called members to build on our extraordinary success and rich heritage by developing new ways to connect with our members and other nurses worldwide, and collaborate with diverse partners to catalyze change for advancing world health and global nursing excellence; and
Whereas, the Board of Directors upheld the vision, mission, and values of Sigma Theta Tau International through their leadership and sense of organizational purpose; and
Whereas, boards of the International Honor Society of Nursing Building Corporation, the Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing, and Sigma Marketplace ensure the sustainability, viability, and visibility of the Society; and
Whereas, their efforts support and safeguard the organizational assets and human resources through the intelligent collection and dissemination of both funds and knowledge services; therefore, be it
Resolved, that this House of Delegates expresses sincere appreciation to President Beth Baldwin Tigges, the Board of Directors; and Sigma’s subsidiary boards, for their dedicated leadership and commitment to the mission, values and goals of the Society.
2. Proposed Resolution in Appreciation for all Chairs and Members of Committees, Advisory Councils and Task Forces
Whereas, Chairs and members of committees, advisory councils, and task forces enacted the president’s call to action and upheld the vision, mission and values of Sigma Theta Tau International through their leadership and sense of organizational purpose; and
Whereas, the society leaders gave their time and energy to support nurses who provide health services to individuals, groups and populations worldwide and to enhance the relevancy and meaningfulness of the Society to the global community of nurse scholars; and
Whereas, the editors of the Society’s publications embraced excellence in scholarship and disseminated information that seeks to improve the health of the world’s people; and
Whereas, the regional coordinators facilitated and enhanced the work of chapters and members; and
26 Whereas, convention volunteers created an environment favorable to the dissemination of knowledge, conduction of the Society’s business, and connectedness among the global community of nurse scholars; therefore, be it
Resolved, that this House of Delegates expresses sincere appreciation to the chairs and members of committees, advisory councils, and task forces; regional coordinators, and convention volunteers for their dedicated leadership and commitment to the vision, mission, values and goals of the Society.
3. Proposed Resolution in Appreciation for Elizabeth A. Madigan, CEO, and All Sigma Theta Tau International Staff Members
Whereas, Elizabeth (Liz) Madigan continues to provide outstanding leadership and service as the Chief Executive Officer of Sigma Theta Tau International; and
Whereas, her guidance, stewardship, and oversight of the Society’s corporate operations has ensured sustainability, enriched constituent services and programming, and promoted the Society’s globalization endeavors; and
Whereas, the many staff members in all service areas and subsidiaries, including Constituent Services; Development and Awards; Educational Resources; Financial Administration; Global Initiatives; Human Resources and Risk Management; Information Technology; Marketing and Communications; Scholarship Resources; International Honor Society of Nursing Building Corporation; Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing; and Sigma Marketplace have provided exceptional service to Sigma and its members; and
Whereas, staff members have provided outstanding leadership and superior service, individually and collectively, to active members, current chapters, and developing honor societies in countries, regions, and chapters as well as developing honor societies; and
Whereas, the staff have upheld the Society’s values as they developed creative programming and facilitated exemplary educational and training opportunities to over 135,000 active members in more than 90 countries, over 530 chapters, and numerous developing honor societies throughout the world; therefore, be it
Resolved, that this House of Delegates expresses sincere appreciation to Chief Executive Officer Liz Madigan and the Sigma staff for their commitment to providing exemplary services to the Society’s global constituents and for their diligence in translating into action the vision and mission of the Society.
27 4. Proposed Resolution in Commitment to Developing Next Generation Leaders
Whereas, ensuring an ongoing succession of well-equipped leaders is essential to the vision and mission of Sigma; and
Whereas, all Sigma members have the potential to grow their leadership skills within the organization and in their practice settings; and
Whereas, a “Next Generation Leader” can include any Sigma member who is moving into a new role and has the potential to assume a leadership position within the next few years; and
Whereas, the Next Generation Leaders Task Force has created several resources to assist chapter leaders in developing the next generation of leaders, including but not limited to presentations and electronic resources for organizing events, developing mentorship programs, and engaging in social media; therefore, be it
Resolved, that we, as an entire organization and as individual members, commit to developing the next generation of leaders.
28 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. 2017-2019 Bylaws
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article I. Article X. Name, Key, Seal and Headquarters ………………...…1 Committees…………………………………….5
Article II. Article XI. Purposes…………………………………………………..1 Finance…………………………………………6
Article III. Article XII. Membership……………………………………………….1 Official Publications…………………………...6
Article IV. Article XIII. Chapters…………………………………………………..2 Parliamentary Authority……………………….6
Article V. Article XIV. House of Delegates………………………………………3 Amendments to Bylaws………………………6
Article VI. Article XV. Annual Meeting of Members…………………………….4 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation…..6
Article VII. Article XVI. Board of Directors………………………………………..4 Dissolution…………………………………….6
Article VIII. Article XVII. Officers……………………………………………………4 General Provisions……………………….…..6
Article IX. Elections………………………………………………….4
Article I. Name, Key, Seal and Headquarters Section 2: Qualifications for Membership The name of this organization shall be the Sigma Theta Tau a. Sigma Theta Tau International does not discriminate. International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. (Sigma Theta Tau Candidates are qualified for membership so long as International), and it shall have an official key and corporate seal. eligibility requirements are met. The Headquarters of the organization and the management of the b. Student candidates shall have demonstrated superior organization shall be located at the Center for Nursing academic achievement, academic integrity and Scholarship in Indianapolis, Indiana. professional leadership potential. c. Regular Member Article II. Purposes 1) Students in Basic Programs The purposes of this Society shall be to: a) Definition – Basic program is defined as an 1. Recognize superior achievement. accredited baccalaureate or equivalent 2. Recognize the development of leadership qualities. nursing degree program that leads to the first 3. Foster high professional standards. professional nursing degree. 4. Encourage creative work. b) Academic Achievement – Students shall be 5. Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of eligible for membership if they have achieved the profession. excellence according to the standards 6. Provide support, including funding, to other approved by the Society. organizations exempt from federal income taxation c) Rank in class – Students shall rank not lower under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. than the highest 35 percent of their class in 7. Assist and engage in any other activities which are scholarship. permitted to be carried on by organizations exempt d) Curriculum – Students shall have completed at from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of least one-half of the required nursing the Internal Revenue Code. curriculum. e) Exceptions – Exceptions may be made at the Article III. Membership discretion of the chapter’s governance Section 1. Categories of Membership committee following the guidelines adopted by a. Regular Member the International Board of Directors. b. Honorary Member 2) Students in Graduate Programs a) Definition – Graduate program is defined as an accredited program of graduate study in nursing including master, post-master, doctoral and post-doctoral.
Page 1 of 6 © 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. As amended by the House of Delegates at the 44th Biennial Convention 1 November 2017 Changes were ratified by the Board of Directors 8 February 2018 29 b) Academic Achievement – Students shall be 4) Active regular members may hold membership in eligible for membership if they have achieved more than one chapter by remitting multiple excellence according to the standards chapter fees and the Society fee annually. approved by the Society. 5) Active regular members may transfer from one c) Curriculum – Students shall have completed a chapter to another. minimum of one-quarter of the required b. Honorary Members graduate curriculum. 1) Honorary members shall: d) Students in graduate programs who are a) be inducted and awarded the official key in registered nurses, legally recognized to locations and times decided upon by the practice in their country and have a minimum International Board of Directors; of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in b) receive the Society’s publications; and any field, shall be eligible to be considered as c) be responsible for promoting and supporting the a nurse leader at any point in the program. purposes of Sigma Theta Tau International. e) Exceptions – Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the chapter’s governance Section 6. Revocation of Membership committee following the guidelines adopted by Membership in the Society may be revoked at any time by a the International Board of Directors. chapter to which the member belongs for just cause and after 3) Nurse Leader due process. Revocation of membership shall be determined A nurse leader, who is a registered nurse, legally at a meeting of the chapter, at which a quorum is present, by recognized to practice in his/her country with a at least three-fourths vote for revocation by those present. minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in any field, and who has demonstrated achievement Article IV. Chapters in nursing, shall be eligible for membership. Section 1. Definition of Chapter d. Honorary Member A chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and An honorary member is any person who is not eligible for leaders that has met all of the requirements for establishment regular membership in Sigma Theta Tau International and has been granted a charter in accordance with the but who has gained national and/or international procedures required by the Society. An at-large chapter is an recognition in the field of nursing or in any field organized division of nurse scholars and leaders from two or contributing to nursing. more institutions of higher education or institutions of higher education and practice settings that have met all of the Section 3. Selection of Members requirements for establishment and have been granted a a. Regular Members: charter in accordance with the procedures required by the 1) Student member candidates are required to be Society. All chapters shall have regular members. enrolled in an institution of higher education where the chapter is located to be considered for Section 2. Organization of a Chapter membership in that chapter. If there is no chapter a. Criteria for Chapter Development at the institution of higher education in which the A chapter may be established in an educational unit student attends, student member candidates may that is an integral part of an institution of higher be considered for membership in another chapter. education and that grants a basic degree, which leads 2) The nurse leader candidate may be selected for to the first professional nursing degree, and/or a membership by any chapter. graduate nursing degree. The basic or graduate degree b. Honorary Members: nursing program within the institution of higher 1) Honorary membership is awarded only by the education shall be accredited by a recognized Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau accrediting body. In the event there is no nursing International. education accreditation system in place in the potential 2) Any active member, through a chapter or the chapter’s country, evidence confirming the program’s Board of Directors may nominate persons for quality shall be provided by the developing honor honorary membership. society. The group desiring a chapter shall petition the 3) Each member of the Board of Directors shall have Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors and one vote for each nominee based on established comply with approved policies and regulations. criteria. A favorable vote of three-fourths of the b. Chapter Models Board of Directors shall be necessary for election 1) One (1) institution of higher education without a to honorary membership. chapter One institution of higher education meeting the Section 4. Membership Status criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes Members may be designated as honorary, active or inactive. an honor society under the Society’s guidelines. Members may also formally request to discontinue 2) Two (2) or more institutions of higher education membership. Active members pay annual chapter and without a chapter international fees. Honorary members are designated as Two or more institutions of higher education, each active without payment of fees. Inactive members have not meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. paid annual chapter and international fees but shall become a., establish an at-large honor society chapter active at any time by paying current renewal fees. under the Society’s guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to become an at-large chapter. Section 5. Rights and Responsibilities of Active Members 3) One (1) or more institutions of higher education a. Regular Members and one (1) or more practice settings 1) Active regular members shall make a commitment One or more institutions of higher education to the purposes of the Society. meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. 2) Active regular members shall receive: a. and one or more practice settings establish an a) official Society publications; at-large honor society under the Society’s b) priority for education programs; and guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to c) priority for research funding. become an at-large chapter. 3) Active regular members are eligible: 4) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) to vote (as outlined in the Sigma Theta Tau a) An existing chapter may form an at-large International Bylaws and Chapter Bylaws); and chapter by adding one or more institutions of b) to hold elective and appointive office. higher education or practice settings.
Page 2 of 6 © 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. 30 b) Two or more established chapters may Section 9. Probation, Revocation, Dissolution and merge to form an at-large chapter following Reinstatement of a Chapter established guidelines. a. A chapter may be placed on probation by the Board of c) An established at-large chapter may further Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International for failure to amend its charter to add one or more comply with these bylaws or policies and regulations. institutions of higher education or practice b. A chapter may be removed from probation by action of settings. the Board of Directors. d) An existing at-large chapter may split into c. If a chapter fails to be removed from probation, the separate chapters following established Board of Directors may revoke the charter of a chapter. guidelines. d. Any chapter may vote to dissolve itself. 5) Alumni Chapter e. Upon revocation of a charter, or dissolution of a An established chapter may become an alumni chapter, all cash and other assets remaining after the chapter when an institution of higher education no chapter’s outstanding debts are paid should be returned longer offers an eligible degree. Active members to the Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for must agree to meet all of the requirements for a Nursing, or any other appropriate non-profit chapter in good standing with the exception of organization approved by the chapter Board of inducting members a minimum of one time Directors. Or, if a majority of the dissolved chapter’s annually. members transfer to the same chapter, remaining funds 6) Other models may be considered by the Board of may be contributed to that chapter. The chapter’s Directors. charter and coat-of-arms shall be returned to Headquarters. All members of the chapter have the Section 3. Definition of Region opportunity to transfer their membership to a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International shall be organized into areas their choice. called regions. f. A chapter may be reinstated following revocation of its a. Each region shall be composed of chapters. charter by meeting all the requirements of a newly b. Each region has a Regional Chapters Coordinating organizing chapter. If approved, the chapter shall Committee chaired by the elected Regional Chapters receive a new charter but retain its original name. Coordinator and composed of at least three (3) members focusing on activities identified by the Article V. House of Delegates Regional Coordinator. Section 1. Membership a. Membership of the House of Delegates shall be Section 4. Powers, Duties, Responsibilities composed of two (2) delegates from each chapter, the a. Each chapter shall function under bylaws, policies and members of the Board of Directors, chairs of standing regulations that are not in conflict with these bylaws, committees, the Regional Chapters Coordinators and policies and regulations. the past presidents of the Society. b. Chapters are independent, autonomous organizations b. The term of the delegates shall be from the opening of affiliated with the Society. Chapters determine the the convention for which the delegate is selected to amounts of their fees and assessments. Chapters have serve until the opening of the next convention. control of their income, expenses, contracts, accounting systems and internal reports. Section 2. Meetings a. The House of Delegates shall hold biennial conventions Section 5. Chapter Officers at a time and place determined by the Board of Directors a. Each chapter elects at least a chapter president, a vice of Sigma Theta Tau International. president, a secretary, a treasurer and a counselor. b. The Board of Directors may call the House of Delegates Duties and terms of office shall be outlined in the into special sessions. chapter bylaws. c. Each member of the House of Delegates has the right to b. Officers shall assume their duties at a date determined cast one (1) vote; or, if any chapter has only one (1) by the chapter bylaws in the year in which they are delegate attending, that delegate shall have two (2) elected. votes. d. Three (3) members of the Board of Directors who are not Section 6. Chapter Committees officers, together with four (4) members of the Board of Each chapter shall have the following standing committees: Directors who are officers of the Society and delegate an elected/appointed Governance Committee and an elected representation from three-fourths of the chapters Leadership Succession Committee. constitute a quorum.
Section 7. Chapter Meetings Section 3. Powers Each chapter shall have at least one (1) business meeting a. The legislative and judicial powers of the Society shall each year. Each chapter will also sponsor at least two (2) be vested in the House of Delegates. events or programs supporting the purposes and goals of the b. The House of Delegates shall be vested with the Society. following powers in addition to such other powers as may be given in these bylaws to: Section 8. Chapter Responsibilities 1) Revise and amend the bylaws. Chapters shall fulfill the following requirements: 2) Elect officers and other members of the Board of a. Support the purposes of this Society. Directors and elected committees. b. Observe the provisions of these bylaws and comply 3) Make nominations from the floor for officers and with the Society's policies and regulations. committees. c. Participate in the biennial convention House of 4) Adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of Delegates and other business brought forth before the its proceedings as may be determined by a two- House of Delegates during the term. thirds vote of the House of Delegates at biennial d. Select and induct eligible members a minimum of one convention. time annually. 5) Receive and act upon recommendations and e. Meet all financial obligations. matters referred to it. f. File required reports according to established 6) Receive reports and the Board of Directors’ guidelines. approved biennial budget.
Page 3 of 6 © 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. 31 7) Levy special assessments when approved by a h. Revoking the charter of a chapter. three-fourths vote. i. Adjusting the fees of the Society in accordance with 8) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation. Article XI. Finance, Section 8. j. Exercising fiduciary responsibilities including adopting a Section 4. Electronic Voting budget, setting the appropriate bonding level and a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of selecting the auditor. Incorporation. k. Investigating and recommending to the House of b. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting Delegates any matter pertaining to the welfare of this shall be set by the Board of Directors. Society. l. Electing persons for honorary membership. Article VI. Annual Meeting of Members m. Appointing a chief executive officer. Section 1. Annual meetings of members shall be on a date and at n. Submitting an annual report to chapters and a biennial a place set by the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau report to the House of Delegates. International. o. Deciding appeals concerning revocation of membership. p. Providing criteria for affiliate relationships and granting Section 2. The agenda of the annual meeting is the presentation affiliation to legally organized groups. of annual reports and other appropriate items. Section 5. Meetings Section 3. Active members shall receive notice of annual a. The Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International meetings through publications and may register their intent to shall meet as necessary to conduct the business of the attend. Society between meetings of the House of Delegates. b. Three (3) members of the Board of Directors who are Section 4. In odd-numbered years, the annual meeting is the non-officers together with four (4) members of the Board reporting session of the House of Delegates. of Directors who are officers shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5. In even-numbered years, the annual meeting is the Section 6. Removing an International Board of Directors reporting session of the Board of Directors and committee Member from Office chairs’ meeting. A member of the Board of Directors who demonstrates behavior, as determined by the Board of Directors, that is not Article VII. Board of Directors consistent with the mission, values or expectations of the Section 1. Membership honor society may be removed by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of The Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International shall the remaining members of the board, provided that notice of consist of the president, president-elect, vice president, the intent to take such action is given to all board members at secretary and treasurer comprising the five (5) elected officer least 30 days in advance of the regular or special meeting at directors, five (5) elected non-officer directors, the elected which the motion to remove is introduced. Such board Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair and the member shall have the right to be present and to speak on chief executive officer who is a non-voting director. his/her behalf, but shall not be allowed to be present during deliberation nor to vote. Voting shall be by ballot, which may Section 2. Focus be delivered electronically if a face-to-face meeting is not The Board of Directors’ predominant focus is goal-setting, possible. planning, policy development, resource development, corporate oversight, evaluation and decision-making. Article VIII. Officers Section 1. Titles Section 3. Administration The officers of this Society are required to be regular The property, business and corporate affairs of the Society members of Sigma Theta Tau International. The elected shall be managed by the Board of Directors. The executive officers of the Society shall be: the president, the president- and administrative powers of the Society shall be vested in elect, the vice president, the secretary and the treasurer. the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall supervise and manage the Society and its committees and publications; Section 2. Duties shall determine its policies or changes therein; shall carry The duties of the officers shall be as follows: forward its objectives and monitor the disbursements of its a. The officers of the Society constitute the executive funds. The Board of Directors adopts such policies for the committee. conduct of its business as shall be deemed advisable. b. The executive committee shall conduct essential business of the organization in the interim between Section 4. Functions Board of Directors meetings as authorized by the Board The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau of Directors. International include: c. The president shall be the presiding officer and shall a. Reviewing applications for the establishment of new administer all business of the Society as provided for by chapters. the bylaws. b. Granting approval for chapter charters and charter d. The vice president shall perform the duties of the amendments. president in the president’s absence. In the event of the c. Transacting necessary business of this Society between president vacating office during the term, the vice meetings of the House of Delegates. president shall succeed into the presidency until the d. Making and enforcing rules and regulations for its own president-elect takes office at the next meeting of the actions. House of Delegates. e. Filling any vacancy on the Board of Directors or on a e. The secretary shall serve as the corporate secretary for committee occurring between meetings of the House of the Society and fulfill all duties authorized by the Board Delegates, except for the office of president. These of Directors. appointments terminate at the following meeting of the f. The treasurer shall be the corporate treasurer and fulfill House of Delegates. all duties authorized by the Board of Directors. f. Overseeing elected committees, board advisory councils and board task forces. Article IX. Elections g. Ratifying changes in the bylaws of the Society when Section 1. Elections approved by the House of Delegates, as provided in Elections shall take place at biennial House of Delegates Article XIV. Amendments to Bylaws. meetings.
Page 4 of 6 © 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. 32 Section 2. Positions Article X. Committees Elected positions shall be the five (5) officer directors; five (5) Section 1. Standing Committees non-officer directors; the Regional Chapters Coordinating a. The standing committees shall be: Governance Committee Chair; and members of Regional Chapters Committee, Leadership Succession Committee and Coordinating Committee, the Governance Committee and Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee. Leadership Succession Committee. b. Each standing committee will provide consultation to chapters as congruent with its mission. Section 3. Vote c. The president and chief executive officer are non-voting, a. A majority vote shall elect officers. ex-officio members of all committees except the b. A plurality vote shall elect the non-officer members of the Leadership Succession Committee. Board of Directors and elected committee members. d. Leadership Succession Committee and Governance c. In the event of a tie, the election shall be determined by Committee chairs are appointed by the president. lot. e. Each standing committee chair shall present a biennial report to the Board of Directors and send an activity Section 4. Terms report to each Board of Directors meeting. Members shall hold no more than one elected office at a time. f. A quorum shall be a majority of members on the A member holding an elected position who has served more committee. than half a term in that position is considered to have served a g. A majority vote constitutes approval. full term. Section 2. Governance a. Officer Directors a. Mission – The Governance Committee shall oversee 1) The president-elect will be elected for a term of two (2) bylaws compliance, make recommendations for bylaws years or until a successor is elected and assumes changes, and oversee member and chapter eligibility office, and after which shall succeed to a two-year (2- issues. year) term as president. b. Membership – The Governance Committee shall consist 2) The vice president will be elected for a term of two (2) of at least seven (7) elected members. years or until a successor is elected and assumes office. Section 3. Leadership Succession Committee 3) The secretary and treasurer will each be elected for a a. Mission – The Leadership Succession Committee shall term of four (4) years or until their successors are develop members in organizational leadership roles elected and assume office. Terms shall be staggered across the span of their careers and mentor members to so that the secretary is elected in the same biennium assume organizational board and officer positions at all as two non-officer directors and treasurer is elected in levels of organizations. The committee shall select the same biennium as three non-officer directors. nominees and prepare the biennial ballot. The ballot will 4) The terms of office shall begin at the close of the be sent to the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau meeting at which the elections take place. The vice International at least two (2) months prior to the biennial president may serve a maximum of two (2) meeting and to the chapters at least one (1) month prior consecutive two-year (2-year) terms and the secretary to this meeting. and treasurer may serve a maximum of one (1) four- b. Membership – The Leadership Succession Committee year (4-year) term after which they may not be shall consist of ten (10) elected members. consecutively re-elected as an officer director except c. The Leadership Succession Committee members shall as president-elect. be ineligible for any elected office on the ballot prepared b. Non-Officer Directors by the Committee. 1) The five (5) non-officer directors will be elected for a term of four (4) years or until their successors are Section 4. Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee elected and assume office. Terms shall be staggered a. Mission – The Regional Chapters Coordinating so that three non-officer directors are elected in one Committee shall facilitate the work of the chapter leaders biennium and two non-officer directors in the following by advancing initiatives that meet the needs of the biennium. chapters and fulfill the mission of the Society. 2) Non-officer directors may serve a maximum of one (1) b. Membership – The Regional Chapters Coordinating term on the Board of Directors, except in the case of a Committee shall consist of the chair and each region’s non-officer director who is elected president-elect. Regional Chapters Coordinator, elected by the delegates 3) The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair at the meeting of the House of Delegates. Delegates shall be elected each biennium for a two-year (2-year) from each region shall elect their Regional Chapters term and may not serve more than two (2) consecutive Coordinator at the House of Delegates. Each Regional terms on the Board as Regional Chapters Chapters Coordinator serves as chair of the Regional Coordinating Committee Chair. Committee appointed in his/her respective region. c. Committees A committee member may not serve longer than six (6) Section 5. Board Advisory Councils consecutive years. a. Mission – Board Advisory Councils shall inform the 1) The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Board of current and future issues, directions and members’ term of office shall be two (2) years. priorities of the Society. 2) Two (2) members of the Governance Committee b. Membership – Board Advisory Councils shall be shall be elected each biennium for a four-year (4-year) appointed by the Board of Directors for a term through term, and three (3) members of the Governance the close of the biennial convention unless reappointed. Committee shall be elected each biennium for a two- year (2-year) term. Section 6. Task Forces 3) Three (3) members of the Leadership Succession a. Mission – Task Forces are formed to complete an Committee shall be elected each biennium for a four- assigned task within a specified time frame. year (4-year) term, and four (4) members of the b. Membership – Task Forces are formed by the Board, Leadership Succession Committee shall be elected Standing Committees, Board Advisory Councils and each biennium for a two-year (2-year) term. staff. They are made up of members who bring expertise, interest and commitment to complete an assigned task.
Page 5 of 6 © 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. 33 Article XI. Finance Section 2. Amendments Without Notice Section 1. Fiscal Year These bylaws may be amended by unanimous vote of the The fiscal year shall be 1 July through 30 June. House of Delegates without previous notice.
Section 2. Chapter Fees and Assessments Section 3. Revisions a. The annual fee shall be collected from each chapter These bylaws may be revised only upon the authority of the each fiscal year. For new chapters, fees shall be House of Delegates. collected during the year following the granting of a charter. This fee will be based on the number of regular Section 4. Amendments members excluding inactive members in the chapter for Any amendments to these bylaws approved by the House of the prior membership year ending 30 June. Delegates or editorial changes approved by the Board of b. The House of Delegates may levy special assessments Directors that are also applicable to the chapters shall be by a three-fourths vote. incorporated into the chapter bylaws.
Section 3. Fees Article XV. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation a. Membership Fee: Each member shall pay an annual fee These Articles may be amended or repealed by a majority vote of to maintain active member benefits. the House of Delegates present and voting at any annual meeting b. Induction Fee: Each new member shall pay a Society of members of the Society. Notice of such changes is required to membership fee and a chapter induction fee as be sent in writing to delegates at least thirty (30) days before such described in the chapter bylaws. This fee covers the cost meeting. Articles may also be amended or repealed by a majority of induction and active membership for one (1) twelve- of affirmative votes of delegates by a thirty (30) day electronic month (12-month) period. ballot. The actions of the delegates to amend these Articles must be approved by the Board of Directors. Section 4. Honorary Membership Fee There shall be no induction or renewal fee for an honorary Article XVI. Dissolution member. A resolution for the dissolution of the Society shall be signed by a majority of active chapters entitled to vote and shall be presented Section 5. Expenses – Board of Directors at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau The expenses for the members of the International Board of International. The Board of Directors shall then call a special Directors shall be paid by the Society treasury when they meeting of the House of Delegates for the purposes of attend the meetings of the House of Delegates or the considering and acting upon such resolution. If three-fourths of meetings of the Board of Directors. those Delegates present and voting shall vote for dissolution, the Board of Directors shall take the necessary steps to conclude the Section 6. Expenses – Committee affairs of the Society in accordance with statutory requirements Authorized expenses of standing and special committees, existing at the date such action is taken. After payment or making board advisory councils and task forces shall be reimbursed provision for payment of all debts and liabilities incurred by the by the Society treasury. Society, the Board of Directors shall dispose of all assets of the Society exclusively for the purposes of the Society to the Section 7. Expenses – Chartering of Chapters American Nurses’ Foundation or other appropriate organization The Society treasury shall pay for the charter, coat-of-arms, operated for educational or scientific purposes. The recipient book in which the membership roster is recorded and organization or organizations shall at the time qualify as exempt installing officer’s expenses at the time of the chartering of the organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue new chapter. The chapter shall pay a chartering fee plus the Code for 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future cost of inscribing the names on the charter. United States Revenue Law).
Section 8. Fee Changes Article XVII. General Provisions Adjustments to the fee schedule shall be approved by the Officers, directors and employees shall be indemnified by the Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors. Fee Society for any and all civil liabilities for conducting their official schedule adjustments shall not occur more than once a duties, except in circumstances and cases of conducting their biennium and shall not exceed the cumulative Consumer duties in bad faith. Price Index (CPI) percentage rate. Any adjustments, accompanied by rationale, will be provided to membership sixty (60) days in advance of the effective date.
Article XII. Official Publications The Board of Directors shall authorize publication of an official Sigma Theta Tau International journal and other publications as it deems appropriate according Honor Society of Nursing to policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors. 550 West North Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA Article XIII. Parliamentary Authority Phone: +1.317.634.8171 The rules contained in the most recently published edition of Toll Free: 1.888.634.7575 (US/Canada) Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Society Fax: +1.317.634.8188 in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not Website: www.sigmanursing.org inconsistent with these bylaws or special rules of order of the E-mail: [email protected] Society.
Article XIV. Amendments to Bylaws Section 1. Amendments with Notice These bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the House of Delegates by a three-fourths “yes” vote of members present and voting. All proposed amendments shall be in the possession of the secretary two (2) months preceding the biennial meeting of the House of Delegates. They shall be appended to the Call to Convention, which shall be sent out at least one (1) month in advance of the meeting.
Page 6 of 6 © 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Inc. 34 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR DELEGATES
Chapter Leader Sessions
You’re attending convention to serve as a representative for your chapter and vote on its behalf, but another way to assist your chapter is to share information learned in Sigma’s chapter sessions. Sigma will host several sessions about important chapter operations topics, designed specifically for chapter leaders. We hope you can attend!
Saturday, 16 November 3:15 PM-4:00 p.m. (1515-1600) – Amending Your Charter to Add a Practice Setting
Sunday, 17 November 10:45 AM-11:30 a.m. (1045-1130) – Developing Future Leaders to Plan Your Chapter’s Legacy 10:45 AM-11:30 a.m. (1045-1130) – Engaging and Retaining Sigma’s Retired Members 1:45 PM-3:00 p.m. (1345-1500) – Understanding Sigma’s Membership Eligibility Criteria 3:15 PM-4:00 p.m. (1515-1600) – Developing a Successful Recruitment Plan
Monday, 18 November 9:00 AM-9:45 p.m. (0900-0945) – Strategies and Resources to Increase Your Chapter’s Visibility 1:15 PM-2:30 p.m. (1315-1430) – The How, What, and Why Behind Member Communication
Biennial Report
Sigma’s biennial report includes: • President’s Report • Board of Directors Report • Treasurer’s Report • Headquarters Report
View the biennial report at SigmaNursing.org/OrganizationalLeadership. This information will be referenced during the reporting session in the House of Delegates Session I.
We encourage you to share this information with your chapter and guide them to the Sigma website where they can take a closer look at this report that summarizes the work of this biennium.
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN, USA | 11-13 September 2020 CHAPTER a Sigma event LEADERSHIPCONNECTION Chapter leaders – attend Sigma’s leadership conference and discover 2020 innovative practices and strategies to enhance your chapter experience. 39 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE 550 W. North St. PAID Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA INDIANAPOLIS, IN PERMIT NO. 130
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE 45TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION! You have been identified as a chapter convention delegate. Please bring this guide with you to the convention. For quick reference at the event, please fill in the details below.
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