Ethics and Governance
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Committee

(Formerly named the Bylaws & Policies Committee)

"Connecting to Our Core"

Stephanie Smith
Director
Blackhawk Technical College
Janesville, WI
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Seasonal Memos
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What is the Role of the Ethics and Governance Committee?

The committee is responsible for implementing resolutions passed by the HOD related to ethics and governance; engaging members in the Code of Ethics; assisting chapters to submit amendments to the Code of Ethics; guiding chapters with bylaws, policies and procedures; reviewing NSNA’s policies bylaws and procedures when related issues arise.

Stephanie Smith, Director and Chair,
​Ethics and Governance Committee, Summer Memo

Hello all! I am excited to be serving as the Chair of the Ethics and Governance Committee alongside committee members Jordyn Preslar and Sabrina Roney.
 
Connecting to Our Core
The theme for the Ethics and Governance committee this year is “Connecting to Our Core.” The purpose of this theme is to empower members and constituent associations through education on NSNA bylaws, policies, and procedures. This year our committee aims to ensure that all constituent organizations and members are educated on the importance and meaning of bylaws, policies, and procedures. Bylaws are a legally binding document that govern how an organization will operate. These documents set out the foundation for guiding work to be done in a fair and just manner, and educated members create a stronger, more cohesive group. Clarifying confusion and allowing voices to be heard through proper governance and leadership creates positive environments that drive success.
 
One of the most important goals this year for the Ethics and Governance Committee is to review the NSNA Code of Ethics. The NSNA Code of Ethics is a document that is approved by and amended by the House of Delegates. Roundtable discussions, information sessions, and forums will be held at the MidYear Conference and Annual Convention to discuss potential changes. Any potential changes will be reviewed by the NSNA Board of Directors and presented to the House of Delegates at the Annual Convention for further refinement and to be voted upon if the changes should be adopted or not.  
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Attention NSNA State Association Leaders

Are you having difficulty filling your board positions during virtual conventions or canceled conventions due to COVID-19?

You are encouraged to keep a minimum of an executive committee: president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Check your bylaws to determine if there is a bylaw that permits the executive committee to make decisions when a full board is unable to meet or if the decisions cannot wait until a full board meeting. If there is nothing specific, and your bylaws direct you to refer to Robert’s Rules of Order for guidance, then you can use the guidance of Robert’s. This gives you the ability to keep your bank account in place, file tax forms (i.e., 990), and remain a constituent of NSNA (and thus collect dues). This is a temporary method of maintaining the association during this time of crisis. NSNA staff will assist you in communicating with your members and guidance in holding elections. Contact Kenya@nsna.org ​

NSNA Ethics and Governance

​References & Resources

             - Core Values         
             - Code of Professional Conduct
             - Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct (with interpretive statements)
             - Nursing Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
             - Guide to Grievance Process

References
  • Carver, J. (2006). Boards that Make a Difference. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
  • Jacobs, J. (2018). Association law handbook : a practical guide for associations, societies, and charities. Washington, D.C: Association Management Press
  • Policies and Procedures in Association Management. (2001). Washington, DC: American Society of Association Executives.
  • Principles of Association Management. (2001). Washington, DC: American Society of Association Executives and the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, p.47.
  • Robert, H., Robert, S., Robert, H., Evans, W., Honemann, D., Balch, T., Seabold, D. & Gerber, S. (2020). Robert's rules of order : newly revised.
    New York: Public Affairs

Resources

American Society of Association Executives and the Center for Association Leadership
http://www.asaecenter.org/
Publishes Association Leadership, an annual periodical is a practical management tool for volunteer leaders.  Articles focus on the roles of association executives, board, and committee members, and can be used as a training tool for board members.  Designed to help all work more productively as a team, the magazine presents important topics to the volunteer.