There are a number of ways to become active in the Kansas State Nurses Association. At the District level there are elected offices and appointed committees. At the state level there are elected officies and appointed committees as well. Below is a listing and description of the Committees and Councils that are appointed on an annual basis to carry out the work of the professional organization. Consents to serve on these statewide committees are mailed to all members in August and appointments are made in October for the following year.
Committees:
Finance Committee
Chaired by KSNA Treasurer with 7 members. The Finance committee reviews
all KSNA monthly financial statements and develops the annual budget for
approval by the Board of Directors. Two new appointments each year. Appointments
are for three years and there are four meetings annually in Topeka.
Bylaws Committee
Five members responsible for annual review of KSNA bylaws and mailed review
of district bylaws. Meets once annually in Topeka. Interestin bylaws and
organizational structure desirable.
Nominating Committee
Three members are elected annually by the membership and two are appointed
by the Board of Directors to solicit names and prepare the annual ballot.
No more than one person from each KSNA District can serve on the committee.
Day At The Legislature
Seven to ten members who plan the Annual event. The next date is February 7, 2008. There are four planning meetings and committee members are expected to be available to assist the day before the event. Recommend that members be from Topeka or surrounding communities since a high level of involvement is required. A steering committee meets initially in September to slate potential speakers, then not again until January. This is a two-year commitment.
Editorial Board
Five to nine committee members who meet three or four times annually to
discuss policies related to The Kansas Nurse publication. This is a two
year appointment. Committee members serve as blind peer reviewers (by
mail) of all submitted articles. Each member serves once as an issue coordinator
and is responsible for soliciting timely articles that focus on a special
theme. Publishing and writing experience is helpful, but not required.
Resolutions Committee
Five members who meet once or twice annually to review resolutions submitted for debate by the association membership at convention. Attendance at the annual convention is expected.
Legislative Chairperson
Responsible for overseeing implementation of KSNA's legislative platform
and initiatives according to KSNA policy. Chairs the annual convention
committee meeting of all district legislative chairs. Testifies before
the legislature as needed and communicates regularly with legislators
and congressional delegation. Works closely with KSNA professional staff.
Membership Committee Chairperson
The Membership Committee is composed of each District's membership chairperson.
The chair is responsible for facilitating an active membership recruitment/retention
program. Meetings are conducted via conference call twice annually. Requires
attendance at convention and Day at the Legislature.
Councils:
Continuing Education
Education
Practice
Seven members, four of whom are appointed in even years. The term on a council is for two years with eligibility to serve two consecutive terms. The three councils focus on the respective areas as their titles reflect. The Board of Directors selects at least one practice nurse to serve on the Council on Education and one educator to serve on the Council on Practice. Councils meet three to four times annually. Chairpersons are elected by the Council members and any vacancies are filled by the Council. Councils also review and comment by mail on KSNA/ANA positions statements. The Council on Continuing Education reviews CE program applications by mail. Preparation and active participation on Councils requires at least two hours preparation for each meeting, in addition to ongoing reading of materials mailed to members. The Council on Practice serves as the Peer Review Committee for meeting the Kansas Risk Management Law Requirements.