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Objectives and Bylaws

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Objectives

To assess, plan, strategize, implement and evaluate outcomes to ensure culturally competent, safe and quality health care services to the Hispanic communities.

To work collaboratively with health care and business organizations in identifying health care issues and concerns and developing and implementing solutions for the Hispanic communities from both sides of the border.

To form a partnership with community leaders in starting scholarships for Hispanic men and women interested in pursuing or advancing in a nursing career.

To form a partnership with high schools, community colleges, and universities in the recruitment and retention of Hispanic students for the nursing profession.

To work collaboratively with other nursing programs in the recruitment and retainment effort of Hispanic nursing students in order to meet the diverse needs of the Hispanic communities.

To provide a forum for Hispanic nurses to share information about professional issues, concerns, experiences, and educational opportunities available.

To provide leadership and mentoring to Hispanic men and women interested in the nursing profession and seeking guidance in pursuing entry or advancement into the nursing profession.

Bylaws

Click here to download 2013 Bylaws

BY-LAWS ARTICLE I – NAME This organization shall be known as the SAN DIEGO CHAPTER of the NATIONAL ASSOCATION OF HISPANIC NURSES (SDNAHN), a non-profit organization. 


ARTICLE II – PURPOSE AND FUNCTIONS

 Section 1.        PURPOSE:

The purpose of this organization shall be to serve the nursing and health care delivery needs of the Hispanic community and the professional needs of Hispanic nurses.  This will be accomplished through the improvement of the quality of health and nursing care for Hispanic consumers by culturally sensitive nurses, and by providing equal access to EDUCATIONAL, PROFESSIONAL, and ECONOMIC opportunities for Hispanic nurses.

 

Section 2.        FUNCTIONS:

The principle functions of the SDNAHN shall be to:

 

a.       To identify Hispanic nurses throughout San Diego County in order to monitor the size and growth of this group of health care professionals.

 

b.      To identify barriers to quality education for Hispanic nursing students and recommend appropriate solutions to local, state, and federal agencies.

 

c.       To work toward recruitment and retention of Hispanic nursing students in local educational programs.


                       d.    To Ensure that Hispanic Nurses have equal access
 to education, professional and economic opportunities and encourage licensed nurses to pursue advanced degrees in nursing. 
                           
  
 

e.       To provide an opportunity for Hispanic nurses to share information about their professional concerns, experiences, and research.

 

f.       To provide a forum for Hispanic nurses to analyze and evaluate the health care needs of the Hispanic community.

 

g.      To assess the safety and quality of health care delivery services to the Hispanic community.

 

h.      To identify barriers to the delivery of health services to Hispanic consumers and recommend appropriate solutions to local, state, and federal agencies.

 

i.        To develop, test, and promote culturally sensitive models of intervention that may provide effective nursing care for Hispanic consumers.

 

j.        To disseminate research findings and policy perspectives related to Hispanic health care needs at both the local, and national level.

 

k.      To collaborate with, and provide assistance to other Hispanic health care professionals.

 

l.        To establish a scholarship fund to assist with the pursuit of educational advancement and professional opportunities for eligible persons.

 ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP 

Section 1.        Voting Members:

                        Full Members

Membership in this Association is open to licensed nurses in the United States and its jurisdictions who have paid the dues called for in the Bylaws.

 

Section 2.        Retired Member

                        Any licensed or formerly licensed nurse who is at least sixty-two years of age and who is not employed full-time  in the occupation of nursing and who has paid one half of the dues shall have the right to vote.

 

Section 3.        Affiliate Members

                        Any non-nursing health care professional who is interested in helping to solve the problems and needs of the Hispanic community.

 

Affiliate Members may vote at the Local level, but not at the National level.

                         Non-Voting Members:

Section 4.        International Associate Members

                        Any licensed nurse not residing in the US or its jurisdictions and has paid the dues called for in these Bylaws (Entitled to all privileges, except those of making motions, of voting, and of holding office).

Section 5.        Student Members

                        Any student enrolled in a program leading to nurse licensure is eligible
                       for membership.  (Non-voting members).
 

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP DUES 

Section 1.        MEMBERSHIP DUES:

 

a.                   The membership dues for SDNAHN:  As set forth in Article IV Section 1 &2 of the NAHN Bylaws – See membership application for exact dues.

 

b.                  The national office of NAHN will send a reminder letter in the mail within two months of member expiration date.

 

Section 2.        MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

a.                   Members have the responsibility to attend meetings and participate in activities of the association.

 

b.                  Members shall not carry out any profitable activities on behalf of SDNAHN, either individually or collectively without prior authorization from the Executive Committee.

 

c.                   Members shall not make any political or religious statement or declaration on behalf of SDNAHN.

 

d.                  Members shall not collect dues or any other kind of contribution, unless duly authorized by the Executive Committee of SDNAHN.

 ARTICLE V – BOARD 

Section 1.        COMPOSITION:

 

The Board shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Correspondence Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past-President, Director of Social Media, Newsletter Editor, Parliamentarian, and four directors elected by the voting membership.  The Board shall manage the affairs of the association unless prohibited by the Bylaws.  The Board may delegate its authority as it deems appropriate and is not in conflict with these Bylaws.

 

Section 2.        DUTIES

a.       The Board shall manage all affairs of SDNAHN.  The Board may delegate its authority as it deems appropriate and is not in conflict with these By-laws.

b.      All officers shall deliver to successors all books, papers, and records covering all transactions occurring during their respective term of office within thirty (30) days of completion of term of office, or resignation.

c.       The Board shall fill any vacancy on the Board.

d.      The Board shall meet at least quarterly, or at the call of the President.

e.       The Board may request the resignation of any officer or chairperson who fails to perform the duties of the office after written notification to that officer or chairperson.  Additional causes include actions prejudicial to the goals and purposes of SDNAHN, misconduct in office, and misappropriation of funds.

 

Section 3.        QUORUM

The majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum including at least two officers of which shall be the President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Correspondence Secretary, or Treasurer.

 ARTICLE VI – EXECUTIVE BOARD Section 1.        COMPOSITION: 

a.       The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Correspondence Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past-President, Director of Social Media, Newsletter Editor, and Parliamentarian.

b.      The President or Vice President shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Board.

c.       The Executive Board shall report proceedings to the general members.

 

Section 2.        QUORUM

Three (3) members shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of the Executive Board.

 ARTICLE VII – OFFICERS 

Section 1.        ELECTED OFFICERS:

 

The elected officers of SDNAHN shall be President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Correspondence Secretary, Treasurer, and four Directors

 

Section 2.        QUALIFICATION OF OFFICERS:

                        Voting members of SDNAHN shall be eligible to hold elected offices. 
                       
Only Full Members can be elected to the positions of President and Vice
                        President.
 

Section 3.        TERM OF OFFICE:

 

The term of office shall be two (2) years.  Officers shall not be eligible to serve in the same office for more than two consecutive terms.  They shall be announced at the annual Scholarship Event and assume office at the close of the Board meeting in December of the odd year.

 

Section 4.        VACANCIES:

 

If a vacancy occurs in the position of President, the Vice-President shall become President.  If a vacancy occurs in any elected office, the Executive Board by a majority vote shall elect a successor to hold office for the unexpired term.

 

Section 5.        PRESIDENT:

 

a.       The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board or will notify the Vice-President if unable to attend.

b.      The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee. 

c.       The President shall perform all such duties as are incident to the Office or that may be assigned to the President by the Board.  One such duty is the creation of an annual Operating Budget.

d.      The President shall recommend appointment of the Director of Social Media, the Newsletter Editor, and the Parliamentarian, subject to Board approval.

 

Section 6.        VICE-PRESIDENT:

                         The Vice-President shall preside in the absence of the President at 
                         meetings of the Association, Executive Committee and shall perform
                         such duties as may be assigned by the By-laws and Executive Board. 
 

Section 7.        RECORDING SECRETARY:

 

The Recording Secretary shall keep the minutes of Executive Board and General Meetings and keep all papers, letters, and records of the association.  The Recording Secretary shall perform all duties as assigned by the Executive Board. Within thirty (30) days upon completion of term of office, the Recording Secretary shall deliver to the new Recording Secretary all books, papers, and reports with a supplementary report covering all transactions which have taken place during the secretary’s term of office.

 

Section 8         CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY

 

The Correspondence Secretary shall issue all notices required by these By-laws or by resolution of the Executive Board such as meeting reminders.  The Correspondence Secretary will send welcome packets to new members, maintain current contact information of members, and supporters and perform all duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board.

 

Section 9.        TREASURER:

 

The Treasurer shall receive, have custody, and be responsible for all bookkeeping and accounting of all funds of SDNAHN, shall see that only such bills as have been approved by the President or the Executive Board are paid and shall make a financial statement to the Executive Board at regular meetings and to the membership at the annual meeting.  The Treasurer shall deposit the funds of the organization in such banks as determined by the Executive Board.  Within thirty (30) days upon completion of term of office, the Treasurer shall deliver to the new Treasurer all papers, books, records, and money of the organization with a supplemental report covering all transactions which may have taken place since the last report of the Treasurer to the membership.  Two signatures will be required (Treasurer and President or designee) on a check or credit transaction issued by SDNAHN if amount of transaction is over $500.00.  Receipts for reimbursement by membership must be presented to Treasurer no later than thirty days of expenditure.

 

Section 9.        IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENT:

The Immediate Past-President shall be entitled to attend, make motions and vote at Board meetings.

Section 10.      DIRECTORS:

The Directors assume responsibilities as delegated by the Executive Board.

They will be responsible for recruitment and retention of members.

Section 11.      NAHN ANNUAL MEETING:

The President or designee shall be the representative of SDNAHN to the Annual Meeting of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC NURSES.  The conference fees of the President or designee and the chairperson of the Annual Scholarship Event will be paid for from SDNAHN funds.

Section 12.      It is the responsibility of each member of the Board to notify the President in writing when such duties as set above cannot be carried out.


ARTICLE VIII – COMMITTEES 

Section 1.        There shall be standing and special committees.

 

Section 2.        STANDING COMMITTEES:

 

The Standing Committees shall be:  Articles and Bylaws, Community Outreach, Scholarship, Annual Scholarship Event, Education/Meetings, Newsletter, and Fundraising Committees.

 

a.                   Community Outreach: Shall consist of at least three (3) members who shall be appointed by the Executive Board.  This committee shall devise ways and means of promoting good will between the organization and the public.  Responsibilities include organizing events related to the health of the community to allow SDNAHN members to get involved, and keep copies of volunteer sign up sheets, forwarding all sign up sheets to Scholarship Committee chair.

 

b.                  Scholarship Committee: Shall consist of at least five (5) active members.  One (1) member shall be appointed Chair person by the Board.  Responsibilities include: reviewing application criteria annually, sending scholarship information packages to area nursing programs at a minimum of sixty days before the deadline, reviewing all scholarship applications, selecting recipients for SDNAHN scholarship awards, and notifying all applicants via letter and/or email of their acceptance or rejection no later than seven (7 days) from the date of selection.

 

c.                   Annual Scholarship Event: Shall consist of all Board members and any interested active members.  One (1) committee member shall be appointed Chairperson by the Board.  Responsibilities include organizing SDNAHN annual scholarship event, ensuring all potential scholarship sponsor contact information is up to date, and notifying sponsors of the event.

 

d.                  Education/Meetings and Retention: Shall consist of at least 3 (three) active members, one of whom is the Correspondence Secretary.  Responsibilities include ensuring there is an educational speaker at SDNAHN general meetings, ensuring CEUs are provided for members who qualify and keeping records as required by the Board of Registered Nurses (BRN) in order to maintain CEU certification, recruiting sponsors for membership breakfasts, ensuring room set up, and greeting attendees at general meetings.  Responsibilities also include greeting guests at general meetings, assisting with membership sign-up, and reminding members to renew.

 

e.                   Newsletter Committee:  Shall consist of at least 3 (three) active members.  The committee will be chaired by the Newsletter Editor.  Responsibilities include: gathering association news, soliciting advertisers, laying out the newsletter copy, and publishing the newsletter three times yearly

 

f.                   Fundraising Committee:  Shall consist of at least three (3) active members.  Responsibilities include: developing sources for raising funds, developing relationships with community businesses and organizations.

 

Section 3.        AD HOC COMMITTEES:

 

The Executive Board may establish such special committees, as they deem appropriate.  Such committees shall have such members, duties, and terms of office as shall be determined by the body appointing them

.

a.                   Articles and Bylaws: Shall consist of three (3) active members appointed by the Executive Board, at least one of whom is a current Board member.  This committee shall receive and study any proposals for amendment to the Bylaws and may initiate proposals for amendments to the same.  This Committee will review the by-laws every two years.

 

b.                  Nominating Committee: Shall be appointed in January of the odd-numbered years and shall consist of five (5) voting members, all of whom shall be appointed by the Executive Board.  The Nominating Committee shall prepare and present a report to the Executive Board no later than ninety (90) days prior to the annual Scholarship event.  The report shall set forth a slate of candidates for each office.  The committee must obtain from candidates a statement of qualifications and consent to serve.  Ballots shall be mailed to all voting members along with candidate's statement no later than sixty (60) days prior to the annual scholarship event.  In order to be counted, the ballots must be received at least thirty (30) days before the annual scholarship event.

 ARTICLE IX – MEETINGS OF MEMBERS AND ELECTIONS 

Section 1.        MEETINGS:

There shall be at least four (4) general meetings a year.

 

Section 2.        ELECTIONS:

 

The elections of officers shall be held by mail ballot.  A ballot may be reissued if the chair of the Nominating Committee or a designee deems it appropriate.  The elections shall be decided by plurality of the votes cast.  A tie vote shall be decided by lot within the Nominating Committee.  Votes will be counted by non-voting members.

 

Section 3.        QUORUM:

 

At least five (5) voting members shall constitute a quorum at all general meetings.

 ARTICLE X – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY AND PARLIAMENTARIAN
 

Section 1.        The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order Revised, shall govern the meeting of the organization unless contrary to these By-laws.

 

Section 2.        A parliamentarian appointed by the President shall be present at all meetings.

  ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS 

Section 1.        Proposed amendments shall be referred to the Committee on Articles and Bylaws.

 

Section 2.        The Correspondence Secretary of the organization shall cause notice of each proposed amendment, with the recommendations thereon, if any, of the Bylaws Committee of Articles and Bylaws to be sent not less than five (5) days and no more than sixty (60) days prior to the general meeting at which the amendment is to be considered.

 

Section 3.        These By-laws may be amended with notice by a majority vote at any meeting at which a quorum is present.

 

Section 4.        These By-laws may be amended without previous notice by seventy-five percent (75%) of the votes cast at any general meeting at which a quorum is present.

 

Section 5.        70% of all funds raised during the calendar year will be transferred to the scholarship fund.  A majority of the scholarship fund at the board’s discretion will be used toward the scholarships the following year.  A smaller portion of this fund, not to exceed 10%, will be used to assist active members to participate in professional development activities. The amounts will be calculated by the president and treasurer at the end of the calendar year and will be announced at the January meeting. The rule, criteria and deadlines for the scholarship and professional development awards will be approved by the board and listed on the respective applications.

 ARTICLE XII – COMPENSATION 

Officers shall not receive any compensation for their services as such, but may be reimbursed for their expenses.

 ARTICLE XIII – ENDORSEMENT  

Section 1.        GUIDELINES

 

a.                   SDNAHN Board shall determine the appropriateness of funding sources in concern with the association’s purpose, existing policies, and the ANA Code for Nurses.

b.                  A written agreement shall describe the nature and purpose of the funding.

c.                   Funding of any activity that would result in personal financial benefit for an association official or staff member shall be prohibited to avoid any conflict of interest.

d.                  Acceptance of external funding shall not imply endorsement of any particular product or service.

e.                   The source of external funding shall be acknowledged publicly through appropriate means.

 

Section 2.        PROCEDURES

 

a.                      The proposed agreement shall be reviewed by the President or designee.

b.                     The form of the association’s acknowledgement of the funding source shall be appropriate to the activity being funded.

c.                      The president shall report annually to the Board on externally funded activities. 

  

Revised February 28, 2006

Revised December 4, 2007

Revised June 2, 2009

Revised February 4, 2013