Skip to content

NAHN Bylaws

OBJECTIVES and BYLAWS 

SAN DIEGO NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC NURSES (SDNAHN) 

OBJECTIVES 

SDNAHN shall assess, plan, strategize, implement and evaluate service and outcomes to ensure culturally competent, safe and quality health care services to Hispanic and other communities. 

SDNAHN shall work collaboratively with healthcare, community and business organizations to identify healthcare issues and concerns in order to develop and implement solutions for Hispanic and other communities in San Diego County, the United States and internationally. 

SDNAHN will maintain and form new partnerships with community leaders and organizations to continue the provision of scholarships for Hispanic and other nursing students who reside in San Diego County and are pursuing or advancing their nursing careers in a nursing program approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. 

SDNAHN shall form partnerships with local high schools, colleges, and universities to recruit and retain Hispanic and other students in the nursing profession. In addition, SDNAHN shall collaborate with other nursing programs in the recruitment and retention effort of Hispanic and other nursing students to meet the diverse needs of the Hispanic and other communities. 

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

SDNAHN shall provide leadership and mentoring to Hispanic and other persons who are interested in the nursing profession and seek guidance in pursuing entry into or advancement in the nursing profession. 

ARTICLE I – NAME 

This organization shall be known as the San Diego National Association of Hispanic Nurses (SDNAHN), a non-profit organization. SDNAHN is an affiliate chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). 

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 local, regional and international communities, and 

  1. Work toward recruitment and retention of Hispanic and other nurses, nursing students, and those interested in supporting SDNAHN in our mission. 
  2. Ensure that local Hispanic and other nurses and nursing students have access to educational, professional and economic opportunities. 
  3. Help provide educational, professional, and economic opportunities for Hispanic and other nurses interested in working with the Hispanic and other communities. 
  4. Encourage licensed nurse members to pursue advanced degrees in nursing through advocacy, mentorship, volunteerism in the community, and improving the quality of health and nursing care for Hispanic and other consumers by culturally sensitive nurses.
  5. Detect barriers to quality education for Hispanic and other nursing students and recommend appropriate mentorship and advocacy for such students. 
  6. Provide an opportunity for Hispanic and other nurses and nursing students to share information about his/her professional advocacy. 

The core functions ofthe SDNAHN shall include to: 

  1. Monitor the size, growth and active participation of healthcare professionals and student members in this chapter. 
  2. Assess the accessibility, safety and quality of health care delivery services to local, regional, state, national and international Hispanic communities. 
  3. Identify barriers to the delivery of local health services to Hispanic and other consumers and recommending appropriate solutions to local, regional, state, and federal agencies. 
  4. Disseminate research findings and policy perspectives related to Hispanic and other health care needs at local, regional, state and national levels. 
  5. Provide a forum for Hispanic and other nurses to analyze and evaluate the health care needs of the Hispanic and surrounding communities. 

Section 2. FUNCTIONS: 

Collaborate and assist Hispanic and other nurses, nursing students and healthcare professionals. 

Maintain a yearly scholarship fund to assist with the pursuit of educational advancement for eligible persons who are selected as scholarship recipients through an application and established criteria process.

ARTICLE III – TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP 

3.1 (a) Voting Members 

(1) General Members. This class shall include any nurse licensed in the United States and its jurisdictions, who has paid the current national and San Diego chapter membership costs as determined by NAHN, who maintains an active membership, and who is interested in helping to solve the healthcare problems and support the healthcare needs of the Hispanic community. 

(2) Emeritus. This class shall include any nurse who is at least sixty-two (62) years of age, is no longer employed full-time in the occupation of nursing, who has paid the current national and San Diego chapter membership costs as determined by the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) of which the San Diego National Association of Hispanic Nurses chapter is an affiliate. This class maintains an active membership, and has helped to solve healthcare problems and supports the healthcare needs of the Hispanic community during his/her/their career. 

3.1 (b) Non-Voting Members 

(1) Nursing Affiliate. This class shall include any unlicensed healthcare personnel (Certified Nursing Assistants, Medical Assistants, Patient Care Technicians, etc.) who has paid the current national and San Diego chapter membership costs as determined by NAHN, and who maintains an active membership. The Nursing Affiliate supports the mission of SDNAHN and NAHN, and is interested in exploring career opportunities in the nursing profession. *Affiliate Members may vote at the Local level, but not at the National level. 

(2) International Associate. This class shall include any nurse licensed in their country of origin that does not reside in the United States and its jurisdictions, and holds an

active national and San Diego chapter membership (entitled to all privileges, except those of making motions, voting, and holding office), and maintains an active membership. An international associate is of Hispanic or other ancestry and is interested in helping to solve healthcare problems and support the healthcare needs of the Hispanic community. 

(3) Student (Unlicensed). This class shall include any unlicensed student who holds an active national and San Diego chapter membership, maintains an active 

membership, and is currently enrolled in a pre-licensure nursing program leading to nurse licensure, or someone currently enrolled in prerequisite nursing coursework leading to a nursing program, or a prelicensure nursing program that is interested in helping to solve the healthcare problems and supports the healthcare needs of the Hispanic community. 

(4) Corporate. This class shall include any corporation that holds an active corporate-level national and San Diego chapter membership, maintains an active membership, and that is interested in helping to solve the healthcare problems and supports the healthcare needs of the Hispanic community. 

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP 

4.1. (a). As set forth in the NAHN bylaws, membership application information will be provided on the NAHN and SDNAHN websites. 

4.1.(b). NAHN will provide an updated monthly roster of active and expired memberships, by email, to the SDNAHN President and Corresponding Secretary. Upon receipt each month, the Corresponding Secretary will email those expired members concerning reminders for membership renewal. 

4.1.(c) Members have the responsibility to respond to communication, attend meetings and participate in activities, volunteer events, scholarship galas, and other functions of the association.

4.1.(d) Members shall not carry out any profitable activities on behalf of SDNAHN, either individually or collectively, without prior authorization from the Executive Board and Board of Directors. 

4.1. (e) Members shall not make any political or religious statements or declarations on behalf of SDNAHN. 

4.1. (f) Members shall not collect dues, payments, or receive any physical or monetary contribution unless duly authorized by the Executive Board and Board of Directors. 

4.1 (g) Members shall not represent his/her/themselves as an Officer, Board of Directors member, Chairperson, Committee member, or any voted or appointed position of SDNAHN unless factually holding this position at the current time. Members who held a position in the past may not identify 

him/her/themselves to be known in a current position. Inactive members shall not represent his/her/themselves as an active member.. 

4.1 (h) No active or inactive members, or any persons, businesses or institutions shall utilize the SDNAHN or NAHN name, by initials or full name, logo or likeness in any advertising, marketing, publications, programs, etc. without the written permission and agreement of SDNAHN and/or NAHN. 

ARTICLE V – EXECUTIVE BOARD / OFFICERS ELECTED EXECUTIVE BOARD / OFFICERS 

All elected Officers are also known as the Executive Board of Directors. 

Elections shall be held during each even year and before the month of October. Following elections, the newly elected Executive Board / Officers shall be announced at the Scholarship Event in October and assume office at the close of the Board meeting that December. 

5.1. QUALIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE BOARD / OFFICERS

Persons who receive nominations or provide self-nomination for an elected position must be an active member at time of nomination and remain an active member during and after the election process. 

Voting members of SDNAHN in good standing shall be eligible to hold elected offices. 

5.2. 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. 

5.3. COMPOSITION 

5.3.(a)The requirements to hold an Executive Board / Officer position includes being a licensed and active member in good standing of national and San Diego chapter memberships. 

5.3 (b) The Executive Board shall consist of the following Officers: President, President-Elect, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer. 

5.3 (c ) All Executive Board / Officers shall be elected by the voting membership. In reference, the term ‘Board’ is all Executive Officers and Board of Directors members, collectively. 

5.4 DUTIES 

5.4 (a). The President and President-Elect shall preside at all General Membership and Board of Directors meetings together. The Executive Board may report proceedings to the general members. 

5.4 (b). The Executive Board shall be expected to attend and participate in all General Membership and Board of Directors meetings, and the annual Scholarship Gala, as able.

5.4 (c) . The Executive Board shall manage all affairs of SDNAHN. The Executive Board may delegate its authority as it deems appropriate and when not in conflict with these bylaws. 

5.4 (d). The Executive Board shall fill any Executive Board or Board of Directors vacancy with a voting member who is in good standing, through a vote by a quorum of the voting membership.. 

5.4 (e). All Executive Board members shall deliver to successors all books, papers, certificates, electronic and hardcopy files and any record keeping including tax, banking, insurance and organization records, bills and payment information, membership rosters and attendance records, copies of minutes, account access and password information of any kind. The exception will be the outgoing Treasurer, who will share all access and materials with the incoming Treasurer until January 31 after assuming office. This is to be able to continue any work in support of the Chapter, such as finalizing any outstanding bills and payments from the prior fiscal year. 

5.4 (f). All Executive Board members shall deliver to successors all California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and other organization/agency records and payment/account information, SDNAHN phone information, computers, website and social media account access, passwords, photo and video files, electronics and technology, et al. 

5.4 (g). All Executive Board members shall deliver to successors all mail and post office mailbox keys, marketing and advertising supplies, furniture, storage unit keys, and any other SDNAHN possessions. 

5.4 (h). All deliveries to successors shall be within seven (7) days of completion of term of office, or within forty-eight hours upon resignation or removal from position. Names on accounts such as bank or credit union account access and debit cards, storage unit accounts, etc. are to be changed within forty-eight (48) hours or as soon as business hours allow. The recovery email address for the SDNAHN email account or any other account, etc. must be the SDNAHN alternate GMail email account. Passwords must be changed within twenty-four (24) hours by incoming newly elected Officers, or by current Officers if there is resignation or removal of an Officer or Board member from position. Any Officer or Board member who is outgoing for any reason shall provide all passwords within twenty-four (24) hours to incoming or current Officers so that all accounts can be accessed and work with the current Board to ensure the success of transfer of all NAHN/SDNAHN

materials, accounts, etc. All intellectual property shall be provided in written format (i.e. emails, passwords, photos, videos, etc.) 

5.4 (i). The Board shall meet every two months or at least quarterly, or at the call of the President or President-Elect. 

5.4 (j). A majority of the Board, consisting of six (6) or more Board members may request the resignation of any Executive Officer, Board of Directors member or any Committee Chairperson who fails to perform the duties of this position, after providing written notification to that person. If the number of Board members is less than ten (10), then a majority which is one over half the remaining Board members, will constitute a majority. Additional causes may include actions prejudicial to the goals and purposes of NAHN/SDNAHN, misconduct in his/her/their position, misrepresentation of NAHN/SDNAHN and/or involvement therein, or misappropriation of funds. 

5.5 VACANCIES 

If a vacancy occurs in the position of President, the current President-Elect shall become President. If a vacancy occurs in any other elected office, another current officer or Board of Directors member may assume this vacancy, however cannot hold a position in more than one (1) Officer or Board of Directors role at any time. For any vacancies remaining, the voting membership shall elect a voting member in good standing as a successor to hold office only for the remainder of the unexpired term. 

5.6 QUORUM 

A Quorum shall be constituted of six (6) or more Board members with a mix of both Executive Board and Board of Directors members, and including either the President or President-Elect, or both. If the number of Board members is less than ten (10), then a majority which is one over half the remaining Board members, will constitute a quorum. 

5.7 COMPENSATION 

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

5.8 PRESIDENT 

5.8 (a) Duties ofthe President: 

5.8 (a.1)The President shall be the chief elected officer of SDNAHN. The President shall preside at all general membership and Board of Directors meetings or will notify the President-Elect if unable to attend. 

5.8 (a.2)The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee. 

5.8 (a.3)The President shall perform all such duties as are incident to the office or that may be assigned to the President by the Board. 

5.8 (a.4) The President shall be the Chairperson of the Bylaws committee while in term. 

5.8 (b) Duties ofthe President shall include: 

(b.1) Lead each General Membership and Board of Directors meeting. 

(b.2) Develop the agenda for each General Membership and Board of Directors meeting. 

(b.3) Attend the annual NAHN Conference and Conference Business Meeting as Chapter President as able. 

(b.4) Be responsible for the recruitment and retention of SDNAHN members. 

(b.5) Each January, collaborate with the Treasurer for the creation of an annual Operating Budget and complete allotments of monies to SDNAHN’s Scholarship Fund. 

(b.6) Lead and assist other Board members in maintaining current and developing new SDNAHN relationships with community organizations, businesses and healthcare systems for the benefit of the local community, and to secure volunteerism events and sponsors.

(b.7) Be present at fellow nursing organization scholarship events, community events and other functions where the President is expected to participate. 

(b.8) Provide a written President’s Message and photo of self for the annual scholarship program book. 

(b.9) Be a Presenter at the annual scholarship event. 

(b.10) Assist in the creation of the scholarship event program book. 

(b.11) Have access to the SDNAHN storage unit and provide access as necessary to selected Officers and Board of Directors members. 

(b.12) Have shared access with the Corresponding Secretary, of the Chapter email and Google Voice phone number unless otherwise directed to another Officer and said Officer accepts responsibility for possession, maintenance and communication. 

(b.13) May complete bank deposits, hold a chapter debit card, make purchases, and provide all receipts immediately to the Treasurer. 

(b.14) May attend the yearly appointment to the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), with the Treasurer, to file the previous year taxes and comply with Federal and State guidelines. 

(b.15) Each President will accompany the Immediate Past President, Past Treasurer and incomingTreasurer to all banks/credit unions and complete the new election cycle “Change of Names” on all banking accounts and credit/debit cards with the current President and/or Treasurer. 

(b.16) The President will hold one mailbox key and may retrieve mail from the post office box for securement of bills, payments and mail. 

Section 6. PRESIDENT-ELECT 

Duties ofthe President-Elect shall include:

(6.a) The President-Elect shall assume the office of President upon expiration of the prior President’s term of office, or upon resignation or removal of the President. 

(6.b) Attend with the President or preside in the absence of the President at General Membership and Board of Directors meetings, Scholarship Gala, and at fellow nursing organization scholarship events, community events and other events where the President is expected to be present. If presiding in absence of the President, the President-Elect may invite another Officer or Board member to attend with the President-Elect 

(6.c) Attend the annual NAHN conference with the President as able. (6.d) Be the Chairperson of the annual scholarship gala committee while in term. 

(6.e) Seek official letters of recognition from SDNAHN partners, Mayors, Cities, et al for publication in the scholarship event program book. 

(6.f) Seek official letters or certificates of recognition from Mayors or Cities for each year’s scholarship recipients. 

(6.g) . Assist in creation of the annual scholarship event program book. 

(6.h). Have shared access with the President and Corresponding Secretary, of the Chapter email and Google Voice phone number 

(6.i) Collect orders of SDNAHN shirts, name tags, et al and complete orders with vendors. (6.j) Be responsible for the recruitment and retention of SDNAHN members.

(6.k) Be a Presenter at the annual scholarship event. 

(6.l) Have access to the SDNAHN storage unit. 

Section 7. RECORDING SECRETARY: 

Duties ofthe Recording Secretary include: 

(7.a) The Recording Secretary shall attend general membership and Board of Directors meetings and write the minutes, present minutes to the Board for review, and present minutes at general membership and Board meetings for acceptance. If the Recording Secretary cannot attend a meeting, this duty must be delegated to another Officer or Board member for completion. 

(7.b) Keep all minutes, papers, letters, and records of the Association in order, and in files for BRN audits of recordkeeping. 

(7.c) Present all minutes in electronic or hard copy format to the Accountant, for continued determination of the chapter’s non-profit status. 

(7.d) The Recording Secretary shall perform all duties as assigned by the Executive Board. Within seven (7) days upon completion of term of office, the Recording Secretary shall deliver to the new Recording Secretary all books, papers, reports, files, et al with a supplementary report covering all transactions which have taken place during the Secretary’s term of office. 

Section 8 CORRESPONDING SECRETARY 

Duties ofthe Corresponding Secretary include: 

(8.a) Issue all notices required by these bylaws or by resolution of the Executive Board.

(8.b) Check the SDNAHN email account at least one to two times per week and maintain current communication with external and internal stakeholders. 

(8.c) Maintain files of active and expired monthly membership rosters, maintain current contact information of members, and email renewal reminders to those members with expired memberships. 

(8.d) Be the Sentinel and possess full and unrestricted access, monitor and complete timely upkeep to the SDNAHN website and SDNAHN social media. The Corresponding Secretary and President may determine one knowledgeable and eligible active member to assist with website and social media upkeep if deemed necessary. 

(8.e) Maintain security software updates, platform updates and all necessary technology functions for the SDNAHN website and social media accounts 

(8.f) Update the website, website calendar and social media as necessary in order to maintain accurate and updated communication with all current and potential members and the community.. 

(8.g) Email all general membership and Board of Directors meeting reminders to active members and post meeting reminders on the Chapter’s social media accounts. 

(8.h) The Corresponding Secretary shall act as a member of the Scholarship Application Committee and assist in revisions and updates of the application each year, in January/February. 

(8.i) Email scholarship applications to the active membership and all San Diego County nursing schools three times per year minimum, at the beginning of each February, May and August, to incorporate each semester. Each fall semester, the Corresponding Secretary shall phone each nursing program office and verify that year’s contact person and email address to email scholarship applications for disbursement to the students. The Scholarship Application Committee Chairperson may also serve to email scholarship applications by using the SDNAHN email account.

(8.j) Before the end of each February, the Corresponding Secretary and Scholarship Gala Committee shall update all scholarship donation letters, event sponsorship letters and gala ticket/advertising purchase forms. These may also be in electronic format to be emailed to the active membership and potential donors and sponsors. Before the end of February, all gala forms shall be emailed to membership and emailed/mailed to donors and sponsors and should be distributed throughout the year up to the gala event. Hard copies shall be provided to the membership at the March and future general membership meeting for disbursement in person to ticket purchasers, donors and sponsors. 

(8.k) Receive all emailed scholarship applications and provide them to the Scholarship Application Committee Chairperson within five days after the application deadline of September 1. 

(8.l) Assist the Scholarship Gala Committee with maintaining contact with event sponsors, donors, ticket purchasers, venues, service providers, printing company and others, for the Gala program book and yearly meeting date postcards which display the scholarship recipients’ photos. 

(8.m) Assist in creation of the annual scholarship event program and provide electronic files to the chapter’s professional printing company. 

(8.n) The Corresponding Secretary shall receive all scholarship gala photos and display on the SDNAHN website, within the SDNAHN Facebook page photo album and on other social media. 

(8.o) Maintain quantities of SDNAHN marketing and advertising literature, yearly meeting date postcards, etc. and submit orders to the printing company when necessary. 

(8.p) Collect orders of SDNAHN shirts, name tags, et al and complete orders with vendors. (8.q) Have access to the SDNAHN storage unit. 

(8.r) The Corresponding Secretary shall perform all duties as assigned by the Executive Board. Within seven (7) days upon completion of term of office, the Corresponding Secretary shall deliver to the new Corresponding Secretary all technology, books, papers,

reports, files, et al to the successor. 

Section 9. TREASURER: 

Duties ofthe Treasurer include: 

(9.a) Shall receive, have custody of, and be responsible for checkbooks, credit/debit card, receipts and up-to-date recordkeeping, accounting and banking transactions of all funds of SDNAHN. 

(9.b) Shall deposit the funds of the organization in such banks and/or credit unions as determined by the Executive Board. 

(9.c) Shall ensure that all bills over $1000 have been reviewed and approved by the President or the Executive Board, and all bills are paid in full and in a timely manner. 

(9.d) Complete payments for SDNAHN expenditures to NAHN, vendors, venues, et al. 

(9.e) Shall provide timely reimbursements by check to any member of the Board who first receives permission and makes purchases on behalf of the Chapter, after receipts are provided by such Board member. 

(9.f) Shall make financial statements available to the Executive Board at all meetings or upon request. 

(9.g) Shall announce the Treasurer’s report at all meetings. 

(9.h) The Treasurer shall assume office after expiration of the previous Treasurer’s term. The previous Treasurer will work together with the new Treasurer until January 31 after assuming office. This is to be able to continue any work in support of the Chapter, such as finalizing any outstanding bills,payments, and taxes from the prior year.

(9.i) Within seven (7) days upon completion of term of office, the outgoing Treasurer shall deliver to the new Treasurer all papers, books, records, checks, credit/debit cards and monies of the organization, et al with a supplemental report covering all additional transactions which may have taken place since the last report of the Treasurer to the membership. Officers’ names which are allowed access to the BRN, Accountant, and on accounts such as bank or credit union account access and debit cards, storage unit accounts, insurance policies, etc. are to be changed within forty-eight (48) hours or as soon as business hours allow. 

(9.j) The Treasurer shall maintain the chapter’s hard copy check and technology-based payment options and provide a Treasurer’s Report including all incoming and outgoing financial transactions at each General Membership and Board meeting. 

(9.k) Schedules and attends appointments to the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The Treasurer will submit required information of the Officers to the CPA in order to comply with Federal and State guidelines, provide signature on tax forms, and all required needs of tax filing purposes. The President and/or President-Elect may attend with the Treasurer to file the previous year taxes. 

(9.l) Each newly elected Treasurer will accompany the newly elected President to all banks/credit unions and complete the new election cycle “Change of Names” on all banking accounts and credit/debit cards. 

(9.m) The Treasurer will hold one mailbox key and retrieve mail from the post office box, for securement of bills, payments and mail. 

Section 10. IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENT: 

(10.a) For two (2) years following the expiration of his/her tenure as President, except where the tenure was ended by resignation or removal, shall automatically serve as the Immediate Past President. 

(10.b) Shall be available for consultation and guidance and shall have no formal assigned duties, but shall serve as a member of the Board of Directors with all its rights and

privileges. 

(10.c) The Immediate Past President may become a Chairperson of a committee and lead and/or assist with events and volunteerism of the Chapter. 

Section 11. It is the responsibility of each Officer to notify all members of the Board in writing when such duties as set above cannot be carried out. 

ARTICLE VI – BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

ELECTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

The elected Board of Directors shall include four (4) licensed active members and in addition, will include the Immediate Past President, for a total of five (5) persons. 

Elections shall be held during each even-numbered year and before the month of October. Following elections, the newly elected Executive Board and Board of Directors members shall be announced at the Scholarship Event held each October, and assume office at the close of the Board meeting that December. 

Section 1. QUALIFICATION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Voting members of SDNAHN in good standing shall be eligible to hold a position on the Board of Directors. 

Section 2. TERM OF OFFICE: 

The term of office shall be two (2) years. Board members shall not be eligible to serve in the same position for more than two consecutive terms. 

Section 3. VACANCIES:

If a vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors, the Executive Board by a majority (quorum) vote shall elect an licensed active member in good standing as a successor to hold office only for the remainder of the unexpired term. 

Section 4. COMPENSATION 

The Board of Directors shall not receive any compensation for their services as such but may be reimbursed for their expenses. 

Section 5. DUTIES: 

(5.a) The Directors assume responsibilities as delegated by the Executive Board. (5.b) The Directors will assist in the recruitment and retention of members. 

(5.c) The Directors will assist in securing and participating in volunteer events. Each Director shall lead a minimum of one community-based volunteer event per term. 

(5.d) The Directors will serve as chairperson of a standing committee, and may also be a committee member of any SDNAHN committee. 

Section 6. 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 VII – COMMITTEES 

There shall be standing and special committees. The chairperson of any committee may appoint a co-chairperson to assist in the duties of the committee.

Section 1. STANDING COMMITTEES: 

The Standing Committees shall be: Bylaws Committee, Volunteerism and Community Outreach Committee, Awards and Scholarship Committee, Annual Gala Committee, Fundraising Committee, and Education Committee. 

Bylaws Committee 

(1.a) Shall consist of at least three (3) executive board members but no more than (5) active members who may be other executive board members or Board of Directors members. The current President shall be the Chairperson of the Committee. One (1) member shall be the 

Corresponding Secretary. The Bylaws Committee shall be appointed by the Executive Board in January of every even-numbered year and shall consist of five (5) voting members. Officers and/or Board of Directors members may also be committee members. 

(1.b) Bylaws will be reviewed, revised as necessary, voted upon, and published before December 31 of each even-numbered year. Bylaws shall be influenced by and mirror the NAHN bylaws as best as possible. 

(1.c) The Bylaws Committee shall formulate, receive and review all proposals for revisions and amendments. Proposals are to be submitted to the Board for discussion and further revision. The Committee is answerable and responsible to the Membership for following through with the request for amendments. 

(1.d) Revised bylaws are to be electronically presented to the Membership for voting action. 

(1.e) Once voting has been completed, the President will provide formal approval and the President’s name, title of President, and date shall be typed on to the last page of the bylaws for recordkeeping purposes. 

(1.f) The bylaws will be published on the SDNAHN website.

(1.g) The Committee will electronically submit a copy of each revised bylaws to the NAHN Board of Directors. 

Volunteerism and Community Outreach Committee: 

  1. Shall consist of three (3) or more active members who shall be appointed by the Executive Board and may include an Officer and/or Board of Directors member. The Executive Board shall appoint one (1) Board of Directors Member to be the Chairperson of this Committee. SDNAHN members in good standing may serve on 

the committee. 

  1. The chairperson may nominate an active member of SDNAHN who is in good standing, to serve as co-chair of their appointed committee. The executive board and board of directors will review eligibility and provide approval for a 

co-chairperson as needed. 

  1. This committee shall devise ways and means of promoting goodwill between the organization, other local nursing organizations, healthcare entities, community partners, and the public. Responsibilities include organizing volunteerism events and distributing notices, keeping copies of event literature, ensuring photo documentation of events, recordkeeping of event attendee participation rosters and volunteer hour records for BRN auditing purposes, and providing official SDNAHN letters of volunteer hours to volunteers. 
  2. Cultivate engagement of members, organizations, and sponsorships by creating and sustaining strategies to inspire membership communication, innovation, and social media visibility aimed to promote and uphold the mission and values of NAHN and SDNAHN. 
  3. Incorporates the use of different technological platforms to improve and maintain member engagement.

Awards and Scholarship Application Committee: 

  1. Shall consist of at least three (3), but no more than five (5) licensed active members who shall be appointed by the Executive Board, and may include Officers and/or Board of Directors members. The Executive Board shall appoint one (1) Board of Directors Member to be the Chairperson of this Committee. One (1) member of this Committee will be the Corresponding Secretary. Student members may not be a member of this Committee due to conflict of interest. All other SDNAHN members in good standing may serve on the committee. 
  2. The Chairperson may nominate an active member of SDNAHN who is in good standing, to serve as co-chair of their appointed committee. The Executive Board and Board of Directors will review eligibility and provide approval for a co-chairperson as needed. 
  3. Responsibilities of the Awards and Scholarship Application Committee include reviewing and updating the scholarship application on an annual basis, publishing the scholarship application on the SDNAHN website and emailing scholarship applications to all active SDNAHN members and all San Diego County area nursing programs by February, the beginning of May, and the beginning of August. 
  4. The Awards and Scholarship Committee Chairperson or the Corresponding Secretary will serve to email scholarship applications to the active membership and all San Diego County nursing schools using the SDNAHN email account and publish each year’s scholarship application on the SDNAHN website. 
  5. The scholarship selection criteria is point-based. The Committee will follow NAHN-based scholarship criteria with exception to criteria which limits fair and equal participation in the chapter’s scholarship process (i.e. additional points are awarded for published papers, articles, posters, etc. which are typically through higher degree level nursing programs). Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on the highest number of points of all eligible applicants. Ten or fewer eligible scholarship applicants with the highest scores of all applicants will receive scholarships as funds allow. 
  6. The Committee will select one next highest scoring applicant as an alternate scholarship recipient. This person will be notified if any other recipient is unable to fulfill requirements of

attending the scholarship event, or is found to have committed fraud within the application process, or loses good standing with the Chapter. 

  1. The monetary amount of each year’s scholarship will be determined by current funds, and shall be voted upon by each year’s Committee at the Board of Directors meeting each March. 
  2. Each scholarship recipient shall receive the same amount of scholarship monies as every other recipient. 
  3. If a scholarship applicant is found to have committed fraud within the scholarship application process, the application will be rejected and will not be considered in any way. Applicants must follow the criteria of the SDNAHN scholarship application or be automatically dismissed from the selection process by the Committee. 
  4. If a scholarship recipient is found to have committed fraud within any part of the scholarship process and has received any scholarship for any year, including current year, SDNAHN may pursue action for the recipient to return/refund this scholarship to SDNAHN. There will be no statute of limitations for this action. 
  5. Selection Process 

11.1. Prior to formally gathering for the selection process, the Committee will work to verify truthfulness and accuracy of all qualifying applicants’ 

information, including stated volunteer hours by contacting those entities where volunteer hours were stated to have been completed. 

11.2 Prior to formally gathering for the selection process and during the 

informal review of all applications, those applications which hold untrue 

information or are incomplete will be removed and not considered during the selection process. 

11.3 The Committee shall then gather and formally review all eligible 

scholarship applications during the seven (7) days after the September 1

deadline. Based on point criteria, the Committee shall complete the 

selection of the year’s recipients for SDNAHN scholarship awards and 

notify all applicants via email of their acceptance or rejection no later than forty-eight (48) hours from the date of selection. 

11.4 The Committee shall contact all scholarship recipients, use the 

professional headshot photo provided in the scholarship application, and 

obtain a short autobiography via email from each recipient for publication in the Gala program or virtual event presentation. For adequate printed 

program purposes, a photo should be 1 MB or larger in file size. 

  1. The Committee shall hold a minimum of two annual scholarship workshops per year to review eligibility criteria and to answer general questions about the scholarship application process. 
  2. Annual Awards and Volunteer Recognitions 

13.1 The recognition meal or event will be held once per year. 

13.2 The recognition may take place as part of the Scholarship Gala or as its own meal or event. 

13.3 This meal or event will be held to recognize volunteers, members and collaborators of SDNAHN and provide formal recognition and certificates of appreciation. 

13.4 The Committee will review nominations by the active membership and will select recipients. Findings are to be presented to the Executive Board of Directors. 

Categories will include: 

  • The Antonia “Tonie” Brown Award for Nursing Excellence 
  • SDNAHN Nurse of the Year 
  • The Latino Legacy Award 
  • SDNAHN Award for Outstanding Leadership 
  • SDNAHN Award for Outstanding Volunteerism 

Annual Scholarship Gala Committee:

  1. Shall consist of at least three (3), but no more than five (5) active members who shall be appointed by the Executive Board and may include Officers and/or Board of Directors members. The President-Elect shall be the Chairperson of the Committee. One (1) member must be the Corresponding Secretary. Student members may not be a member of this Committee due to conflict of interest. All other SDNAHN members in good standing may serve on the committee. 
  2. The Chairperson may nominate an active member of SDNAHN who is in good standing, to serve as co-chair of their appointed committee. The Executive Board and Board of Directors will review eligibility and provide approval for a co-chairperson as needed. 
  3. Responsibilities of the Committee include selection of the Gala date, time, venue, Speaker, menu, photographer, music and technology, decor, signage, marketing and advertising, Gala program book design, ticket and advertising sales, seating chart and any other duties to secure the success of the Gala. If a virtual event, the Committee will select the event date, time, video creation company or active member of the Chapter who will complete the virtual program, and take part in the designing of the virtual program presentation. 
  4. The Committee shall use a headshot photo and short autobiography from each recipient for publication in the Gala program or virtual event presentation. For adequate printed program purposes, a photo should be 1 MB or larger in file size. 
  5. The Committee shall market and advertise the Gala event, ticket sales, sponsorship and advertising to active and expired members, donors, sponsors and potential attendees. 
  6. The Committee Chairperson may contact area Mayors, the County of San Diego and/or official representatives to request and receive official certificates of recognition of SDNAHN as an organization, to be published in the Gala program book as well as recognition of scholarship recipients. Requests for scholarship recipient certificates shall be made immediately after the selection of recipients in order to allow for timely printing and retrieval from public offices.
  7. The Gala Committee shall secure the thumb drive/files of photos and video from the photographer no more than thirty (30) days after the Gala has ended. A professional contract should be obtained between SDNAHN and any service provider. 
  8. The Committee will include the President and Treasurer in all monetary decisions. 

Fundraising Committee 

  1. Shall consist of at least three (3), but no more than five (5) active members who shall be appointed by the Executive Board, and may include Officers and/or Board of Directors members. The Executive Board shall appoint one (1) Board of Directors Member to be the Chairperson of this Committee. SDNAHN members in good standing may serve on the committee. 
  2. The Chairperson may nominate an active member of SDNAHN who is in good standing, to serve as co-chair of their appointed committee. The Executive Board and Board of Directors will review eligibility and provide approval for a co-chairperson as needed. 
  3. Committee volunteers shall be plentiful enough to ensure the success of fundraising efforts. 
  4. Shall secure plentiful silent auction and opportunity drawing donations for the success of fundraising at each annual Gala. 
  5. Assist with fundraising efforts to offset the costs of the Mentorship program, and the Annual Award and Volunteer Recognition event.
  6. Responsibilities of the Committee include: 

(6.a) Researching, planning, organizing, scheduling, marketing and advertising each general fundraising event, with monies promptly deposited in full in the general banking funds. 

(6.b) Creating new and maintaining current donor relationships, and reaching out to past donors. 

(6.c) Maintaining and updating a list of written contact information for individuals, businesses, companies and others who have or may provide donations. 

(6.d) Seek the donations of direct funding, physical items, tickets, gift cards, gift baskets, and other. 

(6.e) Organize sales of opportunity drawing tickets and coordinate silent auction bids at the annual Scholarship Gala. 

(6.f) Collect monies at the Gala from opportunity drawing and silent auction winners and provide monies to the Treasurer for bank deposits and recordkeeping, with monies provided to the chapter’s scholarship fund. 

(6.g) Promptly provide thank you cards and/or Gala program books to donors, including mailing these items as necessary to donors who are not present at fundraisers or the Gala event. 

  1. No reimbursements or payments shall be directly made from fundraising monies. Any reimbursements for purchases, rentals, fees, etc. shall be provided through official means from the chapter bank account and accurately recorded. 

Education Committee: 

  1. Shall consist of at least three (3), but no more than five (5) active members who shall be appointed by the Executive Board, and may include Officers and/or Board of Directors members. The Executive Board shall appoint one (1) Board of Directors Member to be the Chairperson of this Committee.
  2. The Chairperson may nominate an active member of SDNAHN who is in good standing, to serve as co-chair of their appointed committee. The Executive Board and Board of Directors will review eligibility and provide approval for a co-chairperson as needed. 
  3. The Chairperson(s) may nominate (1) one or (2) two active members of SDNAHN who are in good standing to serve as Chairperson or co-chairpersons of the student mentorship committee. The Executive Board and Board of Directors will review eligibility and provide approval for the Chairperson/co-chairpersons of the mentorship committee. 
  4. Responsibilities of the Education Committee include: 

Responsibilities include: 

(4.a) Ensuring there is an educational speaker at each SDNAHN general membership meeting. A copy of each speaker’s resume/curriculum vitae and copy of each presentation must be acquired and kept in order to meet requirements by the BRN. 

(4.b) Ensuring CEUs are provided for members who qualify, and CEU certificates and speaker evaluations are provided to the meeting audience. 

.c) Providing and keeping sign-in rosters, meeting attendance and CEU records as required by the Board of Registered Nurses to maintain CEU certification and non-profit status for the Chapter. 

(4.d) Recruiting breakfast sponsors for membership meetings. 

(4.e) Ensuring room set up, greeting all attendees, securing attendance forms, welcoming sponsors and speakers at membership meetings, and ensuring room tear-down and clean up. 

(4.f) Reminding members to renew national and chapter memberships. 

(4.g) Organize mock interviews for nursing students

(4.h) Oversee Student Mentorship Program subcommittee. The Education Committee Chairperson may appoint one (1)- two (2) licensed voting members to be the Chairperson or co-chairpersons of this subcommittee. 

The Student Mentorship Committee is to foster meaningful and sustained professional relationships between licensed members and student members, for support and camaraderie, which will be driven by the needs of the students. 

Subcommittee duties include: 

  • Bi-annually recruit licensed active members to volunteer their time as mentors to nursing students or new nurses with six or less months after graduation. 
  • Organize a minimum of two annual program events/ mixers for mentors and mentees 
  • Provide onboarding documents and presentation of SDNAHN mentorship program ● Maintain records of mentor volunteer hours and submit to the awards and scholarship committee for annual volunteer recognition 
  • Collect resources for best practices in successful mentoring relationships ● Instill a culture of mentoring throughout SDNAHN 

Section 3. AD HOC COMMITTEES: 

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

ARTICLE IX – MEETINGS OF MEMBERS AND ELECTIONS Section 1. MEETINGS: 

There shall be a minimum of four (4) general membership meetings a year.

NAHN ANNUAL CONFERENCE, PRESIDENT’S MEETING AND BUSINESS MEETING: 

The President and President-Elect (or designee) shall be the representatives of SDNAHN to the Annual Conference and Business Meeting of NAHN. The President will attend the President’s Meeting. The President-Elect will attend the President’s Meeting if the President does not attend the Annual Conference. The President-Elect may attend the President’s Meeting with the President with prior authorization of NAHN. 

SDNAHN general funds may pay certain expenses of the President and President-Elect (or designee) for national conference attendance. Attendance may include conference fees, flights and one shared lodging accommodations at the conference. A rental vehicle and mileage, or mileage of personal vehicle may be paid if the national conference is held within suitable distance of the chapter’s location. Mileage reimbursement shall be in accordance with the national standard. Each chapter is to receive two (2) free student conference registrations from NAHN. Students must be active members in good standing of NAHN and SDNAHN to qualify for selection by the Board. The Board may vote to provide student coverage of flight transportation, or reimbursement of rental vehicle and mileage, or mileage of personal vehicle if the national conference is held within suitable distance of the chapter’s location. Mileage reimbursement shall be in accordance with the national standard. 

Section 2. ELECTIONS: 

(2.a) Only active members of NAHN and SDNAHN who meet NAHN-based voting criteria will be allowed to vote in any election of Officers and Board of Directors members. 

(2.b) The elections of officers shall be by voting through a secure electronic platform. 

(2.c) The elections shall be decided by plurality of the votes cast. Votes will be counted by the electronic platform. A tie vote shall be decided by lot within the Executive Board and Board of Directors. 

(2.d) The President shall formally announce the newly elected Officers/Executive Board and Board of Directors members to the active membership and on social media. This shall occur the following day after all voting has been concluded.

Section 3. QUORUM: 

At least ten (10) voting members shall constitute a quorum at all general membership meetings. 

At least six (6) of the ten (10) Officers and Board of Directors members shall constitute a quorum at all Board meetings unless the permanent number of Executive Board and Board of Directors members during a term becomes less than ten (10). A quorum shall always be one member over half of the total number of Executive Board and Board of Directors members. 

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 Bylaws. 

Section 2. The President and/or President-Elect shall be present at all meetings. 

ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS 

Section 1. Proposed amendments to these bylaws shall be in writing and referred to the Executive Board and Board of Directors and the Bylaws Committee within sixty (60) days prior to any general meeting. 

Section 2. The Corresponding Secretary of the organization shall cause notice of each proposed amendment, with the recommendations thereon, if any, to the Boards and Bylaws Committee. These proposed amendments are to be sent not less than five (5) days and no more than thirty (30) days prior to the general meeting at which the amendment is to be considered. 

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

Section 4. These Bylaws may be amended with previous notice by seventy-five percent (75%) of the votes cast at any general meeting at which a quorum is present. 

ARTICLE XIII – ENDORSEMENT 

Section 1. GUIDELINES 

  1. a) The SDNAHN Executive Board and Board of Directors shall determine the appropriateness of funding sources in concern with the Association’s purpose, existing policies, and the ANA Code for Nurses. 
  2. 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 and donations shall not imply endorsement of any product or service. The source of external funding shall be acknowledged publicly through appropriate means. 
  3. e) SDNAHN shall not claim support or sponsorship for any political party or candidate. Section 2. PROCEDURES 
  4. a) The proposed agreement shall be reviewed by the President or designee. 
  5. b) The form of the Association’s acknowledgement of the funding source shall be appropriate to the activity being funded. 

The President shall report annually to the Board on externally funded activities. ARTICLE XIIII – FUNDS 

Each year, the Board will vote on a percentage of funds raised during the previous calendar year to be transferred to the scholarship fund. A majority of the scholarship fund

at the board’s discretion may be used toward the scholarships the following year. A smaller portion of SDNAHN funds, not to exceed 10%, may 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 each 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 XV – POLICIES 

All SDNAHN members shall practice in accordance with any and all NAHN policies. 

Any request for policies from the national office shall be made by a member of the Executive Board on behalf of the Chapter and its members. The Executive Board shall request policy updates from NAHN to maintain knowledge of current and accurate verbiage. Policies shall be shared with Chapter members as needed. 

Any Chapter member who does not act in good standing and within the policies of the Association will be discussed with the National Association by any member(s) of the Executive Board. 

NAHN reserves the right to communicate with any SDNAHN member for any reason and perform as necessary to maintain appropriate accordance with professional behaviors of the Association. 

These SDNAHN bylaws will be updated every two years during the even-numbered year, voted on by the general membership and published prior to December 31 of that year. 

Updated November 2022 – Mollie Nunn, President 

Updated February 2020 – William Cardona, President

Updated October 2018 – Paloma Garza, Interim President 

Updated November 2016 – Robert Robledo, President 

Updated October 2014 – Robert Robledo, President 

Updated October 2012 – Cabiria ‘Bea’ Lizarraga, President 

Updated November 2010 – Monica Garcia, President 

Updated December 2008 – Paloma Garza, President 

Updated November 2006 – Maria Robles, President 

Updated December 2004 – Felipe Gutierrez, President 

Updated November 2002 – Lydia Stewart, President 

Updated October 2000 – Anita Holt, President 

Updated 1998, 1996 – Antonia ‘Tonie’ Brown, President 

Chapter Established 1993