NANN

Address labels of NANN members by state
NANN membership applications
NANN flyers such as: annual conference information, updated publication catalogs, and extra copies of Central Lines (as available)
Information about speakers or resource professionals that NANN has used in the past
Chapter Update Forms
Chapter Awards
Information on NANN educational documents that may be used to facilitate education of chapter members and promote quality care of the neonate

The listing of chapter meetings on the NANN web site
Chapter news placement in the Central Lines
Access to the chapter listserv (CHAPTERnet)
Locating contact information for other chapter leaders
Chapter giveaways (as available)
Information related to calls for volunteers to participate on national committees
Providing information about National Neonatal Nurses Day
Continuing education credit through NANN
Communication with NANN committees and the NANN Board regarding issues related to care of the neonate
Information on how to publish an article for the NANN Journal or Central Lines

Start by getting the mailing labels from NANN of members in your area. This is done by calling the National office and giving them a geographic area or state you wish to cover. Also contact people with a neonatal interest in your area that are not NANN members, such as faculty members, NNP's, nurses in follow-up clinics, OT/PT's doing neonatal care, Respiratory therapists.

Then develop a letter inviting people to attend an exploratory meeting looking for interest in developing a chapter. Plan this meeting for a site not connected to a hospital, a centrally located library or a public meeting room may encourage attendance by people from a variety of work sites. After you have determined an interest in starting a chapter, contact the National Office for the 'Starting a NANN Chapter' manual, and follow the steps in this manual.

How do we write Bylaws?

Look at the Bylaws in the Organizational Manual and follow them. Very few changes are necessary since all chapters have similar goals and missions.

How often do we need to revise Bylaws?

Bylaws should be reviewed each year to assure that you are operating within the guidelines that you have set. Bylaw changes need to be approved by a majority of members voting. When bylaws are amended they need to be included in the paperwork required for that year.

What is the difference between a president-elect and a vice president?

The president-elect will take over the presidency the next year; the vice president is a role of its own with no further obligation after the term expires. Many chapters use president-elect to assure a smooth transition with the new president having worked closely in chapter management for the prior term.

Is there a set standard for officer terms?

Chapters vary from one to two years. Some chapters rotate which offices are voted on each year. These chapters have two-year terms and each year two of the offices are up for election. For example, the president-elect and secretary one year and the next year the president-elect and treasurer. This gives greater continuity to the chapter's Executive Committee.

How do we get people to run for office?

The personal touch works best. Have the nominating committee personally contact a potential candidate for an office. Even if the person refuses they may consider running in the next election. Chapters have more success utilizing a variety of members for elected office, members with prior experience working on a chapter committee are also greater assets to the chapter.

Why is it suggested that officers be from at least two different institutions?

This eliminates the potential problem of prospective members feeling that one institution controls the chapter. Having this diversity will improve the chances of your chapter having a long, successful life.

When do we need to submit paperwork?

After chartering, chapters must submit paperwork every year, this is to enable NANN to file tax forms for the entire organization. An annual update from the National Office needs to be filed with the National Office annually. A form for the updated report will be sent to the chapter president in late fall. The report is brief and should be returned to the National Office by the designated date (early in the following year).

How often should we meet?

Frequency of chapter meetings generally varies from 3-6 times per year. We suggest that you begin with at least 3 meetings of the general membership and then determine what the members need. Chapters that begin with monthly meetings frequently find that this is too often and decrease the number of meetings to keep the workload manageable.

Do we need to have a business meeting at each meeting?

Business meetings need to be open to the general membership, but the chapter can have meetings without doing business. A conference can be considered a chapter meeting and you may not conduct business at that time. The chapter should conduct business meetings at least once a year.

Should we have educational offerings?

Education is usually one of the purposes of a NANN chapter. Education can be provided through a variety of different means. Some examples of educational offerings include: conferences, one-two hour educational programs, self-study modules. Offering nursing continuing education credit may help with member recruitment, retention and participation in chapter activities.

Who should speak at our meetings?

Since NANN is an organization for nurses many chapters attempt to have the majority of their educational offerings done by nurses. It is a great format for a chapter member to get experience in public speaking. Panels of several members discussing a care issue are an interesting way to break in several members to doing presentations.

How do we obtain continuing education credit?

Please note that beginning January 1, 2004, chapters will no longer be able to have CE programs approved by NANN. We realize that this is an important benefit to chapters, and in order to accommodate chapters NANN will reimburse CE approval fees up to a maximum of $100 per year with receipts for expenditures. Many chapters use the resources of their host hospitals or state nursing associations for CE approval. For a list of accredited organizations that approve CE, please check the internet at http://nursingworld.org/ancc/accred/orgs.html.

Can we co-sponsor an event?

Yes, and this is a good way to begin doing conferences. NANN has a policy on co-sponsorship that assists with the details of the financial end of things. A chapter can not co-sponsor with a for profit educational group, but you can with another chapter, a hospital, perinatal or pediatric association, or university.

How do we keep finance records?

Many chapters have found that a computer financial record assists them in keeping records up to date. It is important to have a budget for the year covering expected expenses and income. These programs allow the treasurer to print a year end report that can be included in the yearly paper work.

Does the chapter need to pay taxes?

The chapter will be responsible for paying taxes on items sold as outlined in their state law. The laws vary state to state and it is best to contact the business tax department of your state. Many states require a resale license for the chapter to be considered tax exempt from purchases that will be sold (i.e., items that are imprinted with the chapter logo). Some states require gambling licenses for simple raffles. It is in the best interest of the chapter to check with the state business tax department to avoid tax concerns.

How do we start a Community Service Project?

Begin with a small project that can be completed in a short time, such as gathering baby clothes or blankets and donating them to a shelter or hospital. After successfully completing a small project you may want to find a longer-term project that you can work at for several months. Many chapters start relationships with shelters for the homeless or victims of domestic violence, etc. The chapters provide products or time doing services to the group.

What are some fundraising ideas?

Selling items with chapter logo
Conferences
Charging non-members for attendance at educational offerings
Producing and selling a cookbook
Garage sale with members donating items
Corporate donations

Chapter FAQ