National Student Nurses’ Association

Bylaws, Policies and Procedures Guidelines for    Starting an Official NSNA Chapter

^{Basic Requirements for Constituency Status}

^{There are three basic requirements for a state constituency:}

^{1. There are 10 NSNA members in the school chapter by the annual constituency status cutoff date.}

^{2. The state bylaws must contain the areas of conformity listed in the Official Application for Constituency Status (the application is in Getting the Pieces to Fit).}

^{3. A state officer has signed and submitted the Offi­cial Application for constituency Status postmarked no later than the annual cutoff date. (The application is brought to the annual convention or mailed to NSNA headquarters annually).}

^{To start a school chapter there must be a group of students who work well together who have read the materials provided by NSNA, who have joined the association, and who are committed to learning the leadership skills needed to start and perpetuate the association. One of the difficulties that is frequently encountered by school chapters is the continuation of the association after the leaders who started the chapter have graduated. Therefore, it is essential that leaders are groomed from all nursing classes so that there is a continuous preparation of students to fill leadership positions.}

^{Before beginning the process of starting or reactivating a school chapter, do the following research:}

^{Ask for faculty assistance. Have a meeting with the dean or director of your nursing program to ask for guidance and support. The dean or director can recommend or appoint a faculty member to serve as an advisor for the chapter.}

^{Search for history files and bylaws...but don't spend too much time on this. Even if there was a chapter at the school you will probably want to start from the beginning so that the bylaws reflect the needs and thinking of the students currently enrolled.}

^{Assemble key nursing students who have expressed a desire to get involved. There must be representation from all classes. These key leaders should have read Getting the Pieces to Fit, this booklet, and other resources from NSNA before the meeting. NSNA will provide you with packets of information. NSNA is available for phone consultation and can put you in touch with key state student association leaders.}

^{During your strategy meeting, plan the date, time, and place of your general meeting for all students in the nursing program. Request membership brochures and other membership materials from NSNA to have available at the first meeting. The information that follows on the preparation for the first and second organizational meetings will provide the details of agenda setting as well as a script that can be used to run the meetings.}

^{The model school bylaws contain the areas of conformity in bold print. These areas must be included so that your school chapter can become an official NSNA constituent. The other areas can be altered to the needs of your school. Remember that bylaws are a working document and can be amended as the chapter grows and takes shape. Official NSNA constituents are eligible for delegate representation in the annual House of Dele­gates; awards and prizes in the various contests sponsored by NSNA; and leadership opportunities.}

^{School constituents are encouraged to participate in state association activities and leadership opportunities. School association involvement can lead to increased involvement at the state and national levels. One of NSNA's goals is to develop leaders. NSNA provides opportunities to practice leadership in a safe environment where students can try out different leadership styles, learn how to work together on projects, and interface with faculty on another level.}

^{Once your chapter is up and running, it is essential to plan interesting activities that involve as many members as possible. Community health projects, legislative and voter registration activities, fundraising events, Break­through to Nursing (student recruitment into the profession), and membership recruitment activities can stimulate member interest and involvement. NSNA has guidelines for planning and implementing these activities. Please see the publications list in Getting the Pieces to Fit for titles and ordering information.}

^{Please feel free to contact NSNA with questions or for guidance. Starting a school chapter is an exciting experience and you will feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment. It will give you self-confidence to go on to greater heights as you advance in your professional career.}

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