Starting an AANN Chapter
Organizing an AANN chapter is an important step toward developing and maintaining the professional skills necessary to meet the increasing demands of neuroscience nursing. There are social benefits as well. Bringing together neuroscience nurses in the community helps build a personal as well as professional network.
First Steps
- Get a core group of individuals interested in working with you.
- Set a date for a meeting.
- Solicit interest in membership—post notices at facilities, do a mailing, contact drug and medical supply companies, send press releases.
- Draw up an agenda for your meeting. The following are important issues that you will need to discuss:
- Chapter name
- Goals of the chapter
- Officers—can be temporary at this point
- Committees
- Next meeting
- Approve chapter bylaws—Read them over and see if you would like to make any changes or additions. Your officers should vote to approve their bylaws. Sample bylaws can be found here (requires Members Only log-in).
- Once you have a group that is serious about starting the chapter, you should call the local IRS office for an EIN Number (identification number that will use to open a bank account, and for tax records).
Fill out the chapter charter application, and submit it to the AANN office with a copy of your bylaws, and initial membership list. The AANN Board of Directors will vote on your chapter charter at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
All documents required for starting an AANN Chapter are available for download on the Chapter Leader Resources page.