Big Steps

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OK fellow nurses, the OJNA is getting ready to take some very big steps in the near future. We are getting closer to a time where we will be a legally/ federally recognized association, with yearly dues, a professional website and more great things that remain to be imagined and seen. If you are interested in becoming a founding member (read donating money to the OJNA) and/or interested in a seat on the board of directors, or if you are interested in becoming a member at large, who possibly would be one of the people to elect the board of directors, please be in touch with me at [e-mail] .
Without members taking the professional responsibility of financially supporting their professional organization, OJNA, much is missing. By having a professional website, those individuals who choose not to have a Facebook page, will be able to participate. All of the members here on this page will be able to formally request professional development days and to show their employers a professional website with strong support. Members will be able to list OJNA as a real organization on their resumes and not just as Facebook page. Local Chapters can be formed under the national umbrella. Regular continuing education will be able to be offered. Co-sharing with other organizations such as The Transcultural Nursing Society and Sigma Theta Tau with OJNA as an equal, professional participant will be possible. By organizing in this way, OJNA can be a tax-deductible professional association, ultimately with a newsletter and/or journal. It is time for everyone here, male, female, students, nurses, advance practitioners, etc. to move the organization up and forward, from strength to strength. That will take money and many hands. Yearly membership will be $100 and members of the founders circle will contribute $180. Monies generated from the contributions of the founders circle will help cover the filing fees to become a recognized association.

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President: (for now, that is going to be me) Ensures that an agenda is planned for each board meeting, Presides over meetings of the board of directors and monthly meetings, Serves as primary spokesperson for the organization, Signs specific documents on behalf of the board of directors and the corporation.

Vice President: The vice president may have no specific duties but should be able to fill the duties of president if required. The vice president may chair one of the specific committees listed below or has other regular duties, as determined by the board.

Secretary: Record minutes of all board meetings as needed. Keep records of all policies approved by the board. Maintain a calendar of OJNA events, including the date of the meetings. Keep all records in a safe place and make sure all documents are in good order.

Treasurer: Creating and maintaining the corporation's annual budget for each fiscal (financial) year. This responsibility includes presenting the budget to the board for approval. Creating,implementing, and reviewing financial policies for the corporation. Overseeing the annual financial audit (file taxes as necessary) of the association.

Membership Committee: Contact prospective members by phone or email to invite them to join OJNA. Contact all new active members personally by phone or email to welcome them to OJNA. Respond to disgruntled members' calls and solicit feedback for improvement. Contact delinquent members prior to cancellation and encourage them to renew. Greet and introduce new members and prospective members at meetings. Host membership open house/meeting for prospective members. Staff membership booths at trade shows and meetings. Plan and implement an annual member-get-a-member campaign.

Scholarship Committee: The Scholarships Committee provides assistance to undergraduate and graduate students, and
professionals in a career in nursing through scholarship money as budgeted by the OJNA Board. The Chairperson for the scholarship committee is responsible for the overall coordination and direction of the scholarships program. Committee members will assist with application process, publicity, and promotion efforts. Assist with the mailings and distribution of program correspondence accordingly.Review all applications and score them according to the directions of the scholarship committee chair.
Forward all scores to the chair by the requested deadline. Discuss applications and associated scoring via conference call or electronically and make final scholarship decisions based on a set criteria. Scholarships may also apply to assisting members to attend the annual conference at a lower fee, on a needs basis.

Continuing Education Committee: The purpose of the Continuing Education Committee is to identify and provide for the
continuing education needs of the OJNA members. Continuing education needs are identified through membership and conference attendee surveys, direction from the Board of Directors, and informal feedback and polling. The committee: Identifies desired topical areas and potential speakers and contracts speakers to fill the conference programs. Works closely with the president and vice president of the OJNA board in coordinating speaker agreements and conference logistics. Assists in the process of application for continuing education credits for program attendees.

Israel/Aliyah/ International Committee: The goal of an Israeli (or any other international branch) of OJNA would be to contribute to the existing nursing professional team via personal professional growth and group support. (co-ordinate with other nursing associations in Israel and abroad such as Hadassah, Lanianado etc.) A goal of an Aliya OJNA would be to encourage nurse olim and support their mainstreaming to the Israeli nursing profession.

Fund Development Committee: Helps nurture a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization, and assures that all donors of time and money are respected and honored. Through the fund development planning process: establishes the charitable contributions goals for the annual budget; devises the annual fund development plan for action by the Board; and, recommends results and benchmarks for action by the Board. Establishes task forces to carry out specific fund development activities. Monitors task force performance. Ensure effective administrative systems to track grants and donations As funding comes into the nonprofit, its various sources and amounts must be closely and accurately documented. Acknowledgements and receipts must be provided back to donors. Grant requirements must be monitored to ensure they are met.

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ojna.org

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www.jewishnurses.org