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| Sigma Theta Tau International— opening doors to the future of nursing! |
The programming of STTI events always reflects the mission and vision of the organization and, even though attendees come from different clinical backgrounds and practice in different parts of the world, we are all striving to improve the lives of others. It is no wonder we leave these gatherings with lots of great ideas, positive memories and new connections.
My membership on the board of Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing has increased my awareness of the amount of work that happens behind the scenes to bring these events about, and I am in awe. I know that, for this event, STTI staff members have the convenience of being on home turf in Indianapolis, but the amount of things brought to and from these events is incredible. They make it look so easy!
Since I have the opportunity (by virtue of this blog), I would like to thank Lynn Lambuth, director of the foundation, and Becky Frey, foundation development officer. They are so passionate about the work of the foundation. I have really enjoyed getting to know them over the past three years. Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank “the man behind the curtain” for assisting me with this blog. The Honor Society of Nursing is fortunate to have so much amazing talent working to make the organization great. There is a part of me that knows they want to keep the nurses happy, just in case …
Making a difference with chapter philanthropy
What do you want to change or strengthen about nursing and health care in your community? Giving back is an integral part of nursing and STTI.
What do you want to change or strengthen about nursing and health care in your community? Giving back is an integral part of nursing and STTI.
I had the opportunity at the Leadership Forum to facilitate a panel session to showcase some of the amazing philanthropic activities of some of our chapters. I asked the 30 or so members of the audience how many had been sponsored by their chapter to attend the forum, and more than 75 percent of the group raised their hand. I was impressed! That shows the commitment many chapters have to encourage leadership growth of their members. If your chapter hasn’t sent some of your new leaders to Leadership Forum or other STTI-sponsored events, I highly recommend it, because those who attend come back energized and full of ideas.
When I was president of Nu Xi-at-Large Chapter, we had an expectation that those we sponsored would come back and wrote an article about their experience for our newsletter. It was a great opportunity for the attendee to write about their experience and it gave the chapter the ability to chronicle what had been learned.
Chapter leadership
Today’s sessions focus on chapter leadership. What does that mean? The title of several sessions point you in the right direction. They include “Understanding the chapter management system,” “Enhancing membership with service and knowledge resources” and “Retention intervention: Tips for reenergizing members.” Many of these sessions were presented by STTI staff. It is a great way for members to see the faces of the people with whom they frequently communicate electronically. From the perspective of the staff members, they are excited to assist members in any way they can to ensure a positive experience.
Networking lunch
Today also provided another opportunity for members to meet and discuss topics of interest to them. A few examples illustrate the options that were available: “Lifelong leadership,” “Steps to stop incivility” and “Transforming leadership.” Members I have spoken to find these networking opportunities a great way to connect and learn from each other.
Indy on my mind
Below is the view from my room at the Hyatt, looking over to the JW Marriott, where the 42nd Biennial Convention will be held 16-20 November 2013.
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| JW Marriott Indianapolis—venue of the 42nd Biennial Convention. |
I hope you’re making plans now to attend the convention. If you’re like me, you’ll stay in Indy a day or two after the event to take in the sights, if your schedule allows. While in Indy for the Leadership Forum, I found some great things to do that I’d like to share with you and to include, perhaps, in your list of things to see and do when in Indianapolis.
Below is the sculpture that sits just outside the JW Marriott. Most people think it is a giant red checkmark, but it is called “The Cardinal.” It’s approximately 36 feet tall and 50 feet long and, when viewed from above, you can see that it looks like a cardinal perched on a tulip-tree branch, which is formed by the stonework in the plaza. It’s a tribute to the Indiana state bird and tree. I walked down to the sculpture last night to take this picture, and I have to say it is quite stunning.
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| The Cardinal |
Tourist attractions are great, but there’s no better way to experience a place than to see it through the eyes of the people who call it home. In Indianapolis, your best bet for a "local" experience is to venture out to one of their six distinct cultural districts. Each district has a personality and flare all its own, so you'll have to figure out which best fits your personality. For additional ideas, visit http://visitindy.com/.
Mass Ave–Mass Ave, Indy’s arts and theater district, draws creative people to its eclectic offerings of live theater, music venues and trendy galleries. It's a place where people live and work amid memorable architecture and style, alongside the city's most historic and urban neighborhoods. If you're looking for locally owned shops and restaurants, this is the place to be.
Broad Ripple Village–Located six miles north of downtown, Broad Ripple Village boasts a thriving art scene and street life with shops, historic buildings and parks in charming, walkable neighborhoods nestled among beautiful greenways and waterways. By night, it pulses with the beat of the most original music venues and nightlife destinations in the city.
Fountain Square–This historic neighborhood has a town square and central fountain that remind you of a European village. The thriving artist community blends retro and new art influences in its architecture and style, creating a funky mix of independent, one-of-a-kind destinations.
The Canal and White River State Park–This is Indiana's museum and cultural attractions corridor. The 250-acre park and canal feature the world-class Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, Indiana State Museum and IMAX Theater, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, NCAA Hall of Champions, Victory Field (baseball) and the south portal to the Central Canal. It's a package of tremendous art, history, recreation, leisure and sports, all showcased along a beautifully restored urban waterway.
The Wholesale District–This district is a vibrant entertainment center with great shopping (Circle Centre mall), signature restaurants, lively entertainment and quality hotel accommodations, all within easy walking distance of each other! Visitors rave about the cultural events and performances, the historic architecture and the friendly, inviting hospitality.
Indiana Avenue–This cultural district encompasses the most historically rich commercial district for Indianapolis' African-American community. The area is known for history and heritage, jazz music and restored neighborhoods. Its cornerstone is the Madame Walker Theatre Center.
Upcoming STTI events
In addition to the Biennial Convention, scheduled for November 2013, here are to other important STTI events to add to your calendar for next year:
- Creating Healthy Work Environments, 12-14 April 2013, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- 24th International Nursing Research Congress, 22-26 July 2013, Prague, Czech Republic
Back to the forum
Below is Anne Bye, RN, BSN, president-elect of Gamma Chapter. Her poster provided some great ideas on ways to create a chapter community service committee. It’s exciting to see another nurse leader doing wonderful things at the local level. Anne, along with others who were present today, is fortunate to have a venue such as this to share their work. I am a firm believer in not inventing new wheels but improving them!
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| Anne Bye |
I caught Jessica Wendorf, an STTI staff member, Abby Heydman, PhD, RN, Region 1 coordinator, and Nelly Garzon, MSN, RN, global regional coordinator, Latin and South America/Caribbean. discussing the many values of STTI membership. See photo below.
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| Jessica Wendorf, Abby Heydman and Nelly Garzon |
We saved the best for last. Today, Patricia Thompson, EdD, RN, FAAN, chief executive officer of Sigma Theta Tau International, spoke about what it means to be a member of STTI. She reminded us that it is an honor and a responsibility to keep the mission, vision and values of the organization alive in our everyday practice.
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| Patricia "Pat" Thompson |
As a past president of STTI, Thompson is keenly aware of the challenges of that role, and it is clear that she provides exceptional support to each president. We are so fortunate to have such a leader. By virtue of her passion and loyalty to this organization and the profession, she provides the leadership necessary to advance our mission.
Thanks also go out to President Suzanne Prevost, whose call to action, “Give back to move forward,” set the stage for us to continue pursuing our Vision 2020 goals. Prevost has been involved with STTI for more than 25 years, and her commitment to the organization is phenomenal. Whether it is time or money (or both), giving back is essential if we are to continue growing the profession and our organization.
Our founders chose the name of our organization from the Greek words storgé, tharsos and time, meaning love, courage and honor. Ninety years later, these words still hold great meaning for our work. Be sure to check the STTI Web site regularly to learn more about what your chapter can do to celebrate our 90-year anniversary.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Remember, if it’s gonna be, it’s up to me!!
For Reflections on Nursing Leadership (RNL), published by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.
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