So You Are An ASNA Delegate

Alabama Nurse, Jun-Aug 2003

Being a Delegate to a state convention can be an exciting experience but one that also has some inherent responsibility. As you may know, the House of Delegates (HOD) is the governing and official voting body of the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA). The House meets annually. Members of the HOD have a crucial role in providing direction and support of the work of the Alabama State Nurses Association. Delegates are elected to the HOD to work for the betterment of ASNA and the nursing profession. Each delegate is expected to study the issues thoroughly, attend each session of the HOD (including the Open Forums), and engage in active listening and debate. Also, delegates are encouraged to use the extensive resources and collective " knowledge available at each meeting to provide direction and support for the work of the organization. Such a commitment benefits the individual delegate, the association, and the nursing profession.

If a delegate in unable to attend the 2003 ASNA House of Delegates, his/her district nurses association (DNA) should be notified at once. When alternate delegates are substituted for delegates, it is the responsibility of the District President to notify ASNA of the change immediately.

Important information for ASNA Delegate Registration

Delegates are encouraged to register for convention in advance to expedite the on-site credentialing process. Full registration for Delegates is $185 for pre-registration, before August 29 and $200 after August 29, including On-site Registration. Full registration includes a Special AlaOne sponsored event on Wednesday evening, Thursday continental breakfast, Thursday a.m. continuing education, a box lunch, Keynote Address, President's Reception, the GALA 90th Bash dinner, three breaks, Friday Plenary breakfast, HOD, Exhibits and Poster Session. Utilize this special pull-out section of The Alabama Nurse to register for convention. Please note the cut off date for the hotel discount is August 25, 2003. ASNA has blocked a certain amount of rooms for this convention. Please consider that off-site hotel registration of delegates causes a financial hardship to the organization if the room block is not met.

To ensure eligibility for the credentialing process, delegates are required to present their current ANA member-, ship card and one picture ID at the Delegate Registration desk. If you do not have a current membership card, please contact April Bishop, Programs Coordinator, for assistance. Each delegate will be issued a name badge, a delegate ribbon, and informational materials upon proof of identification. The name badge and delegate ribbon must be worn in order to be admitted to the floor of the House of Delegates.

Please call the ASNA office at 1-800-270-2762 or 334-262-8321 if you have questions or concerns.