Make your vote count at MNA Business Meeting
Historic issues to be debated; bring your photo ID
What is the MNA's position on health care reform? How should the
MNA respond to the deterioration in quality care due to inappropriate
restructuring? Should MNA support a single payer health care system?
What should be the MNA response to pressing health care issues such
as HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and breast cancer?
These are some of the issues discussed at previous MNA business
meetings. This year the stakes are higher than ever, as members
will debate and vote on the historic issue of whether MNA should
remain affiliated with the American Nurses Association, as well
as on an increase in MNA dues.
The MNA Business Meeting is free and open to all current MNA members
in good standing and will be held held during the annual MNA Convention,
on Thursday, Nov. 9, beginning at 1 p.m. at the World Trade Center
in Boston. Click here for directions
to the facility and here for detailed information
about registration procedures for the business meeting.
You do not have to register for the Convention to be allowed into
the MNA Business Meeting, where admission is free to all members.
Members must have a photo ID to register for the MNA business
meeting.
Because of the tremendous interest in the issues to be discussed
at this year's meeting, we are anticipating a record attendance.
The first 430 members who come to the meeting will be able to be
seated in the main meeting room, while those that come after will
be seated in overflow rooms, where there will be viewing of and
communication with the meeting via videoconferencing. Whether seated
in the main meeting room or in an overflow room, all members will
be assured the opportunity to participate fully in the debate.
Those members who aren't able to attend the entire business meeting
but wish to attend that portion devoted to the issue of the ANA
affiliation are encouraged to call the MNA at extension 755, where
information will be provided as to the status of the business meeting,
and when the controversial by-law proposal will be up for consideration.
Check your August issue of Massachusetts Nurse, or click here to
review the proposed bylaws changes
to be discussed at this year's meeting.
Historic issues debated
The key issue on the floor will be a series of bylaw
changes related to the proposal calling for MNA disaffiliation from
the ANA. The intent of the proposal would call for the MNA to disaffiliate
from the ANA and retain the portion of the MNA dues that is contributed
to the ANA for use by the MNA.
MNA dues increase proposals
In addition to the issues of affiliation, MNA members
also will consider two dues increase proposals being put forward
by the MNA Board of Directors as part of a strategy to strengthen
the Association's financial future to cope with the challenges confronting
nurses and the organization.
One proposal calls for an across-the-board $40 increase
in dues for all members (collective bargaining as well as general
members). The second proposal calls for a $40 increase for all members,
along with a graduated increase in dues for general members that
would bring their dues up to parity with collective bargaining members
at the end of five years. It has been six years since MNA members
have seen an increase in their dues.
If there is another issue of concern to you that
is not being addressed by the MNA, the annual Business Meeting provides
a forum for you to present your own action report to the MNA members.
To learn more about the process of preparing an
action report, call the MNA Nursing Department at 800-882-2056,
x714.
Don't miss this opportunity to have a say in the
future of your professional association. Participate in the 2000
Business Meeting and make your vote count.
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