Abstract
I found a new opportunity and way of living after having bariatric surgery some years ago. I have found a home in the compassion and caring of the members of this organization and the conference and journal have been invaluable for informing my practice as a nurse, responsibilities as a mother, contributing to my parish as caregiver, and working as a childhood obesity researcher. More than focusing on bariatric procedures alone, this organization has brought to our understanding some of the theoretical, chronological, and discovery aspects of obesity; the causes and comorbidities for the disease, and the social constructs within which those experiencing the disease and their families and communities exist.
More than 1,000 nurses have joined the organization, and more than 250 remain active at this time. Many join, come to the first conference, and find a home for their work, fostering their understanding and supporting their day-to-day endeavors. Yet many fade away for a while, some returning after a couple years. We know the economic crisis of the last few years has taken a toll on our membership. However, the impact is finally taking a toll on the organization. Our stability and financial solvency are in question as I write this Update.
The NABN Board members have wrestled with these issues for nearly a year now. We have appealed for new members to join, contacted vendors, called on hospital administrators, and we are now exploring collaborative opportunities with organizations that have similar missions, foci, and content areas. We have members of the Board who are from various disciplines of the nursing, including those in clinical practice and those practicing in ethical-legal and academic settings.
Our membership fees have been kept quite low. However, as announced at the Annual conference in Nashville, we will need to increase the dues in 2012. Despite the increase in membership fees, the current revenue generated by active members is still less than the operating costs of the organization. Due to the budget constraints and the cost of hosting a conference, we have decided to delay planning for the 2012 conference at this time. The Board is continuing to investigate and consider different options, such as education-only conferences where costs are more manageable. We need to be creative, build revenue, and maintain the excellence and integrity of the organization.
So I appeal to you, the members of this fine organization, to think and progress creatively. Encourage our vendors, your vendors, to support the organization. Tell every nurse you know about the benefits of the organization and how it has assisted you to develop excellence in practice. Renew your membership in a timely manner and encourage others to do so as well. Cheer us on! We are a valuable resource to nurses and patients. You are our most valuable resource.