The Gamma Tau-at-Large Chapter (#089) was first chartered in 1978 at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and in 2007 it became a chapter-at-large in partnership with California State University, Northridge (CSUN). In the last 40 years, the chapter has inducted more than 4000 individuals to the Sigma. It has been the recipient of Regional Excellence Awards as well as the prestigious Chapter Key Award. The membership comprises of nurses and nursing students from diverse practice, education, and leadership levels who contribute locally to the mission and goals of the honor society of nursing. This presentation highlights the activities of the chapter to address the foundational pillars: leadership, service and research, to promote the Presidential theme of Connect, Collaborate and Catalyze and to develop strategies to retain members across the continuum of their careers from new graduates to seasoned nurse leaders.
Continuing with the way it has always been done will not result in a thriving chapter. A creative approach to the status quo and cultural norms of a chapter are required to ensure the chapter is relevant and meeting the needs of all of the chapter members, the educational institutions and the populations we serve. Change requires a vision, leadership, a plan and investment of time and resources.
Living the mission and providing a vision beyond the purple cords at graduation is challenging. There are many competing priorities for new graduates, and engaging them early and often can facilitate the development of enduring relationships. Recognizing that nursing is not monochromatic is essential, and the spectrum between new graduates and seasoned academic leaders is broad. Additionally, nursing has e a broad spectrum of drivers, things or causes that invigorate us to participate in an honor society. Assuming that the members will remain engaged for the name alone is in error. Addressing the WIFM (what’s in it for me) for each generation of nurses is the first step to meeting their needs.
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