Sigma's Member Engagement: Global Initiatives Programs to Strengthen the Member Experience

The history of Sigma Theta Tau International (Sigma) is varied and rich. It includes a deliberate decision to become international, including global expansion, which was formalized at the 1985 Biennial Convention in Indianapolis, when the House of Delegates voted to add “International” to Sigma Theta Tau’s name. The international work Sigma has undertaken since that time has led to the current Global Initiatives department.

Sigma’s Global Initiatives Department exists to enhance the organization’s reach, impact, and participation within the global healthcare community. To better reach that goal, the department has identified five global initiatives: Global Expansion; the Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing; Relationship Building; Member Engagement and Member Growth. This session will focus on the member engagement initiative, which involves working closely with Sigma members around the world to identify current and prospective opportunities to develop and/or engage in various programs and events related to leadership, education, scholarship, policy, practice, and service.

Over the last few years, Sigma has launched new programs to engage members. In 2016, the Institute for Global Healthcare Leadership was created to develop innovative leaders in all fields of healthcare. Participation in the Institute for Global Healthcare Leadership prepares healthcare leaders to effectively work in and/or lead major health initiatives, public health departments, public or private organizations, and global programs, thereby directly and indirectly improving the health of people worldwide. This Institute has been held for the past four years, in Washington, DC and London, United Kingdom.

Sigma chapters complete at least two programs per fiscal year, to be compliant with the organization’s International Bylaws. It is important that chapters provide meaningful programs for members to keep them engaged and involved with the organization. Chapter leaders are charged with creating these programs. However, as volunteers with many other responsibilities, the requirement of completing two programs is not always easily achieved.