SPECIAL SESSION: The Honor Society at the U.N.: Update on STTI Affiliations, Alliances and Aspirations in the U.N. System

Description/Overview: Presidents Carol Huston and Karen Morin shared a vision to commit STTI resources to achieve an official relationship between the Honor Society and the UN. In 2009, the UN Department of Public Information (DPI) approved Sigma Theta Tau International for association as an approved Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). This affiliation provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to obtain and disseminate information about the UN, to participate in UN programs, events and activities, and to become actively involved in the UN NGO community through Committee membership, leadership and activism. The STTI UN Advisory Council advises the Board about expanding our engagement with the UN System through collaborative partnerships with other UN affiliated NGOs, developing processes for chapter and member participation, and identifying strategies to facilitate participation of our youngest members. Our goals include the integration of a voice for nursing within the UN System, providing consultation re: policy and intervention, and promoting pathways for meaningful participation among individual members, chapters and regions., particularly in addressing the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the US and globally. This session will afford participants opportunities to hear the latest information and contribute their ideas and suggestions for future endeavors.