SPECIAL SESSION: Sigma Theta Tau International Global Initiatives

Description/Overview: The history of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) 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 of STTI undertaken since that time has led to the current Global Initiatives department. Focusing on the past five years, STTI has made great strides in its global advancement. For example, STTI has its first president, elected by the full House of Delegates, from outside of North America. STTI launched its first formal presence outside of America, contracting with a nursing organization in South Africa to specifically conduct work to advance the organization, under the auspices of STTI. STTI launched its first International Leadership Institute based outside of North America, with the Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy in Africa. Global regions were identified and Regional Coordinators elected from around the world. Six hundred ninety-seven institutions are now engaged with STTI, through 499 chapters, located in 26 countries. Currently, over 135,000 members can be found in 92 countries across the globe. The International Nursing Research Congress annually hosted by STTI is held in rotating global regions around the world. Over the past five years, this event has been held in Cancun, Mexico; Brisbane, Australia; Prague, The Czech Republic; Hong Kong, SAR, the People’s Republic of China; and now San Juan, Puerto Rico. Next year will be Cape Town, South Africa. And our Biennial Convention, held in the United States every other year, brings in STTI members and nurse leaders from dozens of countries around the world. The Global Initiatives department focuses on various strategic directions. These directions include work to support STTI through Educational Standards, Regulation and Licensing; Global Member Engagement; Global Expansion; Relationship/Reputation Building; and the Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing. This session will include discussion on STTI’s global initiatives, and invite dialogue on efforts to enhance member growth and engagement.