SPECIAL SESSION: International Leadership Opportunities: Sigma Theta Tau Needs You!

The mission of Sigma Theta Tau International is to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. One of the ways we celebrate and develop nurse leaders is through our election of committee members, directors, and officers, first at the local chapter level, and then at the regional and international levels. The Leadership Connections Conference provides a great venue for aspiring local leaders to prepare for movement into higher level leadership positions.

In this session, hosted by the International Leadership Succession Committee, we will discuss available international leadership positions for the coming biennium, including President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, two Director positions, twenty-one Regional Chapter Coordinators, the Regional Chapter Coordinating Committee Chair, members of the Governance Committee, and members of the Leadership Succession Committee. The qualifications, roles, responsibilities, and time commitments of each position will be described. Additionally, the individual characteristics and qualities that contribute to success in international leadership will be discussed. We will also explain the procedures for applying for positions on the international ballot and pursuing election; and we will talk about the interview process and the types of questions that are typically asked.

Myths and facts associated with the nomination and election process will be discussed. For example, members often think that advanced degrees or academic titles are required to serve in international leadership positions. However, any nurse with credentials qualifying them for Sigma Theta Tau International membership is eligible to run for an elected leadership position within the Honor Society. The strength of the Honor Society is dependent upon the diversity of the membership; and the long-term health and sustainability of the organization depends on its ability to hear the voice of every nurse.

The session will include ten steps to prepare for elected leadership positions. Finally, the session will end with time to address participant questions related to these processes. We hope that you will consider the next steps in your professional leadership journey; and then, attend this session to discover opportunities for expanding your international network and increasing your leadership impact by becoming an international leader through Sigma Theta Tau.