Phi Gamma is Sigma Theta Tau International’s (Sigma’s) only virtual chapter. The primary goal of Phi Gamma Chapter is to advance the mission and vision of Sigma in making a difference worldwide through the creation of a virtual network of global nurse leaders. Phi Gamma Chapter was chartered and received its coat of arms on the 10th day of June 2010.
Call to Action
Each biennium, Sigma installs a new president at the international level. At the 44th Biennial Convention, Phi Gamma Chapter member Beth Baldwin Tigges, PhD, RN, PNP, BC was installed as the 32nd president of Sigma. She is an Associate Professor and Regents’ Professor at the University of New Mexico College of Nursing in the US, where she teaches quantitative research methods in the PhD program. Dr. Tigges earned her BSN from Pennsylvania State University, her MSN as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from Yale University, and a PhD in Public Health and Social Psychology from Columbia University in the US.
Each president presents a call to action to help guide members and chapters striving to fulfill Sigma’s mission. President Tigges calls on us to “connect, collaborate, and catalyze” to advance world health. Phi Gamma Chapter is working to answer the Sigma President’s Call to Action.
Connect
Sigma’s vision is to be the global organization of choice for nursing. To do so, members need to connect with fellow nurses and partners and work together to share our message, opportunities, and accomplishments. They must make maximum use of cutting-edge technologies to digitally transform as an organization and advance the work of Sigma. Phi Gamma Chapter members and leaders are connected from all over the world.
Collaborate
To fulfill the Sigma mission, we need to be intentionally collaborative. By expanding our collaborative work with other nurses and partners outside of nursing, we can more successfully fulfill our mission. In part, Phi Gamma’s success is attributable to collaboration with educational institutions like Our Lady of Fatima University; other organizations including the Philippine Nursing Research Society and to the support of other chapters including Omicron Delta at the University of Phoenix and Lambda Sigma chapter from Indiana State University and those supported by Phi Gamma such as Psi Upsilon Chapter from Western Governors University.
Catalyze
To be the organization of choice for nursing and advance world health, Sigma must be a catalyst for action. Catalyze means to bring about, initiate, produce fundamental change, or transform. We can use our skills as practical, innovative, and visionary nurse leaders to transform global nursing. The chapter catalyzes member engagement in philanthropic activities. Phi Gamma takes part in the Sigma Theta Tau International Day of Philanthropy through its Pay It Forward initiative. In addition, Phi Gamma Chapter is supporting the UN global Sustainable Development Goals including Goal #6: to Ensure access to water and sanitation for all by encouraging members to contribute to the Phi Gamma WAVE Project: Water Access Virtually Ensured as a part of water.org.
Summary
Phi Gamma Virtual Chapter members and leaders are connected worldwide. The chapter catalyzes member engagement in philanthropic activities. Phi Gamma’s success in answering the Presidential Call to Action is attributable to collaboration with educational institutions; other organizations; and, to other supporting chapters and those supported by Phi Gamma.