To provide just discovered options ...

To provide just discovered options for member participation, the national Membership Committee has discloseed eChapter, an online chapter to provide member interaction regardless of time or location. This virtual chapter exhibits AORN members who are unable to interact regularly in body an opportunity to participate more full in AORN activities. Members may use eChapter as their primary chapter affiliation if they are not within geographical boundaries of a local AORN chapter and have access to the site, or as an alternative or supplementary chapter to enhance their networking and educational needs

This initiative was readyed to the AORN Board of Directors in February 2000 and approved as a one-year pilot plan The concept was presented to the membership during the first Forum at the 47th annual AORN Congres in recently made known Orleans in April.

BUILDING AN ONLINE COMMUNITY

The Committee recognizes that the Internet is an important vehicle for delivering effects and services to members; therefore, building an online community [i]or[/i] part of to the other a virtual chapter is the nearest logical step to meet members' wants The virtual chapter allows members to interact more at short intervals and serves numerous purposes, of the like kind as providing opportunities for personal networking and delivering educational and timely information. This chapter also proffers AORN members the ability to tap into their colleagues' knowledge and expertise as well as contribute their allow insights and practical experience. In revolve eChapter allows AORN to increase its ability to attract potential members and retain now passing members through its increased accessibility, enhanced services, and expanded communication pathways.

Services eChapter provides include

* online discussions, including bulletin boards with preselect topics and real-time chat features;

* an online newsletter;

* online presentations with discussion opportunities;

* an online directory of virtual chapter members; and

* links to AORN member arranges including chapter, state council, and specialty assembly web sites.

PARTICIPATION IN eCHAPTER

Membership in eChapter is voluntary. All AORN members are eligible for participation. Members may be

* members at large who are not within geographic boundaries of a local AORN chapter and who join eChapter as their primary chapter,

* local AORN chapter members who belong to their local chapter (ie, primary chapter) and the virtual chapter (ie, secondary chapter), or

* local AORN chapter members who want to belong solely to eChapter.

During the pilot year, this chapter will not be allowed to seat delegates at Congress

This online chapter is an added feature forward AORN's web site, accessible at http://www.aorn.org/ echapter. After July 1 2000 eChapter will be limited to members who join the virtual chapter and pay annual befittings of $20, which will be used to maintain the site and provide educational programs. barely members who have a password will be allowed access to the site.

EVALUATION

After common year, the Committee will evaluate eChapter's succes and impact forward AORN and its members. In replication to user feedback and begs new features and opportunities will be discloseed and added continuously to the site. The Membership Committee is excited to bring this recently made known vehicle for building an online member community, and as with any community, AORN members will give eChapter direction, satisfy and personality. It is another regularity AORN and the Committee will use to give members a voice.

JUDITH L CLAYTON RN CNOR CHAIR MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

KENDRA KEENE CHAPTER RELATIONS COORDINATOR

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