You might be wondering what is happening with the GLMA Nursing Section these days, or you might not have given this a thought!  After all, it is easy to relegate the GLMA Nursing Section to a once-a-year event that many have come to eagerly anticipate, and that provides a rich experience of inspiration and rejuvenation.  But the GLMA Nursing Section was formed to be much more than something that only happens once a year … it was formed to provide all LGBTQ nurses and our allies a “home” – a year-round “space” to be free of the persistent stigma that many of live with day in and day out, a means of connection with colleagues and friends and re-energize our commitment to the work we do, a network from which to generate ideas and actions to improve LGBTQ health.

So this year’s leadership team is committed to a year-round focus on making the Section an important and vital force for nursing and healthcare.  For starters, we are meeting every month using the Zoom.us video-meeting platform.  Our first two meetings were held on October 1 and on November 5, 2015.  We have set the following goals for the coming year:

1. Plan for the 2016 summit
2. Develop a finance plan, including exploration of additional funding, for the summit in cooperation with GLMA staff
3. Develop an accurate roster and budget
4. Meet all of the deadlines for GLMA board reports
5. Increase the engagement of the workgroup leaders
6. Develop a team of folks to manage the website and blog
7. Broaden the visibility of GLMA nursing
8. Develop a transparent and effective voting process.

As you can see, some of these goals are  pretty mundane – just taking care of business!  But others are focused on opening doors of opportunity for becoming involved – particularly # 5, 6, and 7 on this list!  We know that everyone is totally overwhelmed with many pressing responsibilities and demands on time and energy.  But we also know that for too long, LGBTQ health, and LGBTQ nursing concerns have been neglected.  So go back up to the list — and take a close look at # 5, 6 and 7!  If you can become involved in any way to help us meet these goals, please let us know!

Our monthly meetings are on the first Thursday of the month, so our December meeting will be on the 3rd!  You are welcome to join us!  If you want to do so, use the contact form on this site to let us know and we will send you more details!