Opportunities for Members

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Dear AWHONN Canada Member:

You may recall that the AWHONN July national vote included a bylaw amendment that if voted in would allow AWHONN Canada to disaffiliate from AWHONN as a section and create an independent uniquely Canadian organization. The amendment was passed by the general membership so the AWHONN bylaws will reflect the removal of AWHONN Canada as an AWHONN section.

Since this bylaw amendment passed, you will have 3 options. You may become an AWHONN international member, become a member of the new Canada organization, or belong to both groups. Before the change becomes effective, AWHONN Canada must become an independent organization in Canada. A disaffiliation agreement is in final stages and once all essential components are in place, the agreement will be signed. The organizational changes will likely take about one year. During this time, both AWHONN and AWHONN Canada will keep you apprised of the progress taking place.

Once the disaffiliation agreement is complete and the new Canadian organization is titled and in place, the need for you to make a decision regarding your membership will take place as your current AWHONN membership expires. Until your membership expiration date, you do not have to make a decision. Keep in mind that AWHONN membership dues are non-refundable.

AWHONN has always valued the many significant contributions of AWHONN Canada members to the organization. We welcome the continued participation of Canadian members through the new Canadian organization or as an individual international AWHONN member. As long as the criteria for the specific AWHONN project are met for participation, AWHONN members from Canada can be part of AWHONN's activities. The new Canadian organization would also want nurses in Canada to support the new Canadian entity. It becomes a personal choice for each of you.

AWHONN looks forward to a sister relationship with the new Canadian organization and to continue seeing your faces at many of our events including the national meeting. We also look forward to supporting the Canadian leadership in launching the new organization and continuing the spirit of collaboration that has brought us to this point.

Sincerely,

Luisa Ciofani, IBCLC, MN, PNC(c), Canadian Section Chair

Kim L. Armour, NP-BC, APN, MSN, RDMS, AWHONN 2009 President