As NAON approaches its 30th anniversary, it is a time of celebration, reflection, and preparation for NAON's next decade. There is certainly a lot to celebrate as a result of NAON's many accomplishments during the past 3 decades resulting from the commitment of many giving their volunteer time and energy to the Association. Reflection provides us the opportunity to recall personal events and relationships that have contributed to our personal and professional growth. Preparation for the next decade is underway by NAON's Executive Board. An important entity in NAON's future is the NAON Foundation.
The mission of the NAON Foundation is to support the goals and mission of NAON by providing funding for grants and scholarships to advance the specialty of orthopaedic nursing through excellence in nursing practice, education, research, and leadership.
Knowledge gained through education and research is the "foundation" for advancing the art and science of orthopaedic nursing care. Benjamin Franklin once said, "If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." Investment in the NAON Foundation is an investment in the future of orthopaedic nursing, with interest being paid many times over. The Foundation Trustees are pleased to announce the continuation of investors in knowledge for 2010 to be The Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board Congress Scholarships, The NAON Past Presidents Leadership Scholarship, and The Gigi Viellion Memorial Evidence-Based Practice Scholarship; instructions on how to apply for these scholarships will be provided the first of the year. Funding is being sought to again offer scholarships to NAON's Congress.
As 2009 comes to a close, making an investment can easily be done by making a donation with your NAON membership renewal. It's not to soon to be thinking about resolutions for 2010; why not include a resolution to make a donation to the NAON Foundation? Perhaps the resolution means giving a small amount each month, which by the end of the year adds up to a sizeable donation. Or, is there someone you want to honor or memorialize? A contribution to the Foundation is a meaningful way of doing so. Consider designating in your will a gift. All contributions, large or small, are appreciated. Don't procrastinate, "You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late" (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Because the NAON Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax deductible.
The NAON Foundation Trustees have established objectives to invest in NAON's next decade. We want to provide academic scholarships, a leadership development scholarship, AAOS educational conference scholarship, international member scholarship to NAON Congress, a U.S. member scholarship to an international conference, and a research grant(s) and an endowment of a named scholarship for a specific goal designated by the donor in addition to the scholarships already being offered. To accomplish our objectives, it will take the financial commitment of NAON members, physicians, industry, and others. "Building the Future of Orthopaedic Nursing" truly requires a joint effort!!
Invest today for NAON's and orthopaedic nursing's tomorrow!!