ASTDN Transformation Journey

The Vision ASTDN is a strong national public health nursing leadership organization that is improving public health and the health status of the public.

Purpose of the Transformation The purpose of the transformation is to work with colleagues and partners to build the infrastructure for ASTDN from an all volunteer supported organization to one that functions on a business model and supports a dynamic, cutting-edge and customer-driven leadership agenda for improving public health.

Principles to Guide the Journey Principles that will guide how ASTDN proceeds toward the vision include: Honors the value of ASTDN membership perspective, ideas and wisdom. Respects the support of colleagues and partners in achieving success. Acknowledges the rich history of ASTDN and how the successful work of the organization that has come before this makes this journey achievable. Aligns vision with policy, governance and fiscal accountability. Uses a collaborative, engaging, inclusive and transparent approach to designing, implementing and evaluating the journey. Fosters an environment of continuous learning that rewards risk-taking and learning from mistakes. Blends the use of evidence based public health nursing leadership with sound business practices. Focuses on moving from making decisions primarily by committee to making decisions predominantly through a business process. Builds organizational capacity incrementally to accommodate the opportunities to invite and accept projects that are meaningful to ASTDN and public health.

Communication/Engagement Plan Components of the communication/engagement plan to assure a collaborative, inclusive and transparent approach to the journey include the following: Create a special section of the ASTDN Website to post information regarding the transformation journey. Post relevant key documents and quarterly progress reports regarding the transformation on the Website. Include the treasurer’s report in the ASTDN Executive Committee (Board of Directors) meeting minutes that are posted on the Website. Use the ASTDN listserv to send at least quarterly reports to members regarding progress with the transformation. Invite comments from members in response to the postings on the Website and in response to the quarterly progress reports sent via the ASTDN listserv. Encourage Regional Leaders to include updates on agendas for ASTDN regional conference calls and meetings. Solicit ideas and suggestions from the ASTDN members regarding additional ways to inform and engage the membership in the transformation journey. Provide a mechanism to execute, manage and evaluate ASTDN communication plans for the transformation journey as well as other ASTDN communication needs.

Resolution for the Transformation of ASTDN Whereas, ASTDN was formed in 1935 and since its formation has provided outstanding leadership for public health nurses in the fifty states and five territories; and Whereas, public health nurses represent the single largest segment of the public health workforce; and Whereas, public health nurses are an integral part of the health care system in every community and are critical to the health of each community; and Whereas, the demand for public health nursing is growing in terms of complexity and scope; and Whereas, public health nurses provide essential public health services through a mix of personal preventive, community based and population focused activities; and Whereas, public health nurses are trained in all hazards emergency preparedness to be ready to respond to the community’s needs; and Whereas, the current infrastructure that supports ASTDN operations is provided primarily through the volunteer activities of the official state representatives of ASTDN, some administrative support provided by ASTHO and through limited contracts with individuals; and Whereas, the current infrastructure for ASTDN is deemed inadequate to achieve the vision for improving public health and the health of the public; and Whereas, the opportunities for ASTDN to operationalize a dynamic and cutting-edge leadership agenda call for ASTDN to embark on a transformation journey; Now, therefore, be it resolved by the ASTDN membership that the members of this body endorse the vision for transformation, the principles for guiding the transformation and the plan to assure effective communication and engagement of ASTDN members throughout the transformation journey; and Therefore, be it resolved that the ASTDN membership endorses the concept and direction for ASTDN to strengthen its organizational capacity and infrastructure, including the establishment of a national office and employing staff.