Goals & Objectives
The Diabetes Nursing Interest Group acts as the voice of the nursing profession for diabetes nursing in Ontario. Diabetes is a common chronic condition, and DNIG brings together specialist and generalist nurses from across the fields of practice.
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Cost of Interest Group:
$10 for RNs and NPs, free for undergraduate nursing students
Membership in the Diabetes Nursing Interest Group (DNIG) is open to all Registered Nurses and nursing students interested in the area of diabetes education and care. DNIG provides a forum for the discussion of issues within the diabetes care nursing community, contributes a nursing voice on diabetes-related practice, education, and research issues, advocates and lobbies at the provincial level on diabetes care, e.g., professional nursing issues and quality of care concerns from a consumer perspective, supports continuing nursing education relevant to diabetes education and care, and strives to establish a network for information sharing and collaboration within diabetes nursing and with other healthcare professionals.
The DNIG newsletter is produced three times a year to link members and share information about the group, to provide information on diabetes education and care, and to discuss issues and concerns in the area of diabetes nursing. Workshops and conferences are offered periodically to provide both education and support through networking.
Diabetes Nurses’ Interest Group (DNIG) - Bylaws
Passed November 30, 2023
BE IT ENACTED as a by-law of Diabetes Nurses’ Interest Group (DNIG) as follows:
Article 1
General
1.1 Definitions
In this by-law of DNIG, unless the context otherwise requires:
a. “ENO” means executive nursing officer of DNIG
b. “EC” means the elected executive committee of DNIG
c. ‘members’ means Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Nursing Students (NS) accepted by RNAO membership
d. meeting of members includes an annual meeting of members
or a special meeting of members; “special meeting of members” includes a meeting of any class or classes of members and a special meeting of all members entitled to vote at an annual meeting of members
e. RNAO means Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario
f. DNIG means Diabetes Nurses Interest Group
1.2 Objectives
a. To provide a forum for the discussion of issues within the diabetes care nursing community
b. To contribute a nursing voice on diabetes related practice, education, and research issues
c. To advocate/lobby at the provincial level on diabetes care (professional nursing issues as well as quality of care concerns from consumer perspective)
d. To support continuing nursing education relevant to diabetes care and prevention
e. To strive to establish a network for information sharing and collaboration within diabetes nursing and with other health care professionals
f. To make By-Laws as may be deemed necessary and advisable concerning the administration and management of the affairs of the DNIG, and from time to time alter and repeal any such By-Laws.
g. To annually evaluate DNIG’s Objectives for continued relevance and meaning for the members
Article 2
Membership Conditions and Meetings
2.1 Membership Conditions
a. Members of DNIG are those interested in furthering DNIG objectives as stated in
Objective 1.2.
b. Each member has applied for and been accepted into membership in DNIG
through RNAO.
c. Each member shall be entitled to receive notice of and attend the annual general
meeting (AGM) and special meetings as they arise.
2.2 Membership Dues
a. Members shall be required to pay annual dues to RNAO which will then forward
fees to DNIG.
b. DNIG will decide annually fees for the upcoming membership year .
2.3 Membership Meetings Notice and Terms
a. Annual Meeting: An AGM shall be held once a year which shall be fixed by the
Board. Notification of the time, place, and agenda are to be sent to all regular
members in good standing at least 30 days in advance.
Whenever possible, the AGM will take place in November of each year.
b. Special Meetings: The EC may, at its discretion, or upon the request made in
writing by a minimum of two (2) regular members in good standing, call a Special
Meeting, as needed, with 2 weeks notification via email. The written request for
this Special Meeting shall express the purpose of the meeting and shall be sent
to the President, c/o RNAO Head Office. The agenda of a special meeting will be
limited to the identified purpose.
c. Quorum: A quorum for any Annual or Special Meeting shall be the number of
members present, but shall be no less than three (3) members.
d. Voting: Voting on all matters, other than election, shall be by show of hands,
verbally or via email. Each member is entitled to one (1) vote. All questions voted
on, except the Constitution or Bylaws, shall be decided by a simple majority of
voting members who vote. Each member is entitled to one vote. In the case of a
tie vote, the President shall have a second or casting vote.
Article 3
Executive Committee
Election, Term, and Responsibilities
3.1 Executive Committee: The EC shall be composed of the Past President, President (or President and co-President), President Elect, Communications ENO, Membership ENO, Financial ENO, Political Action ENO, Social Media ENO, Student Representative. Additional EC positions may be added as deemed appropriate by the EC.
a. President - Communicate with the RNAO Home Office contact. The President shall supervise the business and affairs of the DNIG and represent DNIG during his/her/their term in office. The President shall be a member ex-officio of all committees and perform all duties incidental to the office. The President shall be the DNIG’s representative to the RNAO Home Office. Leadership in building a strong EC is required. The President shall preside at all meetings of DNIG and perform other duties as assigned by the EC.
b. Past-president and President-Elect - Communicate with the RNAO Home Office contact. The duties of the Past President and the President-Elect shall be as assigned by the EC and in the absence of the President, the Past president and President-elect shall perform the Presidential duties.
c. Financial ENO: Communicate with the RNAO Home Office Finance and Administration contact. The ENO shall keep or cause to be kept full and accurate accounts of all financial transactions of DNIG and shall deposit or cause to be deposited all monies and securities of DNIG in the name of DNIG in such depositories as may from time to time be designated by the EC. Issuing and signing cheques and arranging for a bank account are required. The Financial ENO shall also be responsible for preparing or arranging for the preparation of any necessary statements, such as the annual budget and receipts relating to the financial transactions of DNIG and shall perform such other duties as may be required by the EC.
d. Membership ENO: Communicate with the RNAO Home Office Membership contact. The ENO shall monitor member communications through the DNIG email account, the DNIG website, mail or telephone as needed. Responsibilities include strategizing to keep members engaged and welcoming new members and facilitating their involvement in DNIG issues, events and committees as well as identifying strategies for recognition of members within DNIG and RNAO Home Office.
e. Communications ENO: Communicate with the RNAO Home Office Communication contact. The Communications ENO will enhance the media profile of the DNIG and its work on behalf of the nursing profession and public good. Working with the Communications Home Office contact, customize RNAO
resources for letters to the editor, op-ed pieces; establish relationships with media contacts, and identify opportunities for interviews and media coverage. Assist with writing newsletters, announcements of DNIG AGM, and meeting agenda for distribution to DNIG members.
f. Social Media ENO: Communicate with the RNAO Home Office Information Management and Technology contact. The Social Media ENO shall be responsible to post communications on DNIG’s social media platforms and other duties that may be required by the EC requiring communication through the website and other social media platforms, e.g. Facebook, Twitter. The Social Media ENO will work closely with the RNAO Information Management and Technology staff to maintain an interactive online presence that is engaging and informative to individuals/organizations interested in diabetes support and management.
g. Political Action ENO: Communicate with the RNAO Home Office Policy/Political Action contact. The ENO will act as an ambassador for political action on behalf of DNIG at RNAO activities/gatherings. Look for networking opportunities with stakeholders, politicians, healthcare leaders etc. to dialogue, educate, advocate for DNIG objectives. The ENO will inform the EC of trends, issues, and opportunities relevant to DNIG’s Objectives and take leadership in providing feedback on emerging issues to RNAO Home Office.
h. Student Representative: The student representative will act as an ambassador to student nurses in Ontario and inform the EC of trends, issues, and opportunities relevant to DNIG’s mission, vision and objectives
3.2 Terms of Office: The president elect, president and president elect term will be one year in duration. EC officers and ENO’s shall hold office for a term of two (2) years following their election as per RNAO direction and timelines.
3.3 Powers of the EC: The overall direction of the affairs and property of DNIG shall be vested in the EC, subject to the provisions of these By-Laws. The EC shall supervise all publications and statements issued on behalf of the DNIG or using the name DNIG in any manner whatsoever. The EC may create, amend and/or dissolve projects and special committees as deemed expedient for carrying out the work of DNIG.
3.4 Meetings of the EC: The EC has minimum scheduled 3 meetings per year, on the dates prior to RNAO QPR, AGM and Membership Assembly in addition to an AGM and in addition to any additional special meetings deemed necessary for completion business. The AGM shall be scheduled in November of each year, whenever possible. Additional meetings of the EC may be held at the behest of the President or shall be on direction in writing, of two (2) members of the EC, as needed. The president or a designate shall preside at and chair all meetings of the EC. Meeting date notification will be sent by the President fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled meeting.
3.5 Quorum: Three (3) members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the EC, with fifteen (15) days notice having been provided, when possible.
3.6 Voting: A vote of not less than a majority (50% plus 1) of EC present shall be required for passage of any matter before a meeting. Voting shall be by show of hands or verbally with each member entitled to one (1) vote. In the case of a tie vote, the President shall have a second or casting vote.
3.7 Vacancies: Should a vacancy occur, the EC shall appoint a member to fill the position for the remainder of the term.
3.8 Signing Officers: The signing officers of DNIG shall be the President and the Financial ENO, or an appointed Board designate, who is aware of generally accepted accounting principles. In the case of special circumstances an electronic signature of the President or appointed Board designate will be accepted.
3.9 Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of DNIG shall be the RNAO business year, November 1 to
October 31.
3.10 Year-end Reporting to RNAO:
Reporting will be submitted to RNAO, by the President. The president will request action updates, in writing, from other EC, 15 days prior to the due date of the RNAO year end IG reporting.
3.11 Representation at RNAO’s Annual Events
EC members are expected to attend RNAO events as follows, and if needed, alternates may be appointed by the President.
a. Queens Park and Spring Assembly: President and Political Action (1)
a. Annual RNAO AGM: President and Communication ENO
b. RNAO Fall Assembly: President and Membership ENO
3.12 Duties of the EC
a. Duties of EC members as defined above must be met in order to remain in good standing as an EC member.
b. Duties of the EC positions may be modified by the EC as needed in order to address changing objectives of the DNIG.
Article 4
Accountability
4.1. RNAO Reporting
A report of activities, including a financial statement, shall be provided to the RNAO and each DNIG member annually, at DNIG AGM and with Member’s Voices submission in October. In addition regular members' voices shall also include at a minimum, actions completed pertaining to each objective.
4.2. Attendance
EC members shall faithfully serve RNAO in a fair and just manner. Any EC member who misses 3 consecutive meetings without due cause or notice, or who is unable to fulfill their duties as set out in the bylaws will be reviewed by the EC. Notice of termination of an EC member will be determined by the discretion of the EC and will be given by the President.
4.3. Funding
a. EC may use funds to be able to hold an AGM, 3 meetings per year, and special meetings, including meeting/webinar costs and social media costs.
b. EC shall consult with the membership if possible, for use of funds or if funds are used without a consultation process, the membership will be notified in the annual financial statement.
c. DNIG EC members who attend events representing DNIG such as the RNAO AGM and Queens Park Day will have their costs not covered by RNAO reimbursed by DNIG.
Article 5
Committees
The EC shall have the power to create such committees as it may from time to time deem advisable. The membership and terms of reference for these committees are to be decided by the EC.
Article 6
Parliamentary Authority
Rules of Order: Robert’s Rules of Order – Current Edition.
Article 7
By-law Amendments
7.1 By-law Amendments
This By-law may be added to, altered, repealed or amended at the AGM by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast provided that the notice of such AGM has been advertised that such amendments would be dealt with at that time.
7.2 This By-law shall be adjusted accordingly to meet agreed upon criteria of RNAO.
Article 8
Property
8.1. Property
The office of the DNIG will be situated in the home of the President or the appointed designate.
8.2 Interest in Property
All interest in the property of DNIG of persons resigning or otherwise ceasing to be members shall remain vested in the DNIG
Article 9
Audit
The accounts of DNIG shall have an external audit done annually prior to the AGM, upon
request of RNAO.