Paths to global health

The 40th Biennial Convention of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) was exciting, full of challenges and celebrations! Several things captured my attention, and I want to invite action by sharing some reflections and resources with you.

First, I admire and appreciate the fact that the House of Delegates voted in favor of a resolution to support the United Nations Millenium Goals. I first learned of the Millenium Project when I became interested in future studies. Nurses are ideal leaders and can exert influence in millenium goal achievement. In fact, with regard to research methods and health, several resources are available to support teaching and learning about the millenium goals.

What is most exciting is President Karen Morin’s call to action: Connecting through knowledge for global health. When you combine and cross-reference the 2009-11 presidential call to action with the Millenium Project, you realize that nurses can and do make a difference on a global scale.

Another exciting development is the honor society’s intention to seek associative status with the United Nations, another resolution that was approved by the House of Delegates. Past President Carol Huston notes that we should hear about the status of our application in December. Stay tuned!

Once STTI becomes recognized and actively engaged in more UN activities, the influence of nursing leadership will contribute even more to global health. How will you learn more about the millenium goals and decide what role you will play in supporting achieving achievement of those goals?

For Reflections on Nursing Leadership, published by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.