Abstract
This is the last in a series of columns focused on sharing the Midwest Nursing Research Society’s (MNRS) 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan. The Society’s Strategic Plan was carefully formulated and constructed to guide our organization into the future. It is our roadmap for the successful attainment of meaningful organizational outcomes. MNRS is fully committed to transparency and ongoing discourse with the members. The strategic plan is a working document, and this series of columns was designed to inform and update the membership of ongoing activities. The Strategic Plan was officially launched in July 2023. We are almost 1 year and 4 months into the plan at the time of writing this column. The major goals of the 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan are to expand membership, engage members in the organization, support financial stability, and enhance our external relationships with key interest groups. The present column provides an update on the Membership and Engagement components of the plan. The major goals for these areas include the following:
Membership: Expand, nurture, and sustain a diverse and inclusive membership of scholars across the career lifespan.
Engagement: Engage members throughout the nursing community by developing pathways for education, networking, leadership, and collaboration.
The Membership Committee adopted 5 initiatives to be achieved by the end of 2026. These include (1) increasing membership by 10% by the end of FY26; (2) promoting representation of underrepresented populations to include the broad spectrum of the nursing community; (3) providing accessible, supportive services to members for the optimal member experience; (4) encouraging and promoting the scientific diversity of MNRS members; and (5) discovering and analyzing trends in membership to reduce attrition by 10% by the end of FY26.
The Membership Committee has been highly active and productive, focusing on enhancing inclusivity and engagement within MNRS. To achieve this, the committee identified underrepresented groups within the organization and collaborated with the executive office to implement new demographic and identity-based questions in the membership renewal process. This initiative allows members to self-identify, providing critical data to better understand and address diversity within the membership.
At the 2024 Annual Research Conference, the committee hosted a well-attended New Member Orientation. Given its success, plans are underway to offer this event again at the 2025 conference to further welcome and engage new members. In addition, the committee launched 3 new member groups: the Retiree/Alumni Group, the Deans Group, and the Mid-Career Group. MNRS intends to nurture connections and support professional networking across career stages, reflecting the committee’s dedication to cultivating a more inclusive and connected community within MNRS.
To enhance efficiency and effectively address its responsibilities, the Membership Committee has been organized into 4 subcommittees, each focused on specific charges outlined in the 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan. This structure enables more targeted efforts and ensures steady progress across various initiatives. The committee remains committed to fostering a more inclusive and dynamic membership by identifying underrepresented groups, supporting new member initiatives, and launching member groups to enhance networking and engagement at all career stages.
Similarly, the Engagement Committee has been actively advancing key initiatives aligned with its major strategic goal. These initiatives include the following:
Expanding opportunities for networking, career development, leadership, and collaboration within and across the RIIGs (Research and Implementation Interest Groups) and MNRS members.
Developing year-round, career-spanning educational programs that complement the annual conference.
Evaluating engagement programs to ensure their effectiveness and relevance.
In support of these objectives, the Engagement Committee successfully streamlined the MNRS webinar application form and approval process, making it more user-friendly and efficient. In addition, the Engagement Committee is developing a membership survey to gather data that will enhance organizational interconnectivity, identify trends, and guide improvements. The Engagement Committee is also planning a 2025 RIIG Orientation 101 session to support RIIG chairs by providing resources and guidance as they assume their roles. This session will be held during the 2025 Annual Conference, further promoting engagement and collaboration.
A key focus of the Engagement Committee is mentoring the next generation of nursing leaders. The committee launched a mentorship program open to all members, providing opportunities for professional growth and connection across career stages. A new cycle of this program will begin in early 2025. To complement the formal mentorship program, the committee is exploring informal mentoring opportunities, such as speed networking. This approach aims to facilitate short-term connections with content experts for specific projects rather than year-long commitments. Updates on this initiative will be shared in the coming months.
MNRS is very grateful to all members and the executive office who have participated in moving our Membership and Engagement 2023 to the 2026 Strategic Plan forward. Through these efforts, the Membership and Engagement Committees are working collaboratively to strengthen member involvement, foster professional growth, and support MNRS’s ongoing success.