January was a busy month for the AAN Board of Directors. In addition to our regular virtual board meeting, the board members braved frigid temperatures and icy roads to meet face-to-face in Edmonton for our annual board retreat January 19 – 21. The main topic of each retreat has been ongoing discussion and development of AAN’s strategic plan. This year’s retreat focused on sustainability and advocacy.

Board members spent a great deal of time learning about advocacy from our new government relations partner, Alberta Counsel. We learned about the Legislature, policy development and what is required to lobby the government. I think we all agreed that there was a lot we did not know when it comes to advocating for nurses and the nursing profession!

The board identified three key areas for advocacy focus related to making our AAN voice heard. You’ll hear more about each focus as we move forward. Spending time learning about advocacy aligns well with AAN’s second annual conference theme, Our Voice. Our Time. The conference is May 2 – 3, 2024 in Edmonton and we hope you check out the conference website to register early for this year’s event.

I would like to thank the AAN Board of Directors for the time they spend volunteering to support and promote the Alberta Association of Nurses. Their time and hard work are ensuring a sustainable nursing association.

Board members, as well as AAN staff, are interested in connecting with our members. If you would like us to visit your worksite to talk about AAN, email us at [email protected]

Margaret Edwards

AAN Board of Directors President