Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/197820
NewsBriefs_Sept 11/6/10 1:29 PM Page 9 Michigan Nurses Hold Convention, Unveil New Logo T MICHIGAN he michigan Nurses Association unveiled its new logo with a rousing video on Sept. 24 at the kickoff of its state convention. The logo ties MNA closer to its national union, National Nurses United. "MNA-NNU is building on the bedrock of the strength and power of Michigan nurses while standing in solidarity with our national union," said John Karebian, MNA's executive director. "Our new logo reflects these successes, signaling a new era in which RNs flex their muscles to transform the healthcare system, not just within individual hospital chains, but nationwide." "From now on, when people see our logo on signs, on our clothing, and on our letterhead, they will know that the strength of Michigan has joined a national nurses union boasting over 155,000 members," said Jeff O C TO B E R 2 0 1 0 Breslin, RN, MNA president in his address to the House of Delegates. "Since its inception in 2009, NNU has rallied for safe patient care in Washington, California, and Minnesota, organized nurses throughout the United States, and answered the call for nurses to help with the Haiti earthquake relief effort. MNA has been there at every NNU event as a valuable and respected partner." As attendees entered the hall for the convention, they were greeted by large panels describing MNA's five areas of concentration: organizing, nursing practice, collective bargaining, public policy, and politics. MNA's new logo was evident everywhere, from large banners on the walls depicting "MNA at Work" to the attendees' bags, to new black jackets for everyone. Over the two day period, attendees were exposed to the effect of health information technology and for-profit medicine on nursing practice, RNRN's work in Haiti and other locations, and labor initiatives around the W W W. N A T I O N A L N U R S E S U N I T E D . O R G nation. The annual MNA awards banquet honored nine outstanding healthcare professionals and featured Sen. Debbie Stabenow as a special guest speaker. The MNA-PAC, in a special challenge held on Saturday morning, raised more than $11,000 in contributions, and attendees heard from Michigan candidates David Leyton (for attorney general), Jocelyn Benson (for secretary of state) and Mark Schauer (Congressman, D-7). An integral part of the two-day conference was the MNA House of Delegates, which elected new leaders, approved resolutions, and heard various reports on the business of the association. Compliments flowed from members after the convention. Nurses spoke of their newfound desire to be involved and showed their resolve by paying the fee and reserving a spot on the team heading for Washington, D.C. next spring for the NNU Staff Nurse Assembly. It was a full 48 hours of nurse activism at its best. —Ann Kettering Sincox N AT I O N A L N U R S E 9