Five Reasons to Vote

With the presidential election occupying every minute of media time and the collective angst of voters about what what’s wrong with Washington, it may be tempting to think that your vote will not make a difference. While voting for your elected officials is a vital social responsibility, there is one other place where your vote really counts, and that is America’s Blood Centers.

This year ABC members will be called upon to vote on several issues of strategic importance to the organization as a whole. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the issues prior to attending the Annual Meeting in Jacksonville, Fla., March 12-14, so that you are prepared to voice your opinion by exercising your vote. 

ABC’s member-driven committees have proposed several bylaws revisions which reflect the changing landscape of the blood community and its impact on ABC and its members. Among them, the Membership Committee is proposing a revision of the definition of what constitutes an active member. The Nominating Committee seeks more flexibility for the committee to ensure that the board composition is balanced between small, medium, and large centers. Meanwhile, the Dues Taskforce, after more than two years of deliberation, will be asking for approval of a voting methodology that, along with a new dues model, represents a transparent and equitable approach to dues and voting. Additionally, your board of directors proposes to add quality education offerings, reduce duplication of meetings, and increase member value by incorporating ADRP as a division within ABC. Last but not least, do not forget to watch for ABC’s board of directors ballot and elect the very best leaders to position ABC to move forward. 

Stay tuned for the details of these proposals in the coming weeks via theABC Newsletterand MCN announcements. Watch for your opportunity to participate in the discussion via two webinars to be held later this month and consider attending the Bylaws Hearing at the Annual Meeting. Do not hesitate to contact me or any member of your board of directors with any questions along the way once you have reviewed the materials and digested the proposals. We are here to serve you. 

When all is said and done, you can register your vote by either proxy or in person at the Member Meeting next month. Your voice does count at ABC and we need you to make your voice heard.

Christine Zambricki, DNAP, CRNA, FAAN; Chief Executive Officer;czambricki@americasblood.org