Message from Dr. Carole Robinson (Canada), IFNA President (2015-2017)

July 2017

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It has been my honor and privilege to have served you and the International Family Nursing Association (IFNA) over the last two years. I am excited (as well as a bit sad) to be stepping into the Past-President position on the IFNA Board of Directors. We have such a strong and committed board led by your new President Jane Lasseter and President Elect Sonja Meiers; IFNA is well positioned to build on the momentum of the last few years in even more creative directions.

We have made major strides as a result of the dedication and hard work of so many of you. To recap, here are a few accomplishments:

1. Our strategic plan, which was completed in an innovative collaborative partnership between the IFNA Board of Directors and the Standing Committees: https://internationalfamilynursing.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/IFNA_StrategicPlan_Revise-FINAL-APPROVED.pdf
2. A new process for terms of reference for each IFNA Standing Committee based on initiatives aligned with the strategic plan.
3. The formation of an IFNA ad hoc committee of ‘Committee co-Chairs’ led by Kathryn Anderson and myself to enhance the synergy between IFNA committees and brainstorm ways for IFNA to become more active in promoting family nursing globally.
4. Revision of the IFNA bylaws to better reflect our structure and governance requirements.
5. Development and systematic dissemination of ground breaking IFNA Position Statements: https://internationalfamilynursing.org/association-information/position-statements/
6. A successful 3^rd official meeting of IFNA and gathering of the clan at IFNC13.  

At this time in history when the health and wellbeing of families is threatened by war, displacement, and many forms of extremism, each and every family we touch with knowledge and skill in a relationship of respect, curiosity, non-judgement, and compassion has the potential to make a difference that matters. I am grateful for the support you offered me over the last two years and for all that you do to nurture the health and wellbeing of families globally. You gave me the opportunity to grow my leadership skills and were patient with me as I learned.

With deep appreciation,

Carole A. Robinson, PhD, RN