General Assembly sets priorities for WSNA 

The General Assembly, WSNA’s highest decision-making body, meets every other year during the WSNA Convention and is open to all members in good standing. This year’s General Assembly approved 28 bylaws amendments, to be voted on by the full membership during the WSNA officer elections. In addition, the General Assembly adopted three substantive resolutions, a main motion, and two courtesy resolutions:

Resolutions:

Reaffirming WSNA’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, submitted by the WSNA Labor Executive Council and Board of Directors, recommitted WSNA to DEI and racial justice, particularly in light of attacks on DEI programs by the current federal administration. The resolution noted some progress in nursing organizations advancing DEI, but said more work needs to be done. The resolution called for ongoing assessment of WSNA operations and programs to prioritize DEI-related efforts and for progress reports at the 2026 WSNA membership meeting and the 2027 General Assembly.

Defending the Rights of Workers to Bargain Collectively, an emergency resolution submitted by the WSNA Labor Executive Council, cited the administration’s efforts to strip collective bargaining rights from many federal workers, along with dismantling the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and crippling the National Labor Relations Board. The resolution called for peaceful action to defend our democracy and institutions in partnership with AFT, the Washington State Labor Council, local labor councils, and others.

Launching a Pilot Project to Admit LPNs as WSNA Members, submitted by the WSNA Board of Directors, recommended that the WSNA Board of Directors launch a pilot project to allow licensed practical nurses to join WSNA as individual members. The Board will determine details of operation, dues, and timelines.

A fourth resolution, Supporting Universal, Single Payer Healthcare Nationally and in Washington State, was referred to the Board for further review and action.

Motion: 

Rights and Fair Treatment of Immigrants. The General Assembly adopted a main motion committing WSNA’s support for the rights and fair treatment of immigrants. Noting that the General Assembly was meeting on May 1, a day when supporters of immigrant rights were holding demonstrations around the country, the motion also declared WSNA’s solidarity with those actions.

Courtesy resolutions:

The General Assembly passed two courtesy resolutions. One recognized the work of outgoing Board members Julia Barcott, Martha Goodall, Erin Allison, Mikey O’Sullivan, and John Gustafson. The other applauded the WSNA staff for their efforts, including departing WSNA Director of Labor Affairs and Strategic Initiatives Pamela Chandran.