Oncology Nursing Society

Forming a new CHIP at the local level

What Is A CHIP?

Defining CHIP

• Chapter In Progress

• A group of ONS members desiring professional networking and educational opportunities at a local level

• A CHIP is a precursor to becoming an ONS Chapter

• ONS has over 230 Chapters & CHIPs

Getting Started

• First, notify ONS Chapter Relations staff

of your interest in starting a CHIP (tel:

412-859-6403; chapters@ons.org)

• Complete online application

• Identify a proposed geographical service

area for the CHIP

• Must have at least 15 ONS members in

service area to get started

Getting Started

• Identify a core group of leaders (president,

treasurer, secretary, programs chair and

membership chair)

• Select a group leader (president)

• Plan and host an initial meeting for ONS

members in your proposed area

• Plan follow up meetings

Once the CHIP is approved

• Schedule and hold at least four (4) membership meetings per year during the 2-year probationary period

• If applicable, grow the CHIP membership from 15 to at least 25 members

• Complete required reports at year-end

Making your CHIP a success

• CHIP president should plan to attend annual Chapter Leadership Workshop (July, Pittsburgh, PA; ONS pays for)

• Gain support from area hospitals, clinics and other facilities that support oncology nursing education

• Survey CHIP members to determine their interests

Making your CHIP a success

• Build your governing board in order to involve more members

• Delegate tasks & responsibilities to board members and committees to keep everyone active on the board

• Build excitement for achieving Chapter status!

You may apply for a Chapter Charter once you have: Successfully completed a 2-year probationary period

Grown from 15 members to 25 members during the probationary period

Held at least 4 meetings per year during the probationary period

Held an election to identify the required 6 board positions (President, President Elect, Secretary/Treasurer, Program Chair, Membership Chair, and Nominating Committee Chair) and each of these positions must be for 2-year terms

You may apply for a Chapter Charter once you have: (cont’d)

Demonstrated an average increase in attendance at meetings

Sent a representative to the annual Chapter Leadership Workshop at least once during the probationary period

Completed & submitted a Chapter Annual Report & Treasurer Report each year during probationary period

Submitted a completed Chapter Charter Application to ONS Board of Directors at the completion of 2-year probationary period

Benefits of Becoming a full Chartered ONS Chapter• Participation in educational programs• Networking with other members and chapters• Funding (dues reimbursements; $10 per member)• Eligibility for Chapter Awards• Free Chapter Virtual Community site• Access to ONS leadership resources and

opportunities• Participation in the annual Chapter Leadership

Workshop (July, Pittsburgh, PA)• Dedicated ONS Chapter Relations staff available to

assist

How does a CHIP relate to ONS?

ONS Structure

In keeping with its vision to lead the transformation of cancer care, ONS maintains an organizational structure that is responsive to the changing needs of Society members.

ONS Volunteer Structure

Board of Directors

ONS Membership(Individuals),

Chapters/CHIPs,Special Interest Groups

Editorial Boards

Advisory Panels

Project Teams

Nominating Committee

National ONS Board of Directors

• Governs ONS

• Responsible for: Strategic Planning Financial Management Establishing policies for

the Society

National ONS Board of Directors

• President

• President Elect

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Directors at Large

Advisory Panels & Project Teams

• Conduct the work necessary to complete projects and special assignments

• Members may volunteer to serve on an Advisory Panel or Project Team.

Selection of Panel and ProjectTeam Members

Based on: • Areas of expertise

• Experience

• Geographic location

• Interest in particular projects

ONS National Office Staff

• ONS maintains a National office (Pittsburgh, PA) and a full-time professional staff.

• ONS staff work with the Board, Advisory Panels, & Project Teams to achieve the mission of the Society.

• Chapter Relations staff assigned specifically to assist Chapters & CHIPs

ONS Resources

There are many resources at the national level available to help you with developing your CHIP

Tools and Resources

Chapter Resources

• Chapter Officers Virtual Community:

• http://chapter.vc.ons.org

• Dedicated Chapter Relations staff

• Online chapter leadership tools, webcasts, and other training materials

• Tel: (412) 859-6403

• email: chapters@ons.org

Resources include:

• Annual Chapter Leadership Workshop (July, Pittsburgh, PA)

• ONS pays for one rep per Chapter/ CHIP to attend CLW

• Regional Chapter Officers Mini-Retreats held 4-8 times a year throughout U.S.

Oncology Nursing Society

The vision of the Oncology Nursing Society is to lead the transformation of cancer care.

Ready to get started?

• To inquire about starting a CHIP, contact ONS Chapter Relations (chapters@ons.org; 412-859-6403).

• Visit the Chapter Officers Virtual Community for all Chapter/CHIP resources:

• http://chapter.vc.ons.org

• Get started today!

“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead