2026 National Committees Application Process

We are currently seeking new members for AWHONN National Committees with openings in 2026. By serving on a National Committee, members have the opportunity to contribute their knowledge and experience in an area that will be useful in strengthening and expanding AWHONN.

Serving on a National Committee is highly rewarding. It’s an opportunity to learn more about AWHONN and gain a better understanding of national issues, nursing opportunities, healthcare changes, and/or policy issues affecting us as an organization. Applications are currently being accepted to serve on the committees listed below now through Thursday, July 31.  Selected members will be notified in October 2025.

How to Apply

The process is easy!

It is helpful before beginning this process that members review and update their member profile and employment information.

New: Members can save their work, which translates to members not having to complete the application in a single session. Additionally, members can apply for up to two committee positions using one application. Note, once members click on the submit button on “Page 4 Personal Information”, there will not be an opportunity to provide further updates.  You will receive an e-mail confirmation after you have clicked the submit button.

Applications are due by the end of day, Thursday, July 31.

Looking for more information?

Check out Committee Overview Packet for full details on AWHONN committees.

For questions, please contact committeeapplication@awhonn.org.

APPLY NOW / UPDATE SAVED APPLICATION

SPACEER

Ethics and Compliance Committee

The Ethics and Compliance Committee is charged with assisting and supporting the AWHONN Board of Directors with overseeing the organization’s compliance with its ethics policies and procedures as well as AWHONN members’ compliance with the AWHONN Social Media Code of Conduct and the AWHONN Event Code of Conduct Policy. The Committee will act in good faith, exercise honest judgment, and be free from conflicts of interest which would reasonably impede any Committee member’s impartial judgment. Unless the Committee is specifically given approval authority with regard to any of its responsibilities as outlined below, it is understood that the Committee is expected to make recommendations to the Board, with final action being taken by the Board or as the Board may determine, the Executive Committee.

Responsibilities:

  • Administer the procedures for review of member conduct for AWHONN events, educational activities, membership activities, and governance activities.
  • Review complaints regarding potential violations of the AWHONN Social Media Code of Conduct, the AWHONN Event Code of Conduct, AWHONN Virtual Programs Code of Conduct, and AWHONN Bylaws.
  • Make recommendations for disciplinary action or responses to violations of the AWHONN Social Media Code of Conduct, the AWHONN Event Code of Conduct, AWHONN Virtual Programs Code of Conduct, and AWHONN Bylaws.
  • Review appeals for complaints made by members or concerns that arise from staff regarding Fetal Heart Monitoring and Obstetric Patient Safety Program Instructors related to administrative guideline adherence.
  • Advise on appeals for disciplinary actions related to member program instructor related to administrative guideline violations.
  • Review ethics complaints.
  • Review complaints and provide recommendations regarding potential member conflict of interest issues.
  • Review complaints and provide recommendations regarding potential AWHONN Bylaw violations.
  • Provide support and insight related to conflicts or issues related to award candidates to be considered by the Board.
  • Recommend to the Board of Directors the establishment of task force or other management personnel for the purpose of investigating and taking actions in the area the Committee deems appropriate, in consultation with legal counsel and with any conflicted Board members recused from such deliberations and decision-making.
  • Prepare an annual summary of the committee’s actions and recommend changes to ethics policies and procedures to be presented to the Board of Directors.
  • The Committee shall meet with whatever frequency it deems necessary to fulfill its responsibilities, either in conjunction with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board or otherwise, either in person or via video- or teleconference.

Please note, when considering membership to this committee, the following items may be considered as part of the application process:

  • Years of experience in ethics/compliance work
  • Certification in ethics and or compliance
  • Past President/Board members/other familiarity with AWHONN governance structure, activities, or Bylaws
  • JD degree or other relevant law/legal degree
  • Instructor program familiarity

The committee is currently seeking five members from the AWHONN membership.

Term: Begins January 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2026

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee supports the Board and staff primarily by providing financial oversight for the organization. The Finance Committee’s responsibilities include:

  • Advise the Board of Directors on matters relating to long-term financial planning
  • Assist the Board of Directors with fiduciary responsibility and stewardship of funds
  • Review and recommend an association operating budget (including Headquarters, Section, and Chapter activity) to the Board of Directors
  • Analyze the financial implications of new program proposals and recommend Board of Director’s action
  • Recommend a membership dues structure to the Board of Directors
  • Provide programs that generate non-dues sources of revenue
  • Select an auditor to be approved by the Board of Directors and review annual audited financial statements
  • Ensure compliance with AWHONN requirements and policies as to financial matters

Committee members should have experience with budgeting and financial planning. The Committee comprises the Chair, current Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of Directors and two Board of Directors, two Members At-Large along with the President-Elect (non-voting member) and AWHONN’s CEO (non-voting member).

The committee is currently seeking two to five members from the AWHONN membership.

Term: Begins January 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2026, except President-elect and Secretary-Treasurer. Board members alternate.

Nominating and Governance Committee

The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for identifying qualified candidates to serve on AWHONN’s Board of Directors. The Committee is vital to the process of vetting, interviewing and selecting candidates for the Board of Directors slate. When applying it is important to know that the Nominating and Governance Committee’s work is time-limited and intense from December to April of each year and therefore requires committed members.

The Nominating and Governance Committee responsibilities include:

  • Attend all meetings (in person, conference call, and virtual) and notify the primary staff liaison whenever there is a scheduling conflict
  • Observe and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality
  • Review all relevant material prior to meetings. Prepare to make contributions and voice objective opinions concerning issues and activities
  • Actively participate in the recruitment of prospective Board candidates
  • Represent, involve, and serve AWHONN members
  • Develop a slate of candidates
  • Represent the group in other meetings of AWHONN, as requested
  • Link AWHONN with the attitudes, expectations, needs, and trends in the real world of our members
  • Immediately inform the staff liaison and chair if personal or professional circumstances change to the extent that they cause disruption in the ability to perform the above-listed responsibilities
  • Respond promptly to correspondence and information requests from internal and external stakeholders
  • Support AWHONN public policy and fundraising efforts
  • Maintain current full membership in AWHONN during volunteer term
  • Accept and complete special assignments as requested

The committee is currently seeking two members from the AWHONN membership.

Term: Begins January 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2027.

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee supports the growth and vitality of AWHONN by working with staff to develop recommendations, policies, and strategies to strengthen membership recruitment, retention, and engagement, advancing the organization’s strategic plan and membership goals. The committee provides a vital link between AWHONN and the attitudes, expectations, and needs of members, offering a forum for membership-related issues and trends.

The Membership Committee’s responsibilities include:

  • Attend all meetings (virtual)
  • Review all relevant material prior to the meetings. Prepare to make contributions, facilitate discussions, and voice objective opinions concerning the group’s issues and activities
  • Provide feedback/input to AWHONN Staff Liaison(s) for the Board of Director reports
  • Plan and host membership-driven activities, including the New Member and First-Time Attendee sessions, at the AWHONN Convention.
  • Serve as mentors and actively participate in activities designed to engage members and prospective members during Convention.
  • Support membership growth and retention by developing new and innovative recruitment and engagement strategies.
  • Provide support and recommendations for the AWHONN Member Community (AMC), particularly related to fostering member engagement.
  • Represent, involve, and serve AWHONN members by linking the organization to real-world member needs and trends.
  • Promote volunteer involvement by staying informed about AWHONN activities and initiatives.
  • Promote clarity within the group on its role and how it supports and fits within AWHONN
  • Support AWHONN’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives by assisting in the identification and growth of future AWHONN leaders, including identifying and encouraging a diverse group of applicants to the group and its projects
  • Represent the committee in meetings of other AWHONN groups as requested
  • Promote AWHONN and the Membership Committee by actively leading AWHONN membership recruitment/retention activities when requested by staff or the Membership Committee
  • Respond promptly to correspondence and information requests from internal and external stakeholders
  • Maintain current full membership in AWHONN during volunteer term
  • Accept and complete special assignments as requested
  • Committee members who voluntarily attend Convention are encouraged to volunteer at the membership booth.
  • Immediately inform the Staff Liaison and committee Chair if personal or professional circumstances change to the extent that they cause disruption in the ability to perform the above-listed responsibilities

To be eligible to serve on the Membership Committee you must be a Full member of AWHONN in good standing. Committee members must be willing to commit to attend the AWHONN convention at their own expense.

The committee is currently seeking three members from the AWHONN membership. 

Term: Begins January 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2026. One-year terms that may be renewed for up to 3 years.

 

Development Committee

The Development Committee helps to raise funds to support AWHONN’s mission of promoting the health of women and newborns by engaging members and others in supporting the Every Woman, Every Baby (EWEB) charitable giving program. Committee members serve as giving ambassadors for AWHONN, helping foster a culture of philanthropy among members.

The Develop Committee’s responsibilities include:

  • Attend all meetings
  • Review all relevant material prior to the meetings. Prepare to make contributions, facilitate discussions, and voice objective opinions concerning the group’s issues and activities
  • Provide feedback/input to AWHONN staff liaison(s) for the Board of Director reports
  • Promote volunteer involvement by maintaining an understanding of activities, discussions, and programs across AWHONN, as well as those activities specific to the volunteer group
  • Promote clarity within the group on its role and how it supports and fits within AWHONN
  • Support AWHONN’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives by assisting in the identification and growth of future AWHONN leaders, including identifying and encouraging a diverse group of applicants to the group and its projects
  • Represent the committee in meetings of other AWHONN groups as requested
  • Regularly call and email thank you notes to donors
  • Review and score applications for Convention Scholarships and/or NOEP/POEP Scholarships as needed
  • Raise or give to EWEB at the platinum donor level
  • Solicit fellow members, other individuals, organizations, and for-profit companies to donate to EWEB
  • Offer insights on development campaigns
  • Utilize specialized talent and skills in support of accomplishing development project goals
  • Serve on at least one task force. The commitment(s) required of the task force(s) is in addition to those required of the Development Committee
  • Respond promptly to correspondence and information requests from internal and external stakeholders
  • Maintain current full membership in AWHONN during volunteer term
  • Accept and complete special assignments as requested
  • Immediately inform the Staff Liaison and Chair if personal or professional circumstances change to the extent that they cause disruption in the ability to perform the above-listed responsibilities
  • Members attend the Leadership Development Conference (LDC). Members will be reimbursed for round-trip airfare up to $500 and one-night lodging for the day before LDC begins.

The committee is currently seeking eight members from the AWHONN membership.

Terms: Begins January 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2026.This position is a one-year commitment, renewable for up to a maximum of three years.

Accountability, Belonging, and Culture Committee 

The Accountability, Belonging, and Culture (ABC) Committee advises AWHONN leadership on the strategic needs of the organization and is responsible for assisting AWHONN leadership and staff apply a diverse lens to the services, projects and programs of AWHONN.

The ABC Committee’s responsibilities include:

Member Responsibilities:

  • Attend all meetings (conference call, and virtual)
  • Review all relevant material prior to meetings and be prepared to make meaningful contributions that support AWHONN’s strategic priorities
  • Promote member involvement by maintaining an understanding of activities, discussions, and programs
  • Examine strategies of the association and ensure ABC is supported within the major pieces of work
  • Monitor, evaluate, and recalibrate ABC goals, priorities, and recommendations
  • Be an advocate for members that are underrepresented
  • Serve as a content expert
  • Engage with volunteer leaders at all levels (national, Section, and Chapter) in activities that foster a culture of belonging
  • Partner with AWHONN staff to secure resources needed to meet ABC needs and goals
  • Review and refer recommendations provided by Special Interest Groups to the Board of Directors or other AWHONN committees as appropriate
  • Respond promptly to correspondence and information requests from the staff liaisons and other group members
  • Represent the ABC Committee to internal and external stakeholders, as requested
  • Maintain current full membership in AWHONN during the volunteer term
  • Immediately inform the Executive Staff Liaison and Chair if personal or professional circumstances change to the extent that they cause disruption in the ability to perform the above-listed responsibilities

The committee is currently seeking eleven members from the AWHONN membership. 

Term: Begins January 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2026. At the end of the first term, members are able to reapply and are eligible to serve up to a total of three consecutive one-year terms.

Public Policy Committee

The purpose of the Public Policy Committee is to guide the direction of the organization’s advocacy efforts through the identification, monitoring, and evaluation of social, political, and environmental trends, issues, risks, and concerns.

The Public Policy Committee’s responsibilities include:

  • Provide insight to inform AWHONN’s Legislative Agenda
  • Reviewing and revising selected position statements.
  • Lend guidance and support to inform public comment on issues related to public policy or governmental affairs.
  • Serve as a sounding board when rapid responses are needed to emerging opportunities or challenges that do not require board intervention.
  • Select the topic and speaker(s) for the Legislative Forum at Convention

The committee is currently seeking twelve to fourteen members from the AWHONN membership.

Term: Begins January 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2026. Members are eligible to serve two terms.

AWHONN Convention Program Committee (2027)

The Convention Program Committee is responsible for developing the Convention’s educational learning outcomes, and identifying topics that will be of interest to participants, and selecting topics/presenters to offer high-quality content.

The Committee meets for a period of 17 months beginning March 2026. Following an initial face-to-face meeting in March, the committee meets once a month via conference calls that typically last 60 minutes. Active participation in the conference calls and attendance at the 2027 Conventions in Orlando are mandatory.

Convention Program Committee (CPC) candidates should have a broad network of professional contacts, be knowledgeable regarding current trends in clinical practice, research, education and professional issues.  Project management, previous conference planning and program planning skills are also highly desirable.

The composition of the CPC must include representation from women’s health, obstetrics, and neonatal nursing. The CPC also strives to include representation from the clinical, academic, educational and administrative nursing communities. A committee chair is appointed and works jointly with the staff liaison to ensure the work of the committee is completed according to established timelines.

The Convention Program Committee’s responsibilities include:

  • Review learning needs assessment, including review of participant, staff, faculty, and planner feedback from the previous Convention
  • Develop Convention learning outcomes and objectives.
  • Initiate identification of topics and presenters for invited speaker sessions
  • Review and score podium proposals for concurrent sessions
  • Determine categories and criteria for review of proposals

 Note: The Convention Program Committee works the entirety of the AWHONN Convention.

The committee is currently seeking eight to nine members from the AWHONN membership.

Term: February 2026, and ends June 2027. The term of the Program Committee is 18-20 months.  

  

Educational Advisory Committee

The mission of the AWHONN Educational Advisory Committee is to provide the highest levels of educational products and services to our members, and to assure the engagement and development of nurse educators practicing in women’s health, obstetric and neonatal nursing while supporting those educators working in unique and diverse practice settings.

The Educational Advisory Committee’s responsibilities include:

  • Increase competency of nurses caring for women and newborns, particularly in the Women’s Health, Obstetric, Newborn and Reproductive Health space
  • Ensure that AWHONN members may obtain quality educational programs and resources through multiple venues that enhance education and access
  • Elevate the practice of nursing
  • Conference calls once per month and as needed in the event of identified urgent educational needs.
  • Participating in a face-to-face meeting once per year at Convention (attendance to the Convention is not paid).

Criteria:

  • AWHONN member in good standing
  • Direct contact with front-line nursing staff
  • MSN required
  • Interest in nursing education and development of nursing education offerings
  • Experience in the development of continuing nursing education activities or educational product development

The committee is currently seeking five members from the AWHONN membership.

Term: Begins January 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2027. Each member will serve a term of two years, and may reapply for an additional term. No Committee member may serve for greater than two terms, or four years.

Section Advisory Committee

The mission of the Section Advisory Committee (SAC)  is to support AWHONN’s strategic goals by guiding Sections in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation at the regional, Section, and Chapter levels. SAC members also serve as liaisons between the districts, Sections, Chapters, the Board of Directors, and AWHONN Headquarters.

The Section Advisory Committee’s responsibilities include:

  • Provide for orientation and recognition of the district’s Section and Chapter leaders
  • Communicate at least quarterly with leaders from their district
  • Develop best practices, identify recurring challenges, and provide feedback and guidance to AWHONN Headquarters about Section opportunities and challenges
  • Serve as a national representative at local and Section events and activities
  • Attend a mandatory one-day in-person meeting in conjunction with the Leadership Development Conference (LDC) or other meeting as determined by the SAC

Time Commitment: An average of  4-6 hours per month plus additional time during the 2026 Leadership Development Conference (LDC) in Ft. Worth, Texas, and the 2026 AWHONN Convention in Orlando.

SAC advisors are assigned to one of Districts represent the listed below:

District 1: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana

District 2: Nevada, California, Hawaii

District 3: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming

District 4: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa

District 5: Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin

District 6: Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Armed Forces

District 7: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut

District 8: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York

District 9: West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware

District 10: Texas, Oklahoma

District 11: Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama

District 12: Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina

Criteria:

  1. A current AWHONN member in good standing.
  2. Must have been a former elected section leader OR elected section secretary-treasurer OR were elected to the Board of Directors.
  3. Are not currently serving as an elected leader within AWHONN.

The committee is currently seeking seven members from the AWHONN membership. Districts 2,5,7,8,9.

Terms: Begins January 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2027. Each member will serve a term or two years and may reapply for an additional term.  No Committee member may serve for greater than two terms, or four years.

Research Advisory Panel

The Research Advisory Panel (RAP) is responsible for developing the Association’s research agenda, mentoring novice researchers, selecting recipients for AWHONN’s small grants program and scoring annual convention research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement abstracts and papers. The committee is comprised of full panel members and corresponding members.

The Research Advisory Panel’s responsibilities include:

 Full Panel Members:

  • Review research proposals and select recipients for the small grants research program.
  • Review abstracts for research, evidence-based practice and quality improvement presentations for AWHONN’s Annual Convention and select outstanding research poster awards.
  • Review applications for the Award of Excellence in Research and select recipient.
  • Respond to any research issues that require the input of the Research Advisory Panel.
  • Mentor novice researchers.

 Corresponding Panel Members

  • Review and score research proposals for the small grants research program.
  • Review abstracts for research, evidence-based practice and quality improvement presentations for AWHONN’s Annual Convention.
  • Respond to any research issues that require the input of the Research Advisory Panel.

The committee is currently seeking at least two members from the AWHONN membership.

Term: Begins January 1, 2025, and ends December 31, 2027. Full Panel members are limited to serving one three-year term. Corresponding Panel members may serve multiple terms of one year with no limit. 

Evidence-Based Practice Committee

The Evidence-Based Practice Committee’s (EBP) mission is to uphold the integrity of evidence-based practice through a commitment to provide current, up-to-date, and validated guidance in practice for women’s health, obstetric, and neonatal nursing and support to AWHONN members throughout the EBP process by mentoring and providing leadership.

Responsibilities:

  • Promote broad dissemination and implementation of evidence-based care resources.
  • Review and evaluate evidence-based resources and programs, based on AWHONN member needs.
  • Solicit and receive feedback on recommendations for evidence-based resources.
  • Selects EBP scholars and mentors AWHONN members during EBP implementation.
  • Collaborate with other AWHONN committees, as indicated.
  • Explore and establish novel approaches for dissemination of evidence-based practice for implementation.
  •  Promote scholarship within the obstetric, neonatal, and women’s health specialties (certifications, etc.)

The committee is currently seeking three to four new members.

Term: Each member has a two-year appointment with two-year renewal if said member reapplies.

Special Interest Groups (SIG) Chair and Vice Chair

Chairs and Vice Chairs commit to serving at minimum a one-year term, with the option to be reappointed for up to four consecutive years. The Special Interest Group (SIG) Chair and Vice Chair serve as the stimulus for ideas and inspiration for SIG activities on issues of interest to the group. This individual should be familiar with AWHONN’s existing mission and structure. The SIG Chair and Vice Chair is a volunteer position serving for a one-year term with the option to be re-elected.

Responsibilities include: 

  • Ensure regular activity and discussions among SIG members to include, at minimum, one monthly post on the AWHONN Membership Online Community
  • Schedule SIG activities (e.g., virtual networking events, informal meetups, presentations with guest speakers)
  • Establish SIG meeting agenda with input, as appropriate, from members and staff
  • Lead SIG meetings and calls
  • Email or post meeting agendas and background material to participants in advance of upcoming meetings
  • Monitor activity in the community and take appropriate action to ensure community members are operating within the terms of the Social Media Code of Conduct
  • Maintain communication as needed regarding updates, changes, and actions of the SIG with the Vice President of Accountability, Belonging, and Culture

The committee is currently seeking twenty-two members from the AWHONN membership.

Term: Chairs and Vice Chairs commit to serving at minimum a one-year term, with the option to be reappointed for up to four consecutive years. Officers for the first year of a SIG’s existence will be those named on the application submitted for SIG establishment. Appointments run January 1 to December 31 of the following year. 

Global Health Initiatives Advisory Panel 

The Global Health Initiatives Advisory Panel will achieve the following goals:

  • Position AWHONN as a global organization
  • Raise awareness of the health of women and newborns globally
  • Support the training and development needs of an international workforce of women’s health and perinatal nurses ready to meet global challenges.

In addition, the GHIAP will advise on the AWHONN Perinatal Education Xchange program to include the identification of future trip locations and delegations. The GHIAP will also facilitate relationships with international partners and the development of educational content that prepares members for global work in their communities and abroad. The GHIAP will be composed of members with experience practicing abroad, partnering with non-government organizations, and providing care to immigrant and or refugee populations.

Responsibilities:

  • Chair and a Co-Chair to develop the panel’s scope of work and review annually, set meetings, and make recommendations to the Board of Directors
  • Attend all meetings (conference call and virtual)
  • Review all relevant material prior to meetings and be prepared to make meaningful contributions that support AWHONN’s strategic priorities
  • Serve as a content expert and assist with development of appropriate education
  • Commitment to cultural humility
  • Maintain current full membership in AWHONN during the volunteer term
  • Immediately inform the Executive Staff Liaison and Chair if personal or professional circumstances change to the extent that they cause disruption in the ability to perform the above-listed responsibilities
  • Engage with volunteers in the Global Health Special Interest Group

The committee is currently seeking eight members from the AWHONN membership.

Term: Begins January 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2026. One-year terms.