American Nurses Association Membership Assembly – Day 1

ANA leaders inspire and call for action at Membership Assembly 

Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and unrest, nursing leaders from around the country convened June 27-28 in the nation’s capital for the 2025 American Nurses Association (ANA) Membership Assembly, the governing and official voting body of ANA. 

The assembly is a platform for representatives from ANA’s constituent and state nurses associations, Individual Member Division, and organizational affiliates to participate in robust discussions on critical healthcare issues. 

ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, opened the meeting, underscoring its importance for bringing forward the knowledge, expertise, and solutions from nurses. 

"This is the forum that drives the nursing profession forward—where together, we harness The Power of Nurses™ to shape our future, the future of healthcare, and the health of our nation," she said. 

Mensik Kennedy highlighted key accomplishments over the past year, including release of the revised Code of Ethics for Nurses, which sets the standard for ethical practice and "calls on nurses to advance human flourishing—for nurses, for our profession, and especially for the individuals, families, and communities we serve."

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy

Pointing to the power of collective advocacy during ANA’s annual Hill Day, on June 26, she urged nurses to build upon these efforts through civic engagement, and stated, "Public service opportunities bring our voice, clarity, and ethics to our communities."  She cited that in 2025; there are more than 100,000 elected seats on ballots from governors to school boards across the country. In a call to action to the assembly, Mensik Kennedy said, "Get involved. Educate policy makers. Vote and encourage others to vote. Serve."

Imagining nursing's future  

In her report to the assembly, American Nurses Enterprise Chief Executive Officer Angela Beddoe highlighted the work set in motion over the past year and looked toward the future.
 
"This is more than just a business meeting. It's a time and space where we step away from our day-to-day, to do the important work of shaping the future of the association. It's where we meet the moment," Beddoe said.

To shape the future, "We must be nimble enough to respond to change—and bold enough to drive it," Beddoe said.

"Over the past few months... we've conducted 28 internal and external workgroups to discuss current strengths, challenges, and opportunities for the association and enterprise." The outcomes will inform the American Nurses Enterprise strategic planning process in the fall.
 
In closing, Beddoe said, "So let us go together—and grow together. Let us not lead just for this moment—but for the future. Let us continue to honor The Power of Nurses—and never stop building the systems, the stories, and the structures that let that power shine. Let's keep building our future together. 

Recognition 

Two state nurses associations were recognized with centennial awards, Indiana State Nurses Association celebrating 120 years and Virginia Nurses Association celebrating 125 years.

Giving back

The American Nurses Foundation launched a two-day, text-to-give campaign:

• In celebration of former ANA President Barbara Nichols, 50% of proceeds will support an initiative established in her name. Former ANA President Dr. Beverly Malone challenged the audience to give generously to celebrate Nichols’ enduring legacy of equity, leadership, and excellence in nursing.

Dr. Beverly Malone

• 50% of proceeds will go to ANF's Greatest Needs Fund, supporting scholarships, well-being initiatives, and critical nursing research.
  To participate in this campaign, text "MA25" to 301-960-7161, follow the link, and complete the donation form (use ApplePay or GooglePay for faster checkout).

Deliberations 

Representatives also discussed a series of bylaws amendments and participated in three dialogue forums covering key issues for nurses and healthcare. The bylaws and issues will be voted on in tomorrow's session.

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