The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) is one of the most influential and important nursing organizations for people of color. The NBNA was begun in 1971 and led by Dr. Lauranne Sams, who was also the previous Dean and Professor of Nursing at Tuskegee University in Alabama (National Black Nurses Association [NBNA], 2012, para. 1). There are nearly 150,000 members of the NBNA and 79 chapters spread out across the nation (NBNA, 2012, para. 1). There are currently about 205 members of the NBNA throughout Louisiana. The three Louisiana branches of the NBNA are located in New Orleans, Shreveport, and Lafayette. .
Any aspiring student nurse or current nurse can gain membership into their local chapter of the NBNA by submitting an application online through their website and paying the appropriate level of dues. The particular chapter as well as the level of membership will determine the amount of dues to be paid at submission of the membership application. Levels included in the ranges are as follows: RN, LPN or LVN, Retiree, First Year, and Student (NBNA, 2012). The total student dues across the state of Louisiana range from $45 to $67.00, which in my opinion is a very fair cost in that it provides exclusive access to such a wealth of knowledge as well as vast opportunities for continuing education, networking, scholarships, and opportunities for participation in great community works. The NBNA meets annually for a four day conference and locally as need be. .
Members of the NBNA have the opportunity to collaborate and speak with some of the nation's top politicians as well as state and local persons within the public health sector. Through these experiences, member and potential leaders have an opportunity to display their leadership abilities and develop their leadership skills. They communicate with the potential participants in the project and potential partners. Members are given the opportunity to be innovative and creative in the strategies used to attract persons to the community projects (Georges, 2004).