INKA Network Groups

Network Groups provide a framework for INKA members to:

• Share knowledge and innovative ideas related to standardized nursing language
• Support education, research, and clinical implementation efforts within a region or language community
• Foster professional connection and mentorship
• Promote membership engagement and participation within INKA internationally

These groups help ensure that nursing knowledge development remains globally informed and locally relevant.

All members of Network Groups must be active members of INKA.
A minimum of ten regular INKA members is required in order to form a Network Group. Each Network Group must designate a Coordinator, who serves as the official liaison between the group and the INKA Board of Directors.

Each Network Group Coordinator must be voted upon by Network Group members at least every two years. Elections are facilitated by INKA through our website, and only regular INKA members (or those who are members through INKA Professional Institutional Membership) may vote for the coordinator. There are no other voted positions, and the groups are governed by the INKA Bylaws. Membership in network groups does not have an additional cost, and all eligible members are encouraged to participate.

• Coordinators may serve no more than two terms
• Coordinators must have strong English language skills, as English is the official language of the Association
• Coordinators serve as the formal connection between the Network Group and INKA governance

Network Groups operate under INKA’s bylaws and Network Group policies and may not establish separate leadership structures; as noted previously, there is only a coordinator role and this individual reports to the President and President-elect of INKA. Network Group committees may only be established with approval from the INKA Board of Directors.

Additional requirements include:

• Network groups may not request or require additional local dues; no money can be collected from members or others on behalf of the Network Group for any reason – including conferences / seminars / educational courses – without written permission from the CEO, following a vote by the INKA Board of Directors
• Network groups may not sponsor conferences or seminars under the INKA name or the Network Group name without express written approval from the CEO, following a vote by the INKA Board of Directors
• Annual reports must be provided by the Network group coordinator to the INKA President & President-elect, no later than March 30 of each year
• Network groups may not modify the logo of the association; each approved group will be provided with an official logo from the INKA association; no websites may be developed, but a page will be provided on the INKA website. Social media using the official INKA network group logo is allowed, with written permission from the CEO, following a vote by the INKA Board of Directors
• INKA’s name, logo, and copyrighted classification content may not be used without written consent
• The Board of Directors reserves the right to dissolve a Network Group that does not function in accordance with INKA’s aims, objectives, and bylaws

These guidelines ensure global consistency, protect nursing knowledge resources, and maintain appropriate governance.

INKA members may join a Network Group based on:

• Country or geographic region
• Shared language
• Clinical or professional focus

Network Groups provide an accessible way to connect with other members, participate in knowledge exchange, and engage with INKA’s international community.

The opportunity to formally join a Network Group is provided on the website during registration / renewal of membership; INKA may periodically communicate with individuals within a particular region, language or shared professional focus to inquire about interest in a Network Group, if one exists. Only with your permission will we share your personal information with the Network Group coordinator. Members can also reach out directly to Coordinators using the emails provided on the Network Group webpage on the INKA site to request information or to join the Network Group.

If you are interested in starting an INKA Global Network Group in your country or language community, or within a particular specialty area that may include global membership (e.g., Cardiovascular Network Group; Neonatal Network Group) you are encouraged to contact the president (president@nanda.org) and president elect (preselect@nanda.org)  of INKA for guidance.

Requirements include:

• A minimum of ten regular INKA members
• Identification of a Coordinator
• Agreement to operate under INKA bylaws and Network Group policies

In addition to local Network Group activities, INKA members are encouraged to connect through the Network Groups LinkedIn community, which supports international dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning across regions.