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ABOUT US
Constitution & Policy
The National Neurotrauma Society operates with transparency, integrity, and a commitment to its mission. This page provides access to the Society’s governing documents, including the NNS Constitution, bylaws, and key policies. These documents outline the structure, roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards that guide our operations and ensure accountability to our members and the broader neurotrauma research community.
NNS Reserve Policy
The reserves of the National Neurotrauma Society are the net assets within the society’s checking, savings, and investment accounts, not to include those funds restricted to the dedicated awards1.
Introduction
Our reserves are intended to balance our need to provide funds for maintaining operations during times of financial or other stress in a carefully planned and articulated proposal.
A portion of our reserve funds (5 – 10%, not to exceed an amount that will result in the reserve funds dropping below the established 2 years of operating costs minimum) may be used as seed money for new programs and services necessary for our organization’s growth. These projects can be funded by a majority vote of the Finance Committee and subsequently the Council.
Project proposals must be accompanied by sustainability plans that provide information on how the project will proceed, if they continue to require funding, without continued support from the reserve funds (e.g., donations, grants, etc.).
Reserve Operating Instructions
- The following guidelines should be observed when setting budget policy for each year.
- A reserve shall be established representing 2 years of operating expenses of the society.
- As of 2023, this represents $1.5M (operating costs of $750K/year, including the annual symposium). This value shall be revisited yearly by the Finance Committee to ensure the value represents the true operating costs of the society.
a. Operating costs will include annual contractual obligations and annual meeting costs, including deposits for following year meeting reservations. - Of the reserve, a maximum of ¼ of the fund ($250K) will be held in savings, not to exceed deposit insurance. The remainder will be held in investment accounts.
a. If the ¼ amount exceeds the current deposit insurance minimum, a second bank account will be pursued to maintain FDIC insurance coverage.
b. The investment account will be maintained by the Finance Committee in collaboration with a financial advisor. - The NNS will build in a contribution to reserves annually as part of the expense budget, with a goal of 5% of annual revenue contributing to achieving the goal and maintaining goal status, unless the maximum designated reserve goal is achieved, in which case no budgeted contribution is needed. However, in difficult financial times, the requirement for a contribution will be waived and the society will infuse reserve allotments as needed to assist in balancing the agreed upon yearly operating budget.
- Once the goal of $1.5M is met, funds exceeding this amount will be used to support society goals to be voted on by Council.
- The reserve level should not be permitted to drop below 75% of the goal amount. If this threshold is met or needs to be crossed during annual budget estimations or in the event of an economic downturn, the Finance Committee and Council will be informed and corrective action taken as needed.
The reserve, policy and supported projects will be reviewed yearly.
NNS Commitment to Community, Opportunity, and Support
The National Neurotrauma Society (NNS) is dedicated to cultivating a professional environment that encourages connection, support, and opportunity for researchers, clinicians, and trainees from all walks of life. Our annual meetings and all related events are designed to reflect these values, ensuring that individuals at all career stages feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to contribute to the field of neurotrauma.
Our mission—to advance neurotrauma research through collaboration, communication, and career development—is strengthened by four key pillars focused on access, leadership development, and broad engagement.
PILLAR 1
Supporting Trainees and
Early-Career Scientists
We believe a strong scientific community begins with supporting the next generation. Key initiatives include:
TEAM (Training, Education, and Mentoring Committee)
Formerly WiNTR, TEAM supports all trainees with mentorship, career guidance, and resources.
Opportunity Travel Awards
Help trainees attend the NNS Symposium despite financial or logistical barriers.
WiNTR VISA Award
Supports early-career women in attending the annual meeting and visiting sponsor labs.
New Collaborative Exchange Award
Extends support to early-career researchers with limited access to exchange opportunities.
Local Scholars Program
Introduces local undergraduates to neurotrauma research and career paths at the annual Symposium.
PILLAR 2
Encouraging Broad
Participation in Leadership
We recognize that a diverse and inclusive leadership team—one that reflects a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives—strengthens our organization and supports better outcomes for the field of neurotrauma. Recent efforts to promote inclusive leadership include:
Creation of a Community Engagement <br>Role on Council
This new position is focused on listening to and representing the voices of our full membership. The role helps guide Council decisions and programs to ensure they reflect the diverse needs, experiences, and priorities of the NNS community.
Updated Nomination Guidelines
We are implementing new practices to make the leadership nomination process more transparent and inclusive. These updates aim to broaden awareness of how members can engage with NNS leadership and encourage a wider range of individuals to step forward for nomination or to nominate others.
PILLAR 3
Strengthening and Expanding Membership
We are working to broaden engagement across the field and encourage participation in NNS by a wider range of individuals. Strategies include:
Membership Outreach Campaigns
Annual efforts are focused on converting meeting attendees and collaborators into active NNS members.
Partnerships with Colleges and Universities
Through the Local Scholars Program and future education-focused grants, NNS is building stronger ties with institutions that can help grow interest in neurotrauma research.
Recognition and Awards
A new annual award will highlight members who exemplify the values of mentorship, outreach, and expanding opportunity in the field.
PILLAR 4
Promoting Fair Access in
Research and Advocacy
We are committed to improving outcomes in neurotrauma by encouraging research that reflects the full scope of affected individuals and communities:
Encouraging Broad Patient Representation
The NNS Advocacy Committee supports efforts to ensure that research includes patient populations across a range of demographics and lived experiences.
Awareness and Outreach
Funds raised through initiatives like the annual NNS Fun Run support efforts to increase visibility and access to care across racial, gender, geographic, and economic boundaries.
How You Can Support These Goals
- Nominate Colleagues for Awards and Leadership
Help recognize those working to expand opportunity and strengthen the NNS community. - Mentor the Next Generation
Invite and support students and early-career scientists who are new to the field. - Submit Research That Reflects Broader Impact
Consider patient diversity, access, and relevance when designing and submitting your research.