4 Reasons to Get Involved with your State OT Association
I have officially been elected for a second term as an executive board member for the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association and I couldn’t be more thrilled! I initially chose to run for this position last year because although I love our profession and our organization, I realized that we can do more and be better for the families and individuals that we serve.
I reflected on the bigger picture and specifically my role as a healthcare clinician. Why am I here? What is my role? What more can I do? What level do I need to be involved in to create change? Maybe you’re asking yourself these same questions. Maybe you’re thinking about joining your state’s professional organization. Well, here are some reasons to consider it!
You become part of a community: Although occupational therapy is a smaller profession, when you’re first starting out, it can feel HUGE. Joining your state’s association will allow you to feel more connected to the OT community on a more intimate level. We all know how important it is to surround ourselves with the right people and this is a great way to do just that.
You get really good at networking: You may not have known this about me but I’m naturally an introvert - so networking has alway felt very out of my comfort zone. As a board member, I meet A LOT of incredible individuals within the profession and even outside of the profession. I have been able to practice my networking skills that will come in handy once those big conferences resume again.
You get some exceptional mentorship: I’m a huge believer that mentorship comes in many different forms. While it may not be formal mentorship, let me tell you I have learned some major life lessons from the members of the association. I’ve grown not only professionally, but also personally just based on the many conversations I’ve had with people I’ve met through ArizOTA. They’ve truly poured into my life on multiple occasions - probably more than they even know.
You gain incredible leadership skills: Now, this part is truly what you make it. While you don’t necessarily have to step up and take the lead on things, you are presented with multiple opportunities to do so. I strongly believe we all have the capabilities of being a leader, but sometimes we just need the right opportunity.
While these are some benefits for you as the clinician, I don’t want you to forget that ultimately you are GIVING back. So while I do feel I gained some incredible things, I also gave just as much as I received. And that’s the most beautiful part of it all.
It’s been such an incredible experience working with the other executive board members, special interest sections, and committees within this organization. I’ve learned a lot about leadership, networking, program development, and so much more. I am beyond pumped to continue on with ArizOTA and most importantly, continue playing my part in advocating for and propelling our profession to greatness. Here’s to a fantastic second term with a phenomenal team!
P.S. if you’re wondering what I’ve been up to during my time as a board member you can check out THIS instagram post.