Why
should YOU get involved?
There
are a lot of reasons why getting involved advances the AT profession, but below
are a few specific reasons as to why YOU
should get involved:
•
Build
your resume
◦
don't
just list your job responsibilities, list the "extra effort" items
that we all do as ATs, especially anything that you initiate, build from
scratch, and make successful...like NATM efforts.
•
Qualify
for scholarships
◦
Students
in college and high school programs who are involved in NATM efforts can
highlight their participation when applying for scholarships.
•
Develop
relationships with stakeholders
◦
Whether
you are hosting an open house or adding a tagline to your email, you can use
your efforts to connect with stakeholders. Administrators, co-workers,
taxpayers, and patients can gain a better understanding about you and the
profession. These opportunities open the doors of communication.
•
Increase
awareness
◦
When
looking into resources that are available to help you be successful in your
involvement, you may become aware of athletic training governmental affairs
issues and other information that you previously did not know about. For
example, this year you might find information about the SAFEPLAY Act, or on the Open Comment Period for CAATE Code of Professional
Conduct for Program Personnel.
•
Show
off
◦
Utilize
your skills and talents that you may not be using in your current job. It
may be that your secret talent of drawing, public speaking, organizing events,
cooking/grilling, etc. can be used to promote the profession in a unique way.
What
Results Should You Expect?
•
Some
benefits will be immediate while other efforts may produce benefits much later
in time, especially if efforts are consistent and go beyond the time frame of
NATM. If you work hard and plan well, the results of your efforts may be immediate
and have lasting effects.
•
Regardless,
your efforts will highlight the AT profession and will have the potential to
educate others about the need for appropriate healthcare for the active person.
•
Look
through the NATA PR Resource and Stylebook* to find new ideas for NATM.
•
Social
media campaign and contest are a great way to spread the word.
Since we are all very busy, you can schedule tweets to capitalize on your efforts.
•
Look
through the SWATA PR Ideabook for NATM ideas that are more
specific to District 6.
•
Utilize
the SWATA Letter to Stakeholders and request that
a letter be sent on your behalf from SWATA announcing to your stakeholders that
they can participate in NATM as well!
•
Don’t
forget to participate in the SWATA PR NATM Contest for a chance to win a
free registration to the Annual Meeting in July.
It
is never too late to start
•
The
resources supplied by NATA and SWATA provide you with ideas and suggestions
that take no time at all to accomplish.
•
Of
course, March is set aside as a designated time to highlight the AT profession
but NATM is not the only time to reach out and promote the profession.
This can be done at any time throughout your day, regardless of what
month it is.
Don't
let the end of March stop you!
•
Carry
on your efforts beyond March and promote yourself and the profession all year
long with using proper terminology, highlighting your co-worker's
accomplishments, and always representing the profession with the utmost care
and skill.
*Look
for an excerpt of the NATA PR Resource and Stylebook in the March issue of the
NATA News and the complete version on NATA.org as we approach NATM.
Jamie K.
Woodall LAT, ATC
NATA PR
Chair - Elect
