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Thursday, February 26, 2015

Why should YOU get involved? Tips for NATM efforts and MORE

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

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