2012 Emerging Leaders Program: Be a Part of the Centennial Vision
By Stephanie Yamkovenko
Are you a student who feels called to leadership in the profession? Are you a new practitioner who is ready to be more than a clinician and wants to make a difference in your profession and Association?
AOTA’s Emerging Leaders Development Program gives you the tools and training to become a strong leader within occupational therapy to help the profession achieve the goals of the Centennial Vision. Selected participants will receive leadership training, ongoing mentorship, and participation in current service opportunities that match their own leadership goals.
The program was developed in 2009, and a total of 30 emerging leaders have participated. You can read about each participant of the first group of Emerging Leaders and their experience in leadership training and the year-long mentorship.
AOTA is accepting applications until October 31, and the program begins in January 2012. AOTA invites OT and OTA students in their last year of their professional preparation or new practitioners with 5 or fewer years of experience to apply. Those who are selected to participate in the program will receive funded 2-day leadership training at AOTA in Bethesda, Maryland, followed by a formal mentorship period of 12 months during which they will complete a service learning project.
The program is designed for current members of AOTA who believe they will stay involved in AOTA leadership and volunteer opportunities. Candidates need to have shown an initial dedication to the profession and service at the start of their careers. Read the letter of invitation and application for more details on the application process.
AOTA plans to continue the program for several years, and because it requires a substantial time commitment, interested students and new practitioners should think about whether participation would be better for them now, or after gaining some work experience.
Stephanie Yamkovenko is AOTA’s staff writer.
For more resources on the Emerging Leaders Development Program, click here.
