Happy National Volunteer Week!

This week, as we prepare for our annual conference, what better time to celebrate the incredible dedication and passion of our volunteers? During National Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2026), we salute the hundreds of volunteers who lend their time and talents across so many areas of AOTA. Thank you for sharing your expertise, energy, and commitment to help advance the occupational therapy profession. Your impact is felt across the community, and we couldn’t do it without you—not only during National Volunteer Week and OT Month, but also year-round! Learn how you can volunteer with AOTA.

Here are a few ideas on how to get involved:

• Explore the opportunities that call on your area of passion and expertise through AOTA's Volunteer Center in CommunOT. Become a reviewer for awards or payment policy, submit an article to OT Practice or AJOT, apply to be a Student Intern for a Special Interest Section (SIS), and more!
• Consider serving on one of AOTA's various groups and committees, like the Representative Assembly, Ethics Commission, SISs. The Call for Appointed Positions is now open through May 13, 2026.

Wondering why to volunteer? See what drives a few of AOTA's volunteers to make a difference.

Jeffrey Loveland, OTD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA

Service through volunteerism has been emphasized for generations in my family and it has certainly been a personal professional focus through AOTA and state OT associations. Being an AOTA member for many years has allowed for the development of a professional resource network through access to new and existing clinical and academic colleagues, current and former professional leaders, scholars, mentors and students. Lifelong learning is important to occupational therapy practitioners and being an AOTA member certainly contributes to this objective. Lastly, the many annual conference photos with Fred Sammons are memories that will last forever.

The outcome of my sustained membership affiliation with AOTA clearly reflects that I developed into a better practitioner, educator, leader and mentor.

Thank you for everything AOTA.

Robin Pegg, MEd, COTAL, ATP, ROH

Being a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association has been a meaningful and energizing part of my professional journey. Through my volunteer work on national committees, I’ve had the opportunity to both honor the contributions of others and help shape the future of the profession. AOTA creates a strong sense of connection and shared purpose, bringing together practitioners who are committed to advancing thoughtful, evidence-based practice.

AOTA membership is not passive—it is participatory. It provides a platform for leadership, collaboration, and impact, allowing us to contribute to the direction of the profession while continuing to grow alongside colleagues across the country.