![Close up of woman advocating to others in a group setting](/-/media/aota-images/updates/woman-talking-to-others-in-circle-setting.jpg?cx=0.7&cy=0.51&cw=850&ch=484&hash=9674AC3D213C4CED65BE3C3BFE6EF9A2)
Everyday advocacy
Incorporating advocacy into your daily routine is an important part of being an occupational therapy practitioner. Everyday advocacy builds trust and advances your vital role with your team, systems, and clients.
![Male college student sitting outside wearing backpack while using laptop](/-/media/aota-images/education/happy-male-student-with-backpack-using-laptop-computer-outside.jpg?cx=0.39&cy=0.41&cw=575&ch=575&hash=AF01CE396EBD29D710C14C30C72F3DAB)
Spread the word, tell your story
You know that occupational therapy is more than a profession—it’s a passion, and it’s about people. Spread the word about the value of OT.
![Woman sitting at table looking at laughing young boy sitting next to her](/-/media/aota-images/practice/happy-woman-mother-ot-with-child-at-table-children-and-youth.jpg?cx=0.55&cy=0.69&cw=575&ch=575&hash=1106B2E1A39F9B367B1D1958003D8FEE)
Everyday Advocacy Decision Guide
As occupational therapy practitioners continue to adjust to changing regulations, payment reform, and evolving service delivery models, it is vital that we articulate our unique knowledge and skills. Incorporating advocacy into your everyday practice helps the profession show its value to clients, families, payers, and policymakers.
AOTA has created an AOTA Everyday Advocacy Decision Guide to help occupational therapy practitioners better understand this process.
Influence decision makers—advance the profession
You don’t have to come to Washington, DC, to advocate for the profession. Explore resources on how you can promote the profession right from home.
![Advocates in D.C.](/-/media/corporate/images/modules/featured/healthcare-reform-and-ota.jpg?cx=0&cy=0&cw=650&ch=410&hash=A6A91E96E14C4862C7DD90D5F247B88A)
Seven ways to be an OT advocate
Advocacy comes in all shapes and sizes and does not always involve speaking with lawmakers. We have a diverse and vast array of talented individuals in our profession; let’s use that to our advantage. For every passion or skill, there is a form of advocacy.
![Two women and two men talking and walking through office for site visit](/-/media/aota-images/updates/group-of-people-talking-during-site-visit-in-office.jpg?cx=0.31&cy=0.49&cw=650&ch=410&hash=BFDE5F03DC72AC5EA37A9EAD3C80F4FE)
Guidelines for a successful site visit by a Member of Congress
One of the most effective ways to educate members of Congress about occupational therapy is to have them visit a facility to see firsthand what occupational therapy practitioners do and how occupational therapy practitioners help their constituents.
![Man casually reading tablet at home on couch](/-/media/aota-images/updates/man-at-home-on-couch-reading-tablet.jpg?cx=0.61&cy=0.38&cw=650&ch=410&hash=284439413A91F96E8C58A2EB8342B3C5)
Engage federal policymakers from home
Members of Congress often spend significant time at home. This creates a great opportunity for you to build a relationship and advocate for the profession.
![Close up of two male hands shaking with blurred office in background](/-/media/aota-images/career/two-diverse-male-handshake-interview.jpg?cx=0&cy=0&cw=650&ch=410&hash=F6FDA69EEFDEB5D92E149B09AAB349A7)
Handshaking on the campaign trail
Help your favorite candidate for office—or current legislator—with tips on proper handshaking to avoid injuries. "Grip and Grin—Handshaking on the Campaign Trail" is an excellent resource to give candidates and legislators.
![Man and teenage boy sitting at school table using tablet](/-/media/aota-images/practice/male-ot-with-boy-with-down-syndrome-looking-at-tablet-assistive-technology-school-setting.jpg?cx=0.54&cy=0.38&cw=575&ch=575&hash=A8221B179B16F2E212BFF50EDC397429)
Policies supporting OT's role in shaping contexts and environments
Federal policies and legislation support occupational therapy's role in shaping social contexts and environments to facilitate health, well-being, and participation in occupations. Understanding these policies is important to achieving the best outcomes for your clients.