Outstanding Student Advocate Award
Established in 2015, this award recognizes one OT or OTA student, or one student group, who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advocacy for the occupational therapy profession above and beyond the typical requirements of their program.
Spirit of the Award
This award honors students who step into advocacy before anyone requires it of them, seeing a need, then organizing, teaching, or testifying to meet it. Recipients show the kind of initiative and leadership that defines the profession's future, not just its coursework.
Description and Purpose
- To recognize one OTS, one OTAS, or a student group who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advocacy for the profession and raised awareness of occupational therapy in new and innovative ways.
- To encourage other students to participate in advocacy efforts at the school, local, state, and national levels.
Criteria
Enrollment and Membership
- The nominee(s) must be currently enrolled as full-time student(s) in an ACOTE-accredited OT or OTA program at the time of nomination or have graduated within six months of the nomination deadline.
- In the event of a group nomination, all group members must be AOTA members in good standing at the time of nomination and upon receipt of the award.
Advocacy Beyond Program Requirements
The nominee(s) must demonstrate notable advocacy activities that go beyond course or program requirements. Evidence may include:
- Developing and distributing advocacy, educational, and/or informational materials.
- Initiating and promoting advocacy activities that support local, state, or national professional issues.
- Initiating and promoting advocacy for the health and wellness needs of consumers.
- Organizing fellow students and/or others for advocacy efforts at local, state, or national levels.
- Providing testimony at the local, state, or national level.
- Involvement in AOTPAC or state political action committee activities.
- Demonstrating leadership in improving health promotion and/or health care.
- Active involvement in an occupational therapy public awareness campaign.
What Does Not Qualify Alone
Completing required advocacy assignments, attending a mandatory legislative day, or participating in activities required as part of coursework does not meet the criteria for this award.
The nomination must demonstrate that the student or group went beyond what was required — taking initiative, organizing others, or creating visible impact at a local, state, or national level.