October 7, 2010

AOTA has announced a new program aimed at developing leaders in the profession.  This is consistent with AOTA’s Centennial Vision and compliments the recently released COOL program (information in previous message posted to the List or available on AOTA’s website).   Please pass this information along to individuals that you think may be interested.   Individuals must be members of AOTA to participate.


Thank you,

Robin Jones, MPA, COTA/L, ROH

Illinois Representative, AOTA Representative Assembly

AOTA Emerging Leaders Development Program

 

Letter of Invitation and Application

The continued development of strong leaders within the profession is essential to achieving the goals we have for the Centennial Vision. The Emerging Leaders Development Program recognizes and develops those emerging practitioners who have shown an initial dedication to the profession and service at the start of their career. The program provides selected candidates with leadership training and ongoing mentorship while identifying needs for service within AOTA, and matching current opportunities with each participant’s own leadership goals.

 

Once candidates are chosen, they will receive a formal face-to-face (2-day) training focusing on leadership development and other components of the program. Following this training, candidates will participate in a service learning component where they will collaborate with AOTA or a state association on a project or leadership role where they fill a real need. Assistance will be given to match current needs and opportunities with candidate interest areas. The training program will also include a formal mentored experience where emerging leaders are paired with individuals who currently hold a leadership position within AOTA. This period of formal mentorship will continue for at least 1 year following the face-to-face training. Participant emerging leaders will also be expected to share their experiences via AOTA publications or formal/informal presentations.

 

Who Should Apply?

Candidates considered for this program may be OT or OTA students in the last year of their professional preparation or new practitioners with 5 or fewer years of experience. Candidates must also be current members of AOTA.

 

This is a program for individuals who see themselves staying involved in AOTA leadership and volunteer opportunities. Candidates must be able to commit to the following:

  • attendance at a funded 2-day training at AOTA in Bethesda on January 14 & 15, 2011;
  • a formal mentorship/training period of 12 months;
  • completion of a service learning project decided upon in collaboration with their mentor; and
  • an expectation of ongoing leadership service within AOTA for a period of time.

 

It is the program’s goal and hope that the leadership training and experience inspires individuals to continue service within AOTA throughout their careers.

 

Application Process

Submit a personal letter of intent (no more than three pages, double spaced, 12-point font) describing why you see yourself as an emerging leader. In your narrative, please include the following:


  • Please tell us specifically what you hope to accomplish in your career and professional life, listing any personal and professional goals as they relate to your leadership development.

 

  • Discuss how/why you think your participation in the Emerging Leaders Development Program will help you grow in your current role, as well as achieve your goals. Please specifically share how participation in this program will enable you to develop a trajectory towards leadership within AOTA and the profession.

 

  • Include a list of your past and current leadership experiences (professional as well as community) and choose one example to describe how you demonstrated leadership most effectively. Please provide examples of how you were able to successfully lead others, citing any personal challenges and achievements during that particular experience.

 

  • Provide an explanation of how you see yourself benefitting from a structured mentoring relationship within the organizational structure of AOTA and what you would bring to a mentoring partnership. Please also identify areas within the organizational structure of AOTA (COP, COE, Ethics, SIS, etc.) that you are interested in working with during your period of mentorship.

 

Applications to the Emerging Leaders Development Program also require a letter of reference from a current AOTA member who has firsthand knowledge of your leadership ability. The reference letter should provide a strong recommendation, as it accounts for approximately 1/3 of the total score in the selection process. Individuals providing the letter of reference may come from schools, be existing AOTA leaders, or be involved in state associations. Reference letters should specifically address aspects of your personal character, leadership qualities you possess, your leadership potential, and their opinion as to your appropriateness for this program and potential to successfully complete the program.

 

Please include your resume and e-mail address. Applications should be electronically submitted to [email protected] and be received no later than November 2, 2010. No hard copy applications will be considered.