Hi Advocates.
If you’re reading this blog, it’s likely after July 1st and my time at AOTA as AOTA’s Manager of Grassroots Advocacy and Engagement has come to an end. To say I’m personally heartbroken is an understatement. It has been my absolute pleasure to guide and learn from all of you. Occupational therapy is a Heart-Full (capitalized and hyphenated on purpose) profession that I have been honored to serve. From the bottom of my very soul, thank you for letting me be your biggest fan.
My departure comes as part of recent changes occurring at AOTA; the full statement from AOTA leadership can be found at the end of this blog.
As a result, AOTA’s Annual Grassroots Advocacy Learning Intensive (GALI), will not be taking place for 2024. I’m bereft to make this announcement, as it is one of the highlights of my year and I’m so proud of all we’ve been able to achieve together. But please know that remaining AOTA staff will still be here to answer your questions and support your advocacy efforts while also leading the charge to protect and promote occupational therapy in Federal, State, and Regulatory policy. I will miss my colleagues more than words can say but I know you and your profession are in good hands.
Your profession will have my heart for all my days to come. But more importantly, you folks are my folks. And I don’t plan to lose any of you any time soon. I am so grateful to know so many of you personally and professionally. If there is ever anything that I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilltighe) I will happily make time to answer your questions/provide support where I am able.
Now to my final peptalk to you, as you continue your advocacy journey:
Hi, It’s me, Jill. I’m just some government affairs professional. I know some stuff about Congress and healthcare and advocacy, and I just wanna say, I’m proud of you and I believe in you. I believe in your ability to tell your story; I believe in you and your ability to advocate.
Advocacy is a big and daunting thing. Advocacy for your clients to decision makers. Advocacy for yourself in your job. Advocacy for the broader scope of the profession with lawmakers. The word covers so many bases and every single iteration of Advocacy requires a different skill or tactic. And I’m here to tell you, that you are uniquely equipped to tackle the act of Advocating from every angle and in every direction.
Only you can share your story on, “why occupational therapy should be part of any solution.” Only you can tell your Electeds – the folks who represent you in decision making – how they can better represent you by supporting occupational therapy priorities. And only you can shine your unique light on the incredible good that you do as an occupational therapy practitioner, student, or advocate.
I’m so proud of the work you’re doing and will continue to do to elevate your profession - a profession that does so much good for so many people. And I’m so grateful to have been able to support the incredible work you do.
Thank you for letting me help and finally, one last time, let’s all say it together:
Thank you for your advocacy!
The full statement from AOTA leadership:
“Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns about the changes occurring at AOTA. Over the past few years, AOTA has been running on a deficit budget, and we’ve had to make strategic decisions to bring our expenses in closer alignment with our revenue in FY 2025 and beyond. A reduction in force is unfortunately unavoidable, but we wanted to provide staff with as much compassion, support, and choice as possible during this difficult time. This is why we implemented a voluntary separation program with severance packages to help those who choose to leave to make the transition to new opportunities. This is an ongoing and difficult process that ultimately will strengthen the organization moving forward. We invite you to attend our annual business meeting on August 14 to learn more about AOTA’s activities, operations, and future initiatives to bring the greatest value to our members and to the profession.”
