Dear Occupational Therapy Colleagues

It is an exciting time for occupational therapy! Practice is moving in many new and novel directions. OT practitioners are thriving in new businesses, reclaiming areas of practice that had previously gone to the wayside. POTA prides itself on its growing ability to serve you as a resource in these exciting times.

POTA is the only organization in Pennsylvania whose sole purpose is to advocate for, represent, promote, market, and educate our legislators, referral sources, and consumers about occupational therapy. Our activities include:

• Promoting excellence in practice through publications such as the School-based Practice Guidelines and producing this conference
• Supporting superb legal consultation representation and legislative watchdog efforts
• Supporting the ever-increasing need for efficiency, visibility and through the use of web-based technology

In addition POTA continues to build partnerships and strategic alliances with consumer and professional groups, such as:

• Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association
• Mental health consumer organizations such as NAMI
• Pennsylvania Initiative on Assistive Technology

Successfully achieving POTA's goals costs money, and we need the membership of the every one of the 6000 licensed OT professionals in the state. When I meet with a state senator to discuss issues of concern to occupational therapists and say "There are 6000 licensed OT's in Pennsylvanians", I represent you whether you have paid your dues or not! If you want to influence how you profession is represented, you can do so with voice, vote and dues! Dues earn you access to information and influence. The 2000 Presidential election showed us that every vote counts. Your dues give you a vote within the association. Exercise that right and professional obligation!

Welcome aboard!!!!!!!

Sincerely,
Cathy Dolhi
President, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association