LEADERSHIP ATRA

Developing leadership for a promising future
ATRA leadership brings together a mix of existing and emerging leaders with diverse backgrounds and experiences and from the american therapeutic recreation association membership. These individuals have demonstrated the talent and desire to serve the association through their work with ATRA chapters, teams or treatment networks. Through active participation in a succession of teleconference and onsite program days, participants become more aware of the dynamics of the american therapeutic recreation associations organizational structure and operations and the potential impact on our membership. Once a month, october through september, participants engage in teleconference sessions on specific topics: the association’s mission, vision and values; history of ATRA; organizational structure; strategic planning; budget and finances; board of director responsibilities / operations; professional staff responsibilities / national office operations; communications; governmental relations and advocacy; networks and coalition building; continuous quality improvement processes and emerging issues. Onsite sessions are hosted at the ATRA mid-year and annual conference, which allow an in-depth exploration of leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills. The onsite ATRA mid-year and annual conference sessions are scheduled prior to the actual conference start date and are required. Attendance at the actual ATRA mid-year and annual conference is strongly encouraged.

Discussions with present association leaders and experts forms the backbone of the sessions, and helps class members develop an in-depth understanding of the complexities of association issues. Participants are provided opportunities and are assigned team special projects to enhance their problem solving and communication skills throughout the program. Through this process, valuable knowledge and broader perspectives on a host of issues is gained.

The leadership ATRA experience has an immediate, positive effect on the participants and their therapeutic recreation practice. Each person is better informed and more skilled in active organizational leadership. The real value of the program is evidenced, as graduates become leaders in positions of responsibility in the american therapeutic recreation association.

Leadership ATRA was founded to help develop this most precious resource and to recognize the valuable contribution of great leadership in the past, present, and future.

Participants that complete all class requirements will receive 15 hours of continuing education unit contact.

Program dimensions
The successful completion of the leadership ATRA experience includes five dimensions of the program. These include comprehensive education training, teamwork development, ATRA board observation, ATRA cqi project completion, mentoring and a practical application phase of the program.

Comprehensive education training
Leadership ATRA includes a minimum of 15 contact hours of continuing education training through active participation in teleconference and onsite program days. Participants become more aware of the dynamics of the american therapeutic recreation associations organizational structure and operations and the potential impact on our membership.

Teamwork
Leadership ATRA provides an opportunity to develop and apply teamwork skills through assigned projects and activities. The teamwork experience provides for the application of knowledge and skills, as well as, the development of professional network contacts. Teamwork is critical in the development of high performing teams.

Board observation
Leadership ATRA requires attendance and direct observation of a meeting of the ATRA board of directors. The experience provides a practical observation of the association’s governing body.

ATRA CQI project
Leadership ATRA participants plan and implement a continuous quality improvement project working in small groups. These projects are designed to address priority and emerging issues for the profession and the association. The ATRA cqi projects culminate in a report to the board of directors during the annual ATRA conference.

Mentoring
Leadership ATRA facilitates discussion and interaction with association leaders and experts during session presentations. Each participant is provided an ATRA mentor for as a professional resource for the 12 months following the completion of the formal leadership ATRA training.

Practical application
Leadership ATRA includes a final practical application of knowledge and skills following successful completion of the education sessions. Participants develop an individual professional growth plan that they work at completing during the 12 months following their leadership ATRA graduation.

Application process
Current ATRA members may submit an application for the coming leadership ATRA class. Applications must be received prior to the annual conference to be considered for the upcoming class. Each leadership ATRA class will be limited to no more than 12 participants to facilitate individual professional growth, teamwork and mentoring. All applications will be reviewed and scored according to demonstrated current and talent and desire to serve the association through their work with ATRA chapters, teams or treatment networks.

*does not include participant registration, hotel and travel expenses for ATRA mid-year and ATRA annual conferences

Class of 2008
Leadership ATRA applications
Due by November 1, 2007
Mail to:
ATRA National Office
1414 Prince Street, suite 204
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Fax 703-683-9431