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Showing posts from June, 2017

Case study: Demise of a professional membership organization

Unless there are dramatic changes in statistical trends, the New York State Occupational Therapy Association may face insolvency and may be forced into dissolution in the very near future. Two years ago I reported that the NY State OT Association was at a critical juncture. At that time, only 4.4% of all NY practitioners were members of the group.  During the period of time from 2006 through 2014 NYSOTA OT/OTA membership declined 24%.   The decreasing trend of participation is continuing. According to statistics published by NYSOTA , now there are only 379 OT members and 120 OTA members.  In consideration of the total of OT practitioners in NY State ( 17,318 total ) that is a membership participation rate of 2.9%.  This is decreased from the rate two years ago of 4.4% According to publicly available financial information (Form 990), NYSOTA's net assets are in free fall. YEAR      NET ASSETS ---------------------------------- 2012        $180,045 2013        $135,154

OT History in Clifton Springs!

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A group of people made OT History today - pulling off an amazing day of celebration in Clifton Springs that was enjoyed by so many attendees. Eighteen months ago I started corresponding with Steve Egidi, an occupational therapist and Vice President of the Clifton Springs Chamber of Commerce.  He invited me to join a working group that was forming to help make plans for  the 100th OT Anniversary Celebration in Clifton Springs.  Steve was a steady organizing force for the group and it was a real pleasure getting to work with him. Also from the Chamber was Jeff Criblear, President of the Clifton Springs Chamber of Commerce.  Jeff did amazing work with restoring the 50th anniversary plaque and also helping to coordinate so many of the Centennial celebration activities with the Clifton Springs community. The glue behind the entire project was undoubtedly Jamie Noga, Coordinator from the Clifton Springs Chamber of Commerce.  Jamie did it all - she kept us all organized and on track