Physical therapists quite often discuss the benefits (as well as the shortcomings) of our national organization, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Often, these discussions end with therapists saying that the APTA needs to do a better job of demonstrating the value of membership. This week, the APTA rolled out the Membership Matters campaign, which is designed to use the most effective advocates for membership—its current members. The campaign is built on the belief that more involvement will make the association and our profession stronger.
The APTA created a new page on its website to highlight the importance of membership. There, you can find:
- Testimonials from current members about the benefits of membership
- Video clips regarding membership
- Information on what activities are made possible through dues
- Facts about the math of APTA dues
- FAQs about membership
- Downloads to promote APTA membership to your colleagues
I have to admit that I had let my APTA membership lapse for several years as I was frustrated by my perception of the cost/benefit ratio. It was only through conversations with two current members who communicated to me the value of membership that I decided to renew just over a year ago. Since then, I’ve attended my first APTA PPS conference as well as my first CSM. The connections I made at those two events alone have more than paid for my membership dues (and the cost of conference attendance).
Over the past year, I have experienced the value of APTA membership repeatedly. Membership allows me to stay current on legislative issues facing our profession as well as current research and events. I am passionate about our profession and my APTA membership provides me with a platform to voice my thoughts. Through my involvement with the APTA, I can continue to help change our profession—and the public’s perception of physical therapy—for the better.
I encourage you to look at the resources I linked to above. If you are an APTA member, please share these links with your colleagues. I know it’ll help them better understand the value of the APTA. And if you aren’t currently a member, I urge you to consider the value of a membership, especially one that helps protect and promote your chosen profession.
Are you a member? What are some ways that membership matters to you?
