NEWSLETTER WORKGROUP

• Visit the Soundwaves web page

Meetings: 1-2 per year

The Newsletter Workgroup connects MN APTA members in their own voices, seeking to create a visually interesting, relevant publication every other month, Soundwaves. Members are encouraged to contribute to the content of Soundwaves by submitting leads, information or personal interest stories to the committee. Each workgroup member serves as Issue Editor for one issue, maintaining continuity and deadlines.

Open chair position

Webmaster: Allison Hawley

Meetings: Unique to each subcommittee workgroup, below

Membership will increase participation in MN APTA through the development of a strong organization that values its members and develops future leaders. Each workgroup below allows volunteers to focus on specific tasks. Work can be performed via e-mail.

The Membership Retention Workgroup focuses on discussing and improving how MN APTA can be of greater value to its current members, and monitors statistics for the Membership Committee as a whole. This workgroup has implemented the first Former Member Survey.

The PT Community News Workgroup has authored a newsletter to reach out to potential members in Fall 2008, which includes testimonials from a diverse group of members, information on joining committees, and information on the MN APTA website and Former Member Survey results (which are posted above).

No meetings required

The Member Connector is an individual who maintains a list of members and interested nonmembers in his/her facility, region, or neighborhood. S/he will receive roughly one e-mail per month from Membership about events or volunteer opportunities, which s/he will disseminate to a contact list. Being a Member Connector requires a minimum commitment of one year.

PTA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

• Visit the PTA SIG web page

The Physical Therapist Assistant Special Interest Group (PTA SIG) of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (MN APTA) functions as a group to assist Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) members in:

• Determining the needs and interests of PTAs
• Facilitating growth of PTAs through continuing education
• Promoting the PTA's role in physical therapy
• Promoting the interests of PTAs within the chapter
• Encouraging participation of PTA members in the chapter

STUDENT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

• Visit the SSIG web page

Meetings: 5-6 per year, including at Spring and Fall Conferences

SSIG creates opportunities for students to network with each other, as well as with PTs and PTAs. SSIG also aids in mentorship, and develops leadership opportunities for students. All students are automatically members of SSIG and are encouraged to attend meetings. If you are interested in serving as a leader in SSIG, please contact the SSIG Chair!

Meetings: Unique to each workgroup, below; e-mail/phone meetings and work possible

Public Relations will promote Physical Therapy on the local, state, and national levels, to both internal and external audiences.

Lead:
Kristine Greer, PT

Meetings: As needed, July through December

The Bear Tracks Workgroup organizes and executes the annual Bear Tracks 5K Walk/Run each fall in White Bear Lake.

MINNESOTA STATE FAIR WORKGROUP

• Visit the State Fair web page

Meetings: About 6 per year, January through September

This workgroup organizes and executes the Physical Therapy booth at the Minnesota State Fair, for the two weeks preceding Labor Day.

ETHICS COMMITTEE

• Visit the Ethics web page

Meetings: 1-2 per year, as needed

The purpose of the Ethics Committee is to act on ethical complaints to assure that MN APTA members use ethical principles and professional standards in their practice of Physical Therapy. The Ethics Committee educates the membership through various avenues, including Ethical Ethel columns in Soundwaves and through CE courses, and uses a theoretical model to recognize and solve ethical issues and discuss difficult issues with no right or wrong answer.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CONTINUING EDUCATION) SUBCOMMITTEE

• Visit the Professional Development web page to learn about upcoming MN APTA professional development and continuing education courses

Meetings: 4 per year

The Continuing Education Committee organizes and presents continuing education courses in response to member need by developing and/or recruiting speakers. Participation opportunities include attending committee meetings, brainstorming on future topics and speakers, and executing courses.

CONFERENCE SUBCOMMITTEE

• Visit the Conference web page to learn about upcoming Conference courses and events

Committee Chair: Lynne Farrell, PT

2008 Fall Conference Chair: Bart Hanson, PT

2009 Spring Conference Chair: Lynne Farrell, PT

Meetings: 6 per year; additional meetings as required for workgroups below

The Conference Committee is responsible for the programming at the Spring and Fall Conferences (topics, speakers, locations, Exhibit Hall, sponsorships, etc.) and also executes each Conference (registration, speaker introduction, evaluations, etc.). This committee is a good fit for members who prefer short-term projects or are easily bored by routine (this group is not routine!).

RESEARCH COMMITTEE

• Visit the Research Committee web page

Meetings: 6 per year

The purpose of the Research Committee is to educate, promote, and inform MN APTA membership of evidence-based practice through research. Current activities include:

• Assisting with the execution of Spring Conference sessions on the use of evidence in practice
• Hosting posters at Spring and Fall Conferences
• Mentoring members in preparation of their research posters
• Encouraging understanding of and participation in clinical research
• Developing standards for incorporating evidence-based outcomes in MN APTA-sponsored CE courses.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE

ADMINISTRATION/MANAGEMENT STUDY GROUP

Meetings: 6 per year

This study group examines the physical therapist's role in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention activities, and studies "concepts that embrace positive health behaviors that promote a state of physical and mental balance and fitness" (APTA Guide to Physical Therapist Practice).

Meetings: 2-4 per year

The Home Health Study Group brings together PT and PTA members who provide physical therapy home health services in urban or rural settings, to improve quality and process. The group's program and direction will be determined by members.

Meetings: 6 per year

This study group searches, reviews, and systematically discusses literature related to low back pain.

Meetings: 6 per year (Please visit the MN APTA Events/Meetings page for upcoming meeting dates)

Study group members represent all areas of pediatric practice, and examine how to achieve quality pediatric practice, using a discussion format to cover a wide variety of topics. If you would like to join the Pediatric Outcomes Study Group, please contact the MN APTA Chapter Office or fill out a committee sign-up form and fax/email it to MN APTA.

REIMBURSEMENT COMMITTEE

• Visit the Reimbursement Committee web page

Meetings: 5-7 per year

The purpose of the Reimbursement Committee is to be a resource to members regarding Physical Therapy reimbursement issues, and to enhance relationships with third party payers through dialogue and education regarding the practice of Physical Therapy. The Reimbursement Committee includes members from all areas of Physical Therapy practice; each member contributes to issues, concerns or questions relating to their area of expertise.

If you have a question or concern regarding reimbursement, please contact MN APTA Executive Director Judy Hawley, PT. Your issue will be brought to the member(s) who have the expertise to respond to you. MN APTA keeps an ongoing log of questions and responses in the chapter office.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

• Visit the Government Affairs web page

The profession of Physical Therapy and health care in general are highly regulated. The Government Affairs Committees (GAC) address professional issues of importance to Physical Therapy and in which our governments, state or federal, also have a stake. The goal of the GACs is to create a network of influence and to prepare the chapter for each legislative session. Membership in a GAC offers the opportunity to study a professional issue and help shape the chapter's position on that issue. Learning more about the legislative process and having some influence on it is an added benefit.

STATE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

• Visit the Government Affairs web page

The profession of Physical Therapy and health care in general are highly regulated. The Government Affairs Committees (GAC) address professional issues of importance to Physical Therapy and in which our governments, state or federal, also have a stake. The goal of the GACs is to create a network of influence and to prepare the chapter for each legislative session. Membership in a GAC offers the opportunity to study a professional issue and help shape the chapter's position on that issue. Learning more about the legislative process and having some influence on it is an added benefit.

ATHLETIC TRAINING WORKGROUP

CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING WORKGROUP

GRASSROOTS WORKGROUP

• Visit the Government Affairs web page

Key Contact:
This descriptor is given to a member of MN APTA who agrees to participate in advocacy efforts on behalf of the Profession. A Key Contact can participate in any or all of the following activities: Contacting their legislator(s) via phone, email, FAX, or mail; meeting with and providing information to their legislator(s); attending MN APTA’s Legislative Day; helping with a candidate’s election campaign; attending a legislative hearing. An effective grassroots effort depends upon having as many Key Contacts as possible.

Prime Contact:
This descriptor is given to a Key Contact who has been asked by and agrees to be the one person who is the primary contact with a given legislator. MN APTA must have one member for each legislator who is well informed and who has a strong professional relationship with that legislator. A Prime Contact serves as a critical link between a legislator and the association and facilitates communication between the two. Every Prime Contact is expected to respond to all regular all-member email "Action Alerts." MN APTA may, on occasion arrange to have a “back-up” to the Prime Contact. The role of a Prime Contact includes: Relationship building with the legislator; staying apprised of the key legislative issues affecting Physical Therapy; respond to all regular all-member email "Action Alerts;" making targeted contacts with the legislator to deliver a strategic message; providing feedback to MN APTA as a result of that contact

Grassroots Business Link:
This descriptor is given to a member of MN APTA who agrees to be the contact person within their workplace for grassroots efforts. The role of the Grassroots Business Link is to help mobilize the grassroots during the working day. MN APTA recognizes that not all members have e-mail and not all members regularly check their e-mail during the working day. The Grassroots Business Link receives the Action Alerts and notifies others in their workplace to respond. This role is especially critical when there is a very limited time frame within which action must be taken as is often the case during the legislative session.

LEGISLATIVE DAY WORKGROUP

• Visit the Legislative Day web page

Meetings: As needed, August through April

The purpose of the Legislative Day work group is to plan MN APTA's annual Legislative Day. The committee collaborates with the scope of practice work group(s) to coordinate the event. Involvement in the work group can range from a limited time commitment to a leadership position. The Legislative Day workgroup is a great opportunity for members who are interested in a short term commitment.

BYLAWS COMMITTEE

• Read the MN APTA Bylaws

Meetings: As needed (infrequent)

Meetings: 4 per year

The Finance Committee coordinates development, implementation, and review of the MN APTA budget and investments. Committee members work as liaisons to other MN APTA committees in preparation and maintenance of budgets. Interest or experience in management, accounting, or budget development is welcome.

Meetings: As needed (infrequent)

The HR Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors on paid personnel issues (i.e. job descriptions, performance appraisal, salary/benefit packages) and is responsible for all employees and independent contractors.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

• Visit the Nominating Committee web page if:
  • You would like to nominate a fellow PT/PTA for a position in MN APTA, or
  • You have been nominated for a position in MN APTA

Members are be elected to a three-year term on the Nominating Committee by their peers, in elections occurring each June. If you wish to run for Nominating Committee, please contact the Nominating Committee Chair with your interest.

MINNESOTA DELEGATES (TO APTA HOUSE OF DELEGATES)

Considering running for delegate?  Wondering if it’s right for you? Some of our current and former delegates have developed a list of personality characteristics that tend to be found in those who enjoy being a delegate.  See if these traits describe you….

Important characteristics to have….

• A desire to be part of the decision-making process
• A willingness to initiate communication with others (often people you don’t know), in order to clarify issues and questions
• An interest in a variety of issues (not just your own agenda)
• An interest in process
• A willingness to learn
• Being a “people” person….you can’t be a loner during the House of Delegates!
• The ability to analyze the impact of decisions on all the various therapy practice settings
• Ability to keep an open mind and listen to all sides of an argument
• Good active listening skills
• Ability to think on your feet during lively/fast paced discussions
• Ability to follow convoluted conversations
• Ability to respect multiple points of view while debating issues

What you don’t need to be…

• An expert on every (or any) issue
• A public speaker (you can choose to speak in front of the entire delegation, or not)
• From a particular practice setting – it’s best to have a variety of settings represented in the delegation.
• A PT with many years of experience – again, having a variety of perspectives on the delegation helps everyone see all sides of an issue!

If this sounds like you, consider running for delegate!