Page 20 - OPTA September 2018

Political Action Committee Report Heather Schradin, PT, DPT - Chair
The OPT-PAC has been very active this year with the goal to reach $25,000. We started the year off with a new app (MobileCause) that allows direct donation via text message. Continue to watch out for monthly competitions with our new technology. PACcy hour, during annual conference, was a huge success with our guest Representative Ryan Smith.
Each district is tasked with holding at least one PAC fundraiser this year. The Southwest District hosted their PAC fundraiser at Heid's Bowling Lanes in March and had a great event! With both student and community PT/PTAs, everyone bowled, including the little ones! The Northwest District
Several generations came out to knock some pins down for the Southwest District PAC fundraiser.
Membership Committee Report Sabrina Kaminski, PT - Chair
hosted Dr. Scott Euype and Dr. Michelle Masterson who updated over 60 participants at St. Luke’s Hospital in Maumee, Ohio on federal and state issues related to APTA House of Delegates and the OPTA. The East Central District had a suite at the Akron RubberDucks on August 24, and included food, beverages and fireworks at the end of the night. The West Central District is planning a cupcake decorating and wine night in mid-October. They will have a local baker demonstrate techniques that OPTA members and guests can try on their own cupcakes.
PAC dollars provide us a seat at the table and the opportunity to build relationships with our legislators. Every dollar counts! This brings me to another goal for this year, at least a $10 donation from each member. If you haven’t donated yet, pass up on that Starbucks drink this week and donate to the PAC. It is important for the future of our profession.
For more information, contact Heather at:
hschradin@yahoo.com
20 | September 2018 | OPTA
The Membership Committee continues to explore what drives our retention and engagement. We understand that involvement often happens on a face-to-face level. To initiate this early, we continued the organization and outreach to the colleges and universities at the district level. If you are interested in speaking to your alma mater or a local school, I’m sure your local district leadership would be grateful!
We have also identified an area of need that is within the physical therapy assistant membership. Currently, only 4% of licensed physical therapy assistants are OPTA members. We strive to further determine how we can better fulfill needs of this group. Overall, membership numbers continue to grow. Thank you for your commitment! As always, if you have suggestions please feel free to contact me.
For more information, contact Sabrina at: sj33@evansville.edu