I am just returning from the Council of State Association Presidents (CSAP) meeting which was a fabulous opportunity to network and learn from other states. I really want to look at a different way of doing things within OSHA. The OSHA Board is composed of committees, as well as other Board positions, however, most of the time we’ve had just a single Committee chair instead of a group of people working on the committee. 
To be more efficient, we need to have committee work. This doesn’t mean you need to come to Salem or that you need to feel like this is a large time commitment.

You can get involved in what you have a passion for, investing as much time as you want. Please know that OSHA is a very welcoming group with people working from all sorts of backgrounds. The OSHA Board would like to increase that number of members involved in the various causes the Board and committees have set forth. We have a fabulous organization and we’ve accomplished quite a lot over the years. But, I truly believe we can unite to become a more united force in the state to advocate for ourselves and our clients.

I think volunteer work is truly motivating, I thrive on it. I thrive when I see results, and see that my small amount of effort truly can make a difference. You may be feeling discouraged in your current position, you may be looking for a change in some form. I have spoken to others and told them the thrill that can come from working on a change, speaking out for yourself and the public we serve as well as networking with some great people. I really encourage you to get involved with a committee or consider filling a Board position. Do you have an idea on how to support members of OSHA, or our clients? Are you experiencing particular frustration with your job, service reimbursement for your clients, or looking for a way to make a difference?  Let’s move away from the adage, “10% of the people do 90% of the work”. Visit the OSHA website at www.oregonspeechandhearing.org to see the contact for specific committees and/or Board representatives.

A few ideas on ways to get involved with OSHA—

Legislative:  Learn how to lobby, advocate, or organize a letter writing campaign about a specific issue.

Public Relations: Gather and digitize consumer’s success stories, or personal testimony on behalf or our professions. Gather these tools to market/advocate for our professions.

Health Care Reimbursement:  Linda D’Onofrio has some dynamic goals to specifically work on reimbursement in Oregon.  Did you know there is a Clinic-Based Listserv?

Public schools:  Work for salary supplements, national recognition, workload models, supervision models and training considerations.

Establishing an OSHA Foundation:  One idea for giving back to our members includes setting up a foundation as well as developing other ways to benefit the professions and education and research in the field.

Highly Qualified Provider Committee: This has been an active committee with a passion to educate professions, administrators, and the public about our credentials and the importance of supporting State Board licensure.

Membership:  Help to give more tools to our membership, build our membership and support our mission statement.

Region Representatives: Contact your region representative to inquire about and suggest issues that are pertinent to your own region. (Hint: you can figure out what region you’re in by visiting the OSHA website).
Most committee work can be done electronically, with minimal time requirements. Change is good, and OSHA is a pro-active and forward thinking group. We welcome your help, and only want to warn you that you may get addicted to the networking you do with others, to the enthusiasm that comes with the feeling of putting forth effort to make changes that benefit our members, as well as to the success that comes from legislative changes and recognition for our professions. I encourage you to get involved!!! If you want to explore more options, please feel free to contact me: anortham@chemeketa.edu

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm “
Ralph Waldo Emerson