Ohio Occupational Therapy Association (OOTA) Volunteer Opportunities
OOTA offers a variety of meaningful volunteer opportunities to support professional growth, advocacy, and connection across the state. Whether you’re a student, entry-level practitioner, or seasoned OTP, there is a way for you to contribute. Below are examples of current volunteer opportunities.
Conference Committee Member
Description: Help plan and organize the annual OOTA conference (e.g., room monitors, logistics, programming).
Commitment: March–October (approx. 8 months); ~2–4 hours/month, plus 1–2 full days during the conference
How to Join: Email OOTA staff (ootastaff@gpsforgrowth.com), or fill out the OOTA Volunteer Interest Survey.
Newsletter Committee
Description: Contribute to content creation/editing for the OOTA newsletter—articles, member spotlights, resources.
Commitment: Year-round; ~3–5 hours/month when published (likely 6–12 issues/year) .
How to Join: Contact via the Newsletter Committee page.
DEIJAB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice & Access and Belonging) Summer Book Club Facilitator
Description: Organize and guide July discussions via the Fable app focused on social connection, not CE credits.
Commitment: July only; Asynchronous—read and contribute at your own pace (no scheduled meetings).
How to join: Email OOTA staff (ootastaff@gpsforgrowth.com), or fill out the OOTA Volunteer Interest Survey.
Awards & Recognitions Committee
Description: Serve on a committee that solicits and reviews nominations for OOTA awards (e.g., Virginia Scardina Lectureship Award).
Commitment: Typically early summer; ~1–3 hours/week for 4–6 weeks.
How to join: Email OOTA staff (ootastaff@gpsforgrowth.com), or fill out the OOTA Volunteer Interest Survey.
Advocacy/Legislative Support
Description: Participate in legislative efforts like promoting the Copay Fairness Act (HB 141); includes contacting legislators and public outreach.
Commitment: Variable—typically requires 1–2 hours per alert/action; periodic spikes during session .
How to join: Email OOTA staff (ootastaff@gpsforgrowth.com), or fill out the OOTA Volunteer Interest Survey.
Special Interest Sections (SIS) Leadership
Description: Lead or join groups focused on specific OT practice areas (e.g., Older Adult SIG, Neuro SIG).
Commitment: 1–2 year terms; monthly virtual meetings (~2–4 hours/month).
How to join: Email OOTA staff (ootastaff@gpsforgrowth.com), or fill out the OOTA Volunteer Interest Survey.
Micro-Volunteer Roles (One-Time or Short-term)
Description: Contribute to single-task roles like event check-in, content review, presentation support, one-off projects.
Commitment: 1 hour up to a few months, varying by project; ideal for trying out volunteering without a major time investment.
How to Join: How to join: Email OOTA staff (ootastaff@gpsforgrowth.com), or fill out the OOTA Volunteer Interest Survey.
Volunteer Opportunities Summary
Role | Time Frame | Estimated Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|
Conference Committee | Mar–Oct | 2–4 hrs/month + 1–2 days at event |
Newsletter Committee | Jan–Dec | 3–5 hrs/month |
DEIJAB Book Club (Facilitator) | July | Asynchronous, flexible |
Awards Committee | Spring–Early Summer | 1–3 hrs/week for ~1 month |
Advocacy Volunteer | Regulatory sessions | 1–2 hrs/action, variable |
SIS Leadership | 1–2 years | 2–4 hrs/month |
Micro-Volunteer | Project-based | 1 hr–few months, depending on task |