October 30, 2019
This year’s conference features more advocacy sessions than ever before and in new session formats. And brand new to the program are appearances from Kansas U.S. and State representatives! Attendees, as you finalize each day’s schedule, don’t miss these learning opportunities.
Meet and greet with U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (KS-3)
Saturday, November 2, 11:30 am – 12:00 pm. Room: Colonial Ballroom.
The Congresswoman will address attendees and welcome them to Kansas City! Congresswoman Davids represents Kansas’s 3rd Congressional District, including Kansas City and Overland Park. She serves as Vice-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus, Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, and on the Mental Health Caucus among others. She has been a vocal advocate for veterans and access to mental health care. Elected in 2018, she is one of the first two Native American women in Congress.
Kansas State Representative Jerry Stogsdill (District 21) at the Public Policy Focus Group
Friday, November 1, 10:00 – 10:50 am. Facilitated by Clara Keane. Room: Trianon E.
As a sponsor of the Kansas art therapy licensure bill, Representative Stogsdill will share strategies with attendees about how to be effective advocates for art therapy legislation. AATA’s public policy team works year-round to support chapters engaged in legislative efforts for licensure, insurance reimbursement, and state employment of art therapists. Everyone is invited to join us to discuss legislative priorities and strategies, network with advocates in other states, and participate in interactive legislative planning activities.
Building a Successful Art Therapy Legislative Campaign
Thursday, October 31, 11:00 am – 11:50 am. Presented by Catherine Harris, ATR-BC; Clara Keane; Ellie Nicol, ATR-BC; and Paige Scheinberg, ATR, BC. Room: Julia Lee A/B.
This session will provide an overview of AATA legislative priorities, accomplishments, challenges, and strategies and then engage attendees on interactive activities focused on building a strong art therapy legislative campaign in their respective states. A panel of art therapists will provide concrete examples from licensure campaigns from the past year, including Connecticut, where a license was recently enacted, and Tennessee.
Pop-Up Session: Sustaining Energy and Engagement in Your Legislative Campaign
Friday, November 1, 11:00 am – 11:50 am. Presented by Jay Dick. Room: Tea Room/Barney Allis Lobby.
A favorite at the AOC luncheon the last two years, Jay Dick will be holding an informal Pop-Up session this year. As Senior Director of State and Local Government Affairs with Americans for the Arts, Jay works to educate and inform elected officials about the value of the arts and culture. A twenty-year veteran of K Street, Capitol Hill, the private sector, and federal, state, and local campaigns, Jay possesses a tremendous body of knowledge in the field of arts policy, government, the legislative process, and grassroots advocacy. He is a nationally recognized speaker on these topics having designed and overseen many initiatives.
Advocating for Art Therapy Through Legislation: Practical Tips for Students and Professionals
Friday, November 1, 4:00 pm – 4:50 pm. Presented by Deborah Anne Good, PhD, ATR-BC, ATCS, LPAT, LPCC and Jenelle Hallaert, MS, RIC-V. Room: Trianon E.
As art therapists, we advocate through many avenues, but the idea of working with our governments can be intimidating. Hear how art therapists in New Mexico and Nebraska are working with their local legislatures to advocate for art therapy, and walk away with practical tools to use in your home state.