May 30, 2023 | By Kelly Burns, MA, LMHC, ATR-BC, with support from Eliza Homer, PhD, ATR-BC, LCPC, NCC
It’s that time of year when you’ll hear more from the leadership of AATA about why you, the member, should run for an open position on the Board of Directors. You’ll hear why AATA needs members, like you, to become a Director so that it can continue executing the strategic plan of the organization in the best way possible.
But what does that mean exactly, and what can you expect as a member to gain as being a Director?
For more details about the role of a Director on the AATA Board, click here or read these FAQs.
What does it mean to be a Director on the Board of AATA?
As a Director on the board of the AATA, you will play a pivotal role in helping establish and execute the strategic plan of the organization. This is the big picture, long term planning that helps set the AATA on the best possible future course. You will do this in concert with your colleagues on the Board of Directors, which is always composed of a mixture of new members and experienced members. You will also work closely with the Executive Director and the National Office staff to coordinate with and support each other to ensure the strategic plan is put into action. For more details on this position, click here.
So what does this mean for me?
Becoming a board member offers a unique opportunity not only in professional development, but also in personal growth. There are not many other places where you will have the space to challenge yourself and contribute like you can when you are on a Board of Directors. You will have the opportunities to gain new skills and knowledge, broaden your contacts and also contribute in a meaningful, intentional way. It’s also a space where you will find opportunities for profound personal growth that you can’t obtain in another arena.
Read how Colleen Dilenschneider experienced being Chair Elect on the Board of Directors for the National Aquarium, Baltimore, MD:
“Your voice is likely to be heard – and it has an impact. You’ll hear the impactful voices of others, too. If you join a board, you’ll likely bring your own valuable talents, passions, and areas of expertise. You’ll open eyes and your eyes will be opened. I can say that I’ve noticed that the more attention and effort I put in, the more I get out of it. The more I care and contribute, the more I grow. The first reason to serve on a Board of Directors on a more conventional list might be, “To contribute to something meaningful.” I wonder if the first reason might be stated differently: To allow something meaningful to contribute to you. It works both ways. At least, in my experience it does.”
So, what is it like to be a Director on the board of AATA?
Hear directly from someone who experienced it. Craig Siegel, is a former Director of the Board and current Chairperson of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Clinical Art Therapy Department:
“Serving as a Director for AATA was such a great experience…whereas I was initially a bit apprehensive about stepping into the role and thinking about all of the responsibilities, I was greeted by a team of colleagues all working for the betterment of the organization that promotes the profession we all dearly love.
As a director, I had a voice in the conversation that guided the profession both in the ‘here and now’ and in the shaping of its future. In addition to the relationships forged with the other board members and the art therapy community at large, serving as a Director helped to build and/or strengthen leadership, communication, and networking skills which have all been vital in my role as Chairperson of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Clinical Art Therapy Department.”
2022 Board Members, National Office Staff, and Conference Team working together
Celebrating conference with AATA leaders, past and present.
For this upcoming election year, please consider running for Director of the Board, or any of the open positions. Not only would you be helping for the greater good of the future of art therapy, but you may also gain personally as well.