Help Me, Help You!

It's a great scene.  I know that I channel Jerry Maguire all the time.  I also channel Colonel Jessup from A Few Good Men, but that's for another post.

"It's an up-at-dawn, pride-swallowing seige..."  Isn't it though?  Athletic training has come a long way in its 60+ year history.  It has grown exponentially, and is gaining ground as an allied health profession.  Still, there is a ways to go.

Each of us as athletic trainers represents us all, and our professional organizations do a great deal to advocate on our behalf.  In addition to volunteering for committees and initiatives, there are so many ways to contribute to the future of athletic training.

For example, the NATA Foundation, the only 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of athletic training through research and education. Established in 1991, the NATA Foundation advances its mission by awarding undergraduate and graduate scholarships and by funding grants that support research in health care.  Consider making a (tax-deductible) donation, develop research and apply for a grant or nominate someone for a scholarship.  Keeping our techniques and skills on the cutting edge will help in elevating athletic trainers.

Another organization that often goes unrecognized is the NATAPAC.  Established in 2005, this federal group is working on behalf of all certified athletic trainers and the people they treat.  This political action committee seeks better working conditions, fair access, and the right to practice for all athletic trainers across America.  Again, there are several ways to get involved: contribute, contact your Senator or Representative regarding current legislation, attend Hill Day.

Consider this...If one day a month you brought your lunch or skipped the Starbucks and donated that $5-7 to one of these worthy causes, you could make a significant impact.  If all 30,000 of us did that, think of the influence we could have.

All this to say that there are so many ways to keep athletic training relevant, and advance.  Find an area that appeals to you and step up.  It's exciting, interesting and you will be amazed at how much we can accomplish if we help each other help athletic training.