Connection and Engagement Committee District 1 Representative

The charge given to the Connection and Engagement Committee (CEC) by the NATA BOD is to be membership ambassadors by engaging and linking ATs with the resources, information, and support available from the national office. 

The purpose of the Connection and Engagement Committee is to develop ambassadors and programming to foster community within NATA. This includes bringing awareness to members about resources, information, and support available from the national office.

Additionally, CEC will facilitate information flow and feedback across the state, district, and national levels. The District 1 representative will begin shadowing in January; the official term will begin at NATA Convention in 2025 and will end June 2029.

Qualifications

1. NATA member in good standing (certified or certified retired)
2. National Provider Identification (NPI) Number
3. Currently residing in District 1

Responsibilities

• Fulfill the charge of the committee under the direction of the Board.
• Complete work assignments within time frames established
• Remain up-to-date on events and circumstances affecting the committee and those it serves.
• Attend online meetings, conference calls, the NATA Joint Committee Meeting (January) and annual in-person meetings in conjunction with the convention.
• Contribute to discussions at scheduled meetings, having read the agenda and all background support materials relevant to the meeting.
• Openly debate issues without making personal attacks.
• Promote what is best for the entire committee and for the profession, not the member's personal agenda.
• Participate in the annual Volunteer Experience survey.
• Represent the NATA in a positive and supportive manner at all times.
• Avoid conflicts of interest between one's position as an NATA volunteer and one's personal and professional life. When necessary, declare a conflict of interest and abstain from both the discussion and voting of any matter in which the member has a personal or business interest. A conflict of interest is defined as any social, professional or economic relationship with individuals or the matter at hand that could affect the volunteer's judgment and result in an outcome that might not reflect the best interests of the NATA
• Support in a positive manner all actions taken by the committee, even when the member is in a minority position on such actions.

Additional Scope of Work

1. Define and communicate clear goals for the committee and set a plan for achieving those goals.
2. Plan for and lead regular on-line meetings, conference calls and the annual in-person meeting in conjunction with the NATA Clinical Symposia and AT Expo and the Joint Committee Meeting, if applicable.
3. Communicate regularly with my members, board liaison and staff liaison.
4. Distribute agenda and support materials for all meetings at least two weeks in advance.
5. Lead the discussions at scheduled meetings, having read the agenda and all background support materials relevant to the meeting. Display and promote open communication and courteous conduct at all meetings.
6. Openly debate issues with respect and rapport without making personal attacks.
7. Promote what is best for the entire committee and for the profession, not my personal agenda.
8. Serve as the tie-breaking vote when the committee is divided in its decision.
9. Submit reports at least once annually for the board meeting, plus additional reports if requested, detailing committee activities including, but not limited to, progress on projects and board recommendations.
10. Participate in the annual Volunteer Experience survey and Committee Member Evaluation process.
11. Follow the timeline and procedure for the annual committee member appointment/renewal process.
12. Represent the NATA and my committee in a positive and supportive manner at all times.
13. Avoid conflicts of interest between my position as an NATA volunteer and my personal and professional life. When necessary, I shall declare a conflict of interest and abstain from both the discussion and voting of any matter in which I have a personal or business interest. A conflict of interest is defined as any social, professional or economic relationship with individuals or the matter at hand that could affect my judgment and result in an outcome that might not reflect the best interests of the NATA and/or my committee.
14. Support in a positive manner all actions taken by the committee and association, even when I disagree with such actions.
15. Uphold the NATA Code of Ethics
16. Cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment
17. Contribute towards providing programming, research and resources to support cultural competency and ensure athletic trainers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to better serve diverse populations.
18. Ensure that the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and access are embedded in continuing education, conferences, communications, and the work of the association.
19. Examine processes, policies, practices, communications, structures and barriers with an equity lens to promote authentic engagement, access, and inclusion of diverse individuals.
20. Increase transparency and accountability on diversity, equity, inclusion and access by sharing data and information about the committee’s journey and commitments.
21. Support and intentionally promote a diverse athletic training profession.

By accepting this position, you commit to fulfilling these responsibilities to the best of your ability and resign your position if you find you are no longer able to.

Conflict of Interest

Committee members avoid conflicts of interest between the position as an NATA volunteer and the member's personal and professional life. When necessary, members declare a conflict of interest and abstain from both the discussion and voting of any matter in which the member has a personal or business interest. (A conflict of interest is defined as any social, professional or economic relationship with individuals or the matter at hand that could affect one's judgment and result in an outcome that might not reflect the best interests of the NATA and/or the committee.)

The role of serving as a volunteer within the NATA demonstrates a distinguished level of service to the association. This policy is designed to identify, mitigate, and prevent conflicts and dualities of competing interests before they occur, ultimately protecting both the volunteer and the NATA. To ensure a rewarding experience, loyalty, dedicated service and member value, committee/council/task force members should hold no other positions on boards of directors (and/or officer) or committees, within Strategic Alliance partners from the time they begin shadowing for their NATA position until their term ends. Additionally, committee/council/task force members should hold no other volunteer positions with external athletic training or sports medicine organizations, associations, or societies (not including district or state athletic training organizations or service on a state regulatory board) from the time they begin shadowing for their NATA position until their term ends. The disclosure form and commitment to serve agreement must be submitted as part of the application for this position.

In the event a conflict of interest arises during the Member’s term of service, the volunteer must immediately disclose the conflict to the Volunteer Engagement Manager for review by the NATA Board of Directors to determine the timing of a succession plan. The Board may determine immediate resignation, resignation at the end of December or resignation/completion of term at the end of June. Additional exceptions may be considered by the NATA Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis.

Intellectual Property

Work and materials developed, created or written—as a committee, work group, or board member, or in any other volunteer capacity for NATA—shall be deemed work-for-hire under copyright, intellectual property, and other laws. NATA is granted sole and exclusive ownership of all such work. Committee members waive all claims and/or so-called “moral rights” to the work, and assign these rights to NATA.

Confidentiality

In connection with your participation, you will be required to agree to a confidentiality agreement as part of your service to the Association.

 

NATA and its committees, councils and commissions are committed to represent, engage and foster the continued growth and development of the athletic training profession and athletic trainers as unique health care providers. To advance the mission and promote unparalleled delivery of athletic training services amid ever-growing global and diverse populations, NATA and its committees, councils and commissions embrace diversity, equity, inclusion and access as a leadership imperative for our association. All NATA members are welcomed and encouraged to serve on the association’s committees, councils, commissions, etc., as diverse backgrounds, experiences and knowledge help advance the profession and work of NATA.