VOTA needs you to help spread the word about how important OTs and their work are! Please join us virtually or in person for a program of event related to advocacy in Virginia.

We at VOTA are excited to be able to resume our day of advocacy in Richmond and virtually this year on February 28th! The event will begin at 9:15am (networking begins at 9) and close at 11:30am for members to leave to attend their scheduled meetings with representatives. 

The event will take place at VCU in the College of Health Professions Auditorium. A tentative outline of the event includes:

• Presentation by legislative staff
• OT everyday advocacy panel with practitioners
• Presentation on aligning ourselves with national priorities
• Small group discussion on future opportunities related to advocacy

More information to come as we get closer to the event.

Attendees are encouraged to schedule meetings with their representatives after 11:30am as well as on other days the week of the event. VOTA will not be setting up individual meetings for attendees, however we are available to provide support in preparation for these meetings. We ask that you share any meetings you have scheduled.

This is important so that those who have the same representatives can make plans to attend together. Prior to scheduling your own meeting, please view the document to determine if a meeting has already been scheduled with your representative's office. 

In preparation for the event, please review the presentation by our Lobbyist, Alexander Macaulay and our Legislative Liaison, Joni Watling that is available below.

In discussions with our lobbyist, we have determined that there is no current, active legislation that VOTA will be pursuing this year, therefore our focus is on relationship building with representatives and increasing legislators' knowledge of our profession. It is also an opportunity for us to discuss future areas for advocacy to pursue in future years.

Registration for Advocacy Day is currently open and will close on February 15th.  As a reminder, this is a hybrid, virtual and in person event. Representatives do take zoom meetings, therefore we encourage those who cannot attend in person to still register and participate in the event!

Please email our legislative liaison Joni at legislation.vota@gmail.com with questions concerning this event. 

Upcoming Advocacy Events

February 28th Advocacy Day! Register here

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Advocacy Resources for Preparation

Advocacy Zoom Q&A with our Lobbyist (Passcode: +wta0w4.)

Recording of our2023 virtual event for those unable to attend.