Outstanding Student Advocate Award

Description and purpose

To recognize one occupational therapy student (OTS), occupational therapy assistant student (OTAS), or student group who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advocacy for the profession and raised awareness of occupational therapy in new and innovative ways.
To encourage other students to participate in advocacy efforts at the school, local, state, and national levels.

Nominee(s) shall be full-time student(s) in an ACOTE® accredited OT or OTA education program at the time of nomination.
In the event of a group nomination larger than six individuals, at least half of the group must be members in good standing of AOTA at the time of nomination and upon receipt of the award.
Nominee(s) shall have evidence of notable advocacy activities outside of class assignments (e.g., volunteering, campaigning, education, projects). This may include, but is not limited to:
- Developing and distributing advocacy, educational, and/or informational materials.
- Initiating and promoting advocacy activities that support local, state, or national level professional issues.
- Initiating and promoting advocacy for the health and wellness needs of consumers.
- Organizing fellow students and/or others for participation in advocacy efforts at the local, state, or national level.
Provide testimony at the local, state, or national level.
Be involved in AOTPAC fundraising efforts.
Demonstrate leadership in improving health promotion and/or health care.
Be actively involved in an occupational therapy public awareness campaign.