Summary: <br> NATA Presidential candidates <a href="https://twitter.com/KathyIDieringer">Kathy Dieringer</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/katieFlanAT">Katie Flanagan</a> join Cari Wood in answering some member-driven questions. <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Jill A. asks - Licensing in California - what’s the plan?<br> <br> <br> <br> Katie Flanagan (KF): We need to pull back, circle the wagons and reconsider it<br> <br> <br> <br> Kathy Dieringer (KD): It has gotten to the Governor’s desk multiple times...then vetoed but it does not pass due to politics. There is no lack of effort, but there are organizations working against us.<br> <br> <br> <br> * Continue to be persistent<br> <br> <br> <br> Chris P - How will we work to expand Diversity in our field?<br> <br> <br> <br> KF: Tripled our membership in 20 years but only increased diversity 3%<br> <br> <br> <br> * Diversity wins<br> <br> <br> <br> KD: Diversity makes us stronger<br> <br> <br> <br> * NATA membership stat is about 80% caucasian* Other than the board our leadership does not reflect this number<br> <br> <br> <br> Jeff K - What suggestions do you have for ATs to sustain viable employment due to the lack of sports?<br> <br> <br> <br> KF: The secondary setting is hugely important and is a portion of what we do.<br> <br> <br> <br> * Use <a href="https://www.go4ellis.com/">Go4Ellis</a>* Be flexible and keep growing your skills* We need to think forward* Reach out to the NATA for additional resources<br> <br> <br> <br> KD: We do not even know what is coming<br> <br> <br> <br> * We are great at responding and shifting* Advocate for yourself* Maximize your skillset* “Can I teach something else?”<br> <br> <br> <br> Adam - What is the presidential plan for AT growth in rural areas?<br> <br> <br> <br> KD: All about advocacy, collaboration with NFHS, principals...going to those meetings and getting facetime with those folks.<br> <br> <br> <br> KF: Empower the local people and walk alongside them.<br> <br> <br> <br> The NATA may be facing some financial difficulties due to canceling the annual convention. How do you see that affecting the membership?<br> <br> <br> <br> KD: Convention is a revenue producer, many ATs have been laid off.<br> <br> <br> <br> * What are the financial implications? this has to be considered.* Past treasurer of NATA* My business background will serve us well in this situation<br> <br> <br> <br> KF: NATA has been very financially responsible and relies on several checks and balances.<br> <br> <br> <br> * NATA Offered ACES prep exam for the students getting ready for BOC exam* Creative thinking will be required<br> <br> <br> <br> Secondary Schools - <br> <br> <br> <br> KD: It is where athletes are introduced to the AT for the most part<br> <br> <br> <br> * Collecting Data* Medical Autonomy* Pointing towards available resources* Monthly calls with chairs of committees and workgroups “What is working and not working?”<br> <br> <br> <br> KF: they have rural and urban school settings and her students get to experience different settings.<br> <br> <br> <br> * The AT becomes the gatekeeper for the small schools and urban schools alike* Need to be flexible and know the situation to make them successful in that setting* Investigate equal representation for each type of secondary school<br> <br> <br> <br> Should we teach Sports Medicine in high schools:<br> <br> <br> <br> KF: ATs are now has a seat at the table on the high school medical education<br> <br> <br> <br> * I could not do my job without my students...that creates a problem* Have them help collect data to show the need for help.<br> <br> <br> <br> KD: HS ATs have a skill set of teaching<br> <br> <br> <br>
