[Skip to Content]
  • Am I required to be an AOTA member to submit a nomination?
    • Yes, if you are nominating someone, you must be a current member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).     
  • Does the person I am nominating for an elected position need to be a member of AOTA?
    • Yes, all nominees must be members in good standing of both the Association and their respective state affiliate.
  • Can I nominate myself?
    • Yes, you can nominate yourself for an elected position.
  • What if I want the nomination to be a surprise for the person I am nominating?
    • Confidential nominations are not allowed for elections because the nominee must officially accept the nomination, respond to questions regarding prior volunteer experience and potential conflicts of interest, and sign a statement of authenticity.
  • I have heard that submitting multiple nominations for the same person helps show they are highly qualified for the position. Is this true?
    • Additional nominations and letters of support are not taken into consideration. It is recommended that the nominator(s) contact the nominee beforehand to express interest in the election nomination. The nominee must initiate the process through the online submission site using their AOTA username and password. The required information for the nomination must be completed and submitted by the nominee through the online platform.
  • What should I include in the nomination?
    • The requirements include a CV or résumé, a cover letter detailing specific qualifications and leadership skills for the position, written responses to candidate questions, and proof of membership in the state affiliate. Click here to start a nomination.
  • How can I determine if the person I am nominating meets the qualifications for the position?
    • Specific qualifications are outlined in the Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) or Job Description (JD) for each position, available in the Association Procedural Manual on AOTA’s website. Note that Occupational Therapy Assistants are eligible for all 2025 positions except the Chairperson of the Occupational Therapy Academic Leadership Council (OT-ALC).
  • How can I print and save a copy of my nomination before or after submission?
    • Once you log into the online submission site, click on the 'My Nominations' link on the left side under your name. You will see a list of all your nominations, both completed and in progress. Next to each nominee’s name, you will have the option to download, print, and save a PDF of the nomination.
  • Where should I submit my candidate profile?
    • Please click here to see the template example of the requirements for the candidate profile. Please complete your candidate profile. The VLDC will notify all qualified candidates before their information is posted on AOTA's website. If a candidate is deemed not qualified, their information will not be posted. The deadline to complete the candidate profile and position statement is November 15, 2024.
  • Do you need to be an occupational therapist to be nominated for any of the elected positions?
    • Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants with AOTA membership in good standing are eligible for elected positions. For Assembly of Student Delegates (ASD) positions, both OT and OTA students can run for election.
  • What is the appeals process if my nominee is not deemed a qualified candidate?
    • The nomination vetting process is based on specific qualifications and criteria outlined in the SOP or JD for the position. Evidence of meeting these qualifications should be detailed in the nomination materials. There is no appeals process.
  • When can I start campaigning?
    • Please note that you must receive written confirmation from the Volunteer Leadership Development Committee (VLDC) regarding your candidacy status before informing others that you are running or beginning any campaign activities. This notification will be out in December.
  • When will the election slate be announced, and how can I learn more about the candidates?
    • All nominees will be formally notified of their candidacy status in December. The election slate will be announced in January. In January, a sample ballot and official candidate position statements will also be published online.
  • If I have questions, how do I contact someone at AOTA?

 

Rev. 9/2024