The CAOT Advocacy Framework
CAOT identifies priority advocacy activities using the following three-step process:
- Assess and assign advocacy resources based on:
- the issue’s relevance to the strategic priorities of the association
- the time and resources necessary to effectively represent our members
- whether our involvement will contribute to advancing our profession
- Progress on identified areas of advocacy through preparatory work, collaboration, outreach and member involvement:
- identify CAOT’s position on the issues to be addressed
- consult with CAOT members, consumers and other relevant stakeholders
- communicate CAOT perspectives in a way that is relevant to the activity’s objectives and the intended audience’s priorities
- prepare key messages, reports and other publications
- Seek and respond to strategic opportunities to address a key audience with a key message. CAOT will:
- meet with government officials (Ministers, Ministers of State, Parliamentary Secretaries, Public Servants) Members of the House of Commons and Senate
- appear before House and Senate Standing Committees
- prepare briefs to Standing Committees
- participate in stakeholder engagement sessions to provide the occupational therapy perspectives
- attend and present at non-occupational therapy conferences to promote the profession of occupational therapy
- host “Lobby Day” receptions at the federal or provincial chapter level, to immerse political influencers in occupational therapy issues
- manage opportunities directly or as a partner/contributor to a committee or coalition where the health care goals articulated will benefit the profession of occupational therapy