Continuing the discussion from About the State Advocates Forum:
Here is another way to be a part of the newly initiated State Advocate Accountability Buddy Program. We want to start by saying that this is a pilot program. It was suggested by one of our State Advocates as a way to provide support to advocates who are unable to get a Co-Advocate but would like one. We have expanded on the idea to include new advocates, advocates who are willing to mentor or provide support, and others who just want the additional accountability.
As this is a new program, we are starting out with some general but informal ideas on how the group will work. Please provide feedback along the way so we can improve this program long term.
For any State Coordinators who initially requested to be a member of this group, the Regional Coordinators have started an email thread using our shared Regional Coordinators Email to moderate the group (aptageriregionalstateadvocates@gmail.com). If you are not on this thread and would like to be, please email your Regional Coordinator to be added.
This forum provides another opportunity to reach out to State Advocates in order to post your questions, activity/event ideas and even your struggles.
Student Advocates Ideas:
If you would like to take on a ‘Student Advocate’ to assist, this would be permissible as well.
Student Advocates must be a DPT or PTA student.
They should serve a ‘1 year term’ as your partner/assistant. They can help as a co-advocate would (in an assistant or secondary role) or serve specifically with student outreach.
Please follow your practice act in terms of what level of supervision a DPT/PTA student needs for any community education or fall screening events.
Thank you all for your efforts on behalf of the APTA Geriatrics State Advocate Program!