Every April, National Volunteer Week invites us to pause and recognize the people who give their time, talent and heart to make their communities stronger. For the American Society of Hand Therapists, that recognition hits close to home, because ASHT is its volunteers.
Under this year’s theme of “Atomic Advocacy,” our hand and upper extremity therapy community of volunteer shines. Through small efforts happening on a regular basis, we see significant impact on our specialty. ASHT's volunteer structure is vast, intentional and deeply impactful. This week, we want to shine a light on every corner of that work.
Our Practice Division volunteers are on the front lines of clinical excellence, developing resources, refining guidelines and ensuring our members have the tools they need to advocate and deliver exceptional patient care every day. Our Education Division volunteers are the architects of learning, building courses, curating content and creating the continuing education experiences that keep our specialty sharp and growing. Our Research Division volunteers are asking the questions that move us forward, analyzing study design and data, and championing the evidence that elevates hand therapy on the global stage. Our Outreach Division volunteers are amplifying our voice, connecting ASHT to communities, collaborators and conversations that extend our reach far beyond our membership.
Our committees are where really meaningful work happens, too! Our DEI Committee volunteers are building a specialty that reflects and serves everyone. Our International Committee volunteers are bridging borders and building relationships across the global hand therapy community. Our Pediatric Committee volunteers are advocating for our youngest patients and the specialized therapists who care for them. Our Leadership Development Committee volunteers are cultivating the next generation of hand therapy leaders. Our Awards Committee volunteers are honoring the excellence and dedication that elevate our entire profession. Our Annual Meeting Committee volunteers are creating the signature gathering that brings our community together each year. Our Finance Committee volunteers are stewarding the resources that keep ASHT strong and sustainable. And our Nominations Committee volunteers are ensuring that capable, passionate leaders step forward to guide our society into the future.
And then there are the members who show up in countless other ways, joining a committee or task force, contributing a clinical tip, editing and writing for ASHT Times or lending their expertise wherever it is needed. These small, intentional acts are the very definition of our Atomic Advocacy platform: proof that no contribution is too small to matter.
To every ASHT volunteer, thank you! You are not just supporting an organization; you are shaping a specialty, one generous act at a time. Want to get involved? ASHT has a number of available opportunities in our Volunteer Portal.
Sincerely and with appreciation,
Danielle Sparks, DHS, MOT, OTR, CHT
2025-2026 ASHT President