The ASHT Board of Directors Intern role is intended to introduce members to the process of board governance, non-profit budget construction and activities of ASHT. The appointment will provide the intern with an experience that will enhance their career in hand and upper extremity therapy and help develop skills to potentially serve in ASHT leadership roles in the future. It provides a unique networking opportunity with ASHT leaders from around the country.
Role and Responsibilities
Monthly
- Prepare for/attend monthly board conference calls (~90 minutes/month); optional attendance at on-site summer board meeting (June/July) and encouraged attendance at fall board meeting held in conjunction with the ASHT Annual Meeting (September/October)
- Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings
Biweekly
- Assist Board Members-at-Large in managing ASHT’s Tip of the Week/clinical pearl initiative: Solicit tips from hand and upper extremity therapy community volunteers for BMAL approval and maintain “tip bank” (ongoing); submit content biweekly (every other Friday) to ASHT staff for posting on social media
Ongoing
- Engage with/contribute content to ASHT Connect mobile app
- Be informed about the organization's mission, strategic plan, policies and programs
- Promote ASHT in hand and upper extremity therapy community
- Keep up to date on developments in the field
- Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies
- Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing the organization's annual financial statements and understanding the budget process
Other
- Attend a (one-time) virtual orientation/training session
- Assist in ad hoc committee, task force or division projects as appropriate
- Participate in onboarding the next board intern/s (end of term)
The incoming Board Intern’s term begins at the business meeting held during the ASHT Annual Meeting. Unlike typical volunteer terms, which begin at the business meeting and conclude at the following year's business meeting, the Board Intern term is extended through the end of the calendar year for succession planning purposes. The total expected time commitment is 2 to 6 hours per month.
It is expected that as part of the commitment of support on the part of the Board Intern program, the designated board liaison will work closely with the intern to ensure time will be made available for attendance at the meetings and orientation.
Qualifications
- Active or Associate members of ASHT for at least three consecutive years (including the current year of application), currently volunteering on an ASHT division, committee or task force
- History of volunteering in some capacity with ASHT and/or regional/state hand interest group
- Holds/has held leadership role in organization or clinic
- Competent communicator, including email/telecommunication
- Computer skills (spread sheets, online documents, website, etc.)
- Forward-thinking, innovative, flexible, collaborative
- Knowledge of current practice trends, e.g. legislation, reimbursement, evidence-based practice
- Engaged in hand and upper extremity therapy specialty
- Ambassador to the organization, willing to promote and support ASHT to members and public
- Has no serious conflict of interest with ASHT
Note: Former ASHT board members are not eligible to participate as board intern.
Desirable Personal Characteristics
- Ability to listen, analyze, think clearly and creatively, work well with people individually and in a group
- Willing to prepare for and attend board and committee meetings, ask questions, take responsibility and follow through on a given assignment
- Possess honesty, sensitivity to and tolerance of differing views; a friendly, responsive and patient approach; community-building skills; personal integrity; a developed sense of values; concern for your society’s development; and a sense of humor
Application and Selection Process
Please submit a current CV and letter of interest describing the reasons for pursuing the board intern position through this portal. Upon receipt, you will be asked to sign an ASHT board commitment form and conflict of interest and confidentiality statement.