Introduction/Rationale: Advocacy in occupational therapy and occupational science occurs at multiple levels—from individual conversations to national and global policy initiatives. While large-scale advocacy efforts often gain attention, it is the cumulative impact of small, consistent actions that fuels long-term, systemic change. This session explores the dynamic relationship between grassroots engagement and high-level advocacy, offering a framework for how practitioners, scientists, students, and leaders can meaningfully contribute to shaping the profession’s future.
Objectives: This session aims to:
1. Explore the interplay between individual and collective professional association work
2. Provide a framework for integrating advocacy efforts and professional identity to sustain professional associations
3. Offer practical tools to build coalitions and drive systemic change
Methods / Approach: Drawing on real-world examples from state and national occupational therapy associations, strategies for membership growth, shared workshops and forums, and re-envisioned educational courses will be presented. Grounded in Ann Wilcock’s framework of doing, being, and becoming, we will explore how advocacy manifests through action, identity, and transformation. Discussions will include coalition-building, strengthening professional associations, and fostering sustainable advocacy efforts.
Results / Practice Implications: Participants will gain insights into the doing of mobilizing associations, the being of strengthening professional identity, and the becoming of fostering long-term sustainability. By connecting grassroots efforts with broader advocacy initiatives, occupational therapy practitioners and scholars can create lasting impact.
Conclusion / Contribution to the Occupational Therapy Profession: This session underscores the power of small, sustained advocacy actions in shaping the future of occupational therapy and occupational science. Attendees will leave with strategies to integrate advocacy into daily practice and leadership roles, driving meaningful and sustainable transformation within the profession.