Virginia Association of Activity Professionals

The Virginia Association of Activity Professionals is a statewide organization of persons who are interested in promoting the quality of life in all geriatric settings. VAAP serves as a catalyst for both professional and personal growth and provides a state voice on aging and long-term care issues.

What is the VAAP? The VAAP seeks to provide support, networking and educational opportunities to help you in your career as you seek to provide the best quality of life for the residents in your care. The Virginia Association of Activity Professionals is made up of 7 districts. Each district holds regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year, ***To follow is a sampling of cities within each district

Districts

Appalachian / ARAAP Bristol Buena Vista Covington Galax MEADOWVIEW Norton Radford Martinsville

CENTRAL DISTRICT BRIDGEWATER WINCHESTER CHARLOTTESVILLE FRONT ROYAL LURAY MADISON HARRISONBURG STAUNTON

HAMPTON ROADS / HRAPA WILLIAMSBURG NORFOLK NEWPORT NEWS VIRGINIA BEACH PORTSMOUTH CHESAPEAKE HAMPTON SUFFOLK

HISTORYLAND GLOUCESTER KILMARNOCK FARNHAM LOCUST HILL TAPPAHANNOCK MATHEWS SALUDIA WARSAW

NORTHERN / NVAAP ARLINGTON FALLS CHURCH FAIRFAX ASHBURN ALEXANDRIA MANASSAS ARLINGTON FALLS CHURCH FAIRFAX ASHBURN WOODBRIDGE VIENNA

RICHMOND / RVAAP HALIFAX BOWLING GREEN MIDLOTHIAN PETERSBURG HENRICO HALIFAX CHESTERFIELD WAVERLY

SOUTHWESTERN / SWVAAP BLACKSBURG LYNCHBURG BEDFORD DANVILLE ROANOKE SALEM LEXINGTON MARTINVILLE

What is VAAP continued… There are many opportunities to increase your professionalism and knowledge by attending any of the VAAP workshops or our annual conference. You may also want to increase your professional skills by serving on a state-wide committee, or as a district representative or officer.

ANNUAL VAAP CONFERENCE Each year VAAP offers an annual 3-day educational conference, at alternating locations throughout the state of Virginia. Each conference includes; >> education provided by leaders in the industry >> Many of the meals and breaks >> networking opportunities >> opportunities for self promotion and growth

OWNERSHIP IN YOUR PROFESSION Vaap IS A STATEWIDE ORGANZIATION RUN BY A DEDICATED GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS COMMITTED TO IMPLEMENTING THE ASSOCIATIONS MISSION AND VISION. In addition to the officers on board of directors, there are also many other individuals that serve as committee chairs, in the areas of awards, nominations, ways & means, government relations and professional development. Each district also has representation at the quarterly board meetings.

Benefits Significant discount at the Annual Conference Access to current industry trends Reduced costs on other educational offerings Representation at Legislative Venues Volunteer Possibilities Networking opportunities for you @ your business

Opportunities to Learn about Current Events and give input on behalf of our clients.

Scholarship(s) Available Sue Smith Education Scholarship Information for completing the Scholarship applications can also be found on the vaaponline.org website. Awards Supportive Staff Member of the Year Volunteer of the Year

Sue Smith Education Scholarship This Scholarship, in honor of a sue smith, a long- standing, dedicated member, will be awarded to a VAAP member who has a minimum of one-year work or volunteer experience in activities with the geriatric population. The $500.00 Scholarship can be utilized toward obtaining education through classes, workshops, courses and trainings that meet the guidelines (see details on the vaaponline.org/scholarship)

Supportive Staff Member of the Year The VAAP Supportive Staff Member of the Year is presented annually to a non-activity staff member who; Has consistently given significant support to the advancement of therapeutic activities within a facility of which a VAAP member is the activity professional and; Who has significantly supported them in their contribution to the health and care of the residents in the facility; supported their role in local, state or national associations; continuing education endeavors and professionalism.

Volunteer of the Year The VAAP Volunteer of the Year is presented to an activity volunteer who has consistently given significant support to the advancement of therapeutic activities within a facility/agency of which a VAAP member is the activity professional and has significantly supported the VAAP member activity professional in their contribution to the health and therapeutic care to the residents of the facility/agency.

Awards given to Long Standing Members Arlene Thompson, ACC and Donna Millis, ACC for their support of VAAP for 30+ years

Another icon in the association is honored Janet Bryant for her support of VAAP for 40+ years

Code of ethics The Virginia Association of Activity Professionals (VAAP) is a professional organization committed to promoting the quality of life in geriatric settings. All active members are expected to adhere to the specified standards in addition to the general principles of ethical conduct endorsed by all other health-related disciplines. As the code of ethics for this organization, this document establishes principles that define the ethical behavior of its members. All members of the Virginia Association of Activity Professionals are required to adhere to the Code of Ethics. See complete Code at https://vaaponline.org/vaap-voice/

Vaap mission Promote Professional Development Sponsor an Annual Conference and other Educational Workshops Provide Discounted Registrations for Members Unify District Activity Professionals Associations Aid in Statewide Communications Serve as a Legislative Advocate for Activity Professionals at the State Level Problem Solve on an Individual or Collective Basis VAAP serves as a catalyst for both professional and personal growth and provides a state voice on aging and long-term care issues.

membership VAAP Membership is open to persons currently employed or maintaining a certification as an Activity Professional or Recreation Therapist in the Senior Care Continuum or those serving as consultant/educator to Activity Professionals. Membership is also open to students, volunteers or persons interested in activity field. Membership dues are $50 annually and are non-transferable. Obtain a membership application on https://vaaponline.org/membership/

www.Vaaponline.org Monthly announcements Weekly blogs Upcoming events Annual conference information Scholarship information Resources/links to companies offering activity products

This is a monthly communication tool from VAAP to its members Vaap voice This is a monthly communication tool from VAAP to its members * president message * Articles of interest *district news * conference information *educational opportunities * membership information * Opportunities for volunteering * resources https://vaaponline.org/vaap-voice/

Vaap is here to inspire / assist www.Vaaponline.org Contact the vaap board at vaapboard@gmail.com Contact the various district representatives – https://vaaponline.org/officersdistrict-info/ Like us on facebook – virginia activity professional association