Why I Renewed My ATRA Membership
I recently renewed my annual membership with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).
I first joined ATRA in 1999, and today I am proud to be a lifetime member.
Over the years, I have heard nonmembers ask, “What is ATRA doing for me?” That is a fair question—but ATRA is a membership organization. Its strength depends on recreational therapists choosing to participate, support its mission, and contribute to the future of our profession.
President John F. Kennedy famously challenged Americans to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” I sometimes think about ATRA in a similar way: What can we do together for recreational therapy?
I believe in recreational therapy. I believe in ATRA’s mission. Supporting our national professional organization is one way I can invest in the profession that has been such an important part of my life.
I am not a hired spokesperson for ATRA, and I do not serve on its board. I am simply a longtime member who believes our profession is stronger when recreational therapists come together.
As a member, I invite other recreational therapists to consider joining, too.
By Danny Pettry, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, CTRS-BH