With more than 20 NATA committees, councils and commissions – as well as numerous task forces, work groups and special appointments – there’s a national volunteer opportunity that fits just about every interest, skill set, experience and career level.
Now, the pathways for serving at the national level have become even more streamlined. Through the NATA Volunteer Portal, found on Gather, all members have access to every NATA-related volunteer opportunity and can apply for as many as they would like, in one location. In addition to applying on Gather, those who are more comfortable applying though their district directors, as they have in the past, are still able to do so.
“As part of the NATA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Response Plan, we’ve look at every facet of NATA and how we serve the NATA membership,” said NATA President Kathy Dieringer, EdD, LAT, ATC. “At the recommendation of the NATA DEIA Task Force and at the request of members, we’ve revamped the volunteer process, ensuring all members understand the pathways to volunteering and can easily access volunteering opportunities with their national association. I encourage all members to get involved. Your time, talents and efforts contribute to not only the growth of NATA, but the advancement of our profession.”
Utilizing this new process, NATA is currently accepting applications for various district and non-district committee positions. The deadline to apply is Sept. 11.
Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how to add your name to the volunteer pool and apply for open volunteer positions with NATA.
Step 1: Join the Gather Community
Estimated time to complete: 15-30 minutes
What you need to complete this task: A computer
If you haven’t already done so, you will need to log in to Gather for the first time to accept the platform’s terms and conditions. A free member benefit, Gather is your online athletic training community. If you already have created your Gather profile, skip to step two.
- Visit Gather.
- As a first-time visitor, you will need to accept the terms and conditions and agree to follow the Gather community guidelines.
- Complete your Gather Profile. For assistance completing your main profile, review the Get Ready to Volunteer! Update Your Gather Profile Guide.
Step 2: Complete Your Volunteer Profile and Join the Volunteer Pool
Estimated time to complete: 15-30 minutes
What you need to complete this task: A computer
Once you’ve accepted the Gather terms and conditions and created your member profile, you can set up your volunteer profile and join the NATA volunteer pool.
- Complete your volunteer profile. For assistance completing your main profile, review the Get Ready to Volunteer! Update Your Gather Profile Guide.
- Opt into the NATA volunteer pool. The Get Ready to Volunteer! Update Your Gather Profile Guide includes step-by-step instruction for those needing assistance.
- Note that your volunteer profile can be updated at any time.
Step 3: Check Out Available Opportunities and Apply Today
The deadline to apply is Sept. 11.
Estimated time to complete: 30-45 minutes
What you need to complete this task: A computer; your résumé/CV; a templated cover letter; and the How to Apply for Available Opportunities in Gather Guide
Now that you’ve joined the volunteer pool, peruse the numerous opportunities available and learn more about the positions that you could possibly fill. After familiarizing yourself with the available opportunities, collect your needed items and apply for the NATA volunteer openings that most interest you. There is no limit on the number of positions for which you can apply.
- Under the Participate tab, click on “Volunteer and Immersion Opportunities.”
- Use the filter function to search for opportunities customized to your interests.
- To see more information about a specific opportunity, click on the blue underlined title.
- To apply for a specific opportunity, click on the “Apply Today!” button at the top of each opportunity’s webpage.
- Do you know of a great candidate for a particular position? Consider inviting them to apply.
- If you have any questions, contact your district director. (You can find your director’s contact information in the “NATA Reference Guide” in every issue of NATA News.)
