By Nancy D’Ambrosio, RRT-NPS
Twice a year, in July and in November, the House of Delegates (HOD) meets for two days. Every State affiliate sends two delegates to represent the state’s membership. Delegates are elected by the membership of AARC. Being involved in the HOD is one of the most rewarding experiences a member can have.
One function of the HOD is to vote on resolutions, brought to the House by a State affiliates. Resolutions are proposals for changes or for a new policy or procedure for the respiratory community. Resolutions are sent out to the Delegates prior to a meeting. Delegates then present them to the State Society for discussion and a vote. Each State then gets one vote when the Resolution is presented at the HOD. If a resolution passes, it is then presented to the AARC Board of Directors for their implementation.
There are many committees a delegate can get involved. A few of the committees are Best Practices. This committee presents at the HOD several best practice actions accomplished by a State Affiliate. A best practice might be how an affiliate encourages membership in AARC, or how they put together their annual conference. Delegates then bring this practice back to their State Society.
Another new committee looks at volunteerism. This committee is working on an award to be presented at the AARC annual congress meeting to a Respiratory Therapist who has volunteered to promote the field of respiratory care. The committee is currently working on criteria for this award.
Some of the other committees are student mentorship, resolutions committee, by laws committee and elections.
The House also has raised donations for a disaster relief fund for Respiratory Therapists. There were many from New Jersey who received their assistance.
Being a Delegate helps you realize that every member of the AARC does have a voice in helping promote and grow the field of respiratory care. The New Jersey Society welcomes members at its meetings. Members can present ideas to the NJSRC’s board, who can then suggest that the delegates bring the idea, proposal, or need to the HOD.
This past July I attended the Summer HOD meeting held in Orlando. The two days were filled with reports, meeting of committees, voting on proposals and getting to know delegates from all 50 states. Much was learned. It was a wonderful experience. I encourage you, the RT of the future, to get involved. Being a professional not only means being a competent Respiratory Therapist, but it also means you are involved in promoting and growing our profession. Become active. Be proud to be a Respiratory Therapist.
