HISTORY
OF RAP
The
Resident Activity Personnel in Ohio organization was established in 1975 in
response to a request for such an organization by activity workers throughout
the state. With the guidance of the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Health
Care Association, and the Association of the Ohio Philanthropic Homes for the
Aging, an organizational meeting was called in the spring of 1975. It was
agreed in the initial meeting of some 225 activities workers in activities in
long-term care facilities. It was felt that the association, while maintaining
relationships with other state health and recreation related organizations,
would not directly be tied, legally, financially or structurally to any "parent"
organization.
It
was difficult to select a name for the organization which would probably convey
the unique collection of long-term care employees who were concerned with the
recreational, social and psychological aspects of aging residents. The original
"Resident Activity People" gave way to the present "Resident
Activity Personnel in Ohio" in August, 1976.
By-laws
were formally adopted to guide the functioning of the association and in 1977
RAP was incorporated. The purpose of the organization is as follows:
*
To foster the exchange of ideas and resources among members through regional
and statewide meetings
*
To maintain quality standards for certification; promote professional growth,
and develop ethical guidelines for members.
*
To assist in maintaining high standards for activities and social service
personnel in the areas of care and services for residents.
*
To share information concerning our disciplines with other members of the
treatment team.
*
To provide liaison with Federal and State Departments of Health, health related
organizations, community and state colleges, and with legislative bodies.
RAP
is organized as a non-profit corporation in the state of Ohio. Members of the
board of trustees are elected annually by the active members through a mail
ballot for a three year term. The board elects the officers and committee
chairs who are installed at the annual meeting.
Active
Membership - personnel employed in activity and social service programming, full
or part-time and who pay active membership fees. They shall constitute the
voting members.
Associate
Membership - those having contact with activity and social service programs
including students, volunteers, senior citizens and retired activity professionals
who pay associate membership fees. They shall have be non-voting members.
RAP
provides an excellent educational conference each year for activity and social
service personnel of various agencies that serve primarily the aging
population.
RAP
has divided the state into 12 geographic areas which are similar to the area
agencies on aging. The Membership Chair appoints contact persons in each of
these areas. The purpose of these area contact persons is to be a liaison
between local activity groups and the state association.
The
President provides the over all leadership to the organization while the Vice
President handles the organizational details of the annual conference.
The
Educational Chair is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the
educational sessions of the conference.
The
Professional Development Chair searches for and shares available information on
education and instructors and the Nominating Chair directs the nominating and
election procedure.
The
Membership Chair works at promoting and soliciting membership and the Publicity
Chair is responsible for Newsletter articles and news releases.
The
Legislative Chair keeps abreast of regulations and influence legislation when
appropriate and the Awards Chair solicits nominations from members for several
annual RAP awards.
RAP BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2008
· Jean
Lyttle, Vice-President
The
Executive Director is a volunteer who acts as Finance Chair and provides
over-all guidance.
The
Executive Secretary records the minutes of the quarterly board meetings,
maintains membership, records financial transactions, prepares financial
reports & budget reports, publishes the quarterly newsletters to members
and district representatives, prepares annual meeting materials for conference,
obtains CEU’S for annual conference, maintains website, etc.
RAP
has been a leader among states in establishing a code of ethics, developing a
certification process, creating a body of knowledge, and helping to establish
the National Association of Activity Professionals as well as the National
Certification Council for Activity Professionals.
Annual
Conference Discount
Quarterly
Newsletters
Legislative
Updates
Voting
Privileges (for Active Membership)
Nominate
and Be Nominated for Annual Awards presented at Conference Banquet
Survey of Wages, Education and Experience
RAP
in Ohio, 491 North State Route741, #204 Lebanon, Ohio 45036
Email:
rapohio @embarqmail.com
Phone:
513-932-5963
Fax:
513-932-7369