Toni Crocilla PsyD LP CSOTP & Kris Pence MA LPC NCC
This month we highlight opportunities for getting more engaged with MI-ATSA and the life of the organization. Featured in this piece are the various committees that are working to advocate and educate the treatment and community stakeholders about those who commit sexual offenses.
We continue to increase the benefits of membership and be an organization that community stakeholders seek out for the current evidence-based practices and information needed in order to make decisions around programming, legislative changes, and policy decisions.
With the ongoing expansion of training efforts, our advocacy, and community involvement, MI-ATSA has an increased need for membership engagement to extend our mission to a broader audience and build stronger partnerships.
So, how can you become more involved or deepen your engagement? The MI-ATSA board suggest the following opportunities for you to get involved through active participation as a committee member:
Membership & Branding Committee: Engages current members and recruits new members to promote the mission of MI-ATSA to a broader audience (members include Toni Crocilla, Karen Holt, Katy Pastoor, Tom Stewart).
Youth with Problematic Sexual Behaviors Committee: Works to enhance effective legislation, assessment, treatment, and management of youth with sexually problematic behaviors (members include Ron Grooters, Megan Pena, Jessica Hamp).
Sex Offender Registry Committee: Works to advocate for a risk-based registry and notification system (members include James Kissinger, Ronald Grooters, Megan Pena, Kris Pence, Jessica Hamp).
Written Communications Committee: Identifies and recruits writers for monthly website features based on current events, research, legislation, or publications (members include John Ulrich, Kris Pence, Toni Crocilla).
Technical Communications Committee: Manages website content and technical concerns for members (members include Andy Pastoor, Mel Smits).
Finance Committee: Manages agency expenses and income to allocate funds for training and scholarships (members include Ron Grooters).
Research and Membership Student Scholarship Committee: Reviews applications, research, and awards scholarships while recruiting student engagement in organizational events (members include Karen Holt, Kris Pence, Mandi Withey).
One of our newer committees is the Membership & Branding Committee. The hope is to increase visibility of our members through various opportunities, such as:
- Highlighting the work our members do in our monthly features
- Holding raffles and merchandise giveaways at events
- Increasing member-driven training through member surveys
- Having members write on a relevant topic for a monthly feature
- Encouraging members to get involved in one of the above committees to aid in spreading the word about what MI-ATSA is doing and to increase membership
- Having members host virtual or in-person trainings
- Providing student membership and research scholarships for MI-ATSA and ATSA
There are, of course, numerous benefits for being involved in a MI-ATSA committee, including having a broader impact on change in our state, bringing additional perspectives to the table, gaining access to new information and resources that may inform your work, and collegial support.
Don’t miss out on what you can get through engagement; but, also don’t let MI-ATSA miss out on what you can offer with time, desire for impact, and your individual expertise.
If you have questions or interest in getting involved, please reach out to info@miatsa.org and a member of the board will contact you.