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Put Your Pen to Paper- Fingers to Keyboard

Become a Continuing Education Author

The AOA Paraoptometric Section (PS) Continuing Education Committee is looking for authors for 2011. Each year, the PS provides free continuing education opportunities through six articles posted on the AOA PS member Web site. If you have knowledge to share with other paraoptometrics, and are an AOA member then consider putting your thoughts and knowledge down in print.

What are the benefits of having your article published on the Web site?

As an AOA Paraoptometric Section member, not only will you gain recognition for your article, but you may also receive three hours of continuing education.  Your article will be scheduled for posting in 2011, so there’s plenty of time to complete your 1,500-word article.

Have the knowledge but are afraid of the writing process?

Don’t worry, a member o f the Continuing Education Committee will guide you through the steps, and mentor you as you work on your article. You don’t have to be a published or seasoned writer.

Many of our authors have found the writing experience very rewarding, educational, easy, and FUN! Completing an article boosts self-confidence.

What a great way to earn CE and share your knowledge with others!

We are looking for articles on any topic of interest that would provide education to paraoptometrics.  The subject may be on topics such as practice management, contact lens, glaucoma, or any topic that would help paraoptometrics in their day-to-day job responsibilities. Your article may be written for basic, intermediate or advanced levels of knowledge.

For more information on guidelines for authors, contact the PS manager at JVAbney@aoa.org or call 800-365-2219, ext. 4222

Volunteer, Lend a Hand, Help Others

 It’s more than just doing it!

There are many organizations that provide volunteer opportunities that need your time and talents to work on behalf of others.  Volunteering takes on many different forms and is performed by a wide range of people.  Volunteering can be personally rewarding, and provides an opportunity to “give back” to your community or profession. So where do you start?

First, you want to think about what you want from volunteering.  Do you want to acquire new skills? Have fun? Contribute to a cause that you are passionate about?  Once you have determined your motivation for volunteering, consider what you have to offer.  At one point, someone said you must have one of the three W’s when considering volunteering.  The three W’s are wealth, wisdom, or working hands.  There is a lot more than the three W’s to consider when thinking about what you have to offer.  You may have enthusiasm, specialized work skills, free time, a strong body, or life skills to share with others.  Never under estimate your abilities that may be needed by organizations.

You will want to determine how much time you have available to volunteer.  Do you want to volunteer for a one- time event, a weekly project, or an ongoing service commitment?  Are you available to volunteer full-time, part-time, evenings, weekends?  Most organizations will have a job for you- no matter what time commitment you can offer.

 Volunteering is generally people working for a cause without payment for their time and services, but there are many benefits that you can gain by volunteering.  You may:

The American Optometric Association Paraoptometric Group is looking for enthusiastic members to volunteer.  Optometrist and paraoptometric volunteers are needed to help the association achieve its vision and mission.  You may be able to contribute to the growth and recognition of the paraoptometric profession while developing professional skills.  Others will gain by sharing your expertise and knowledge with your professional peers.

Whether you volunteer to serve on a Committee, project team or work group, the AOA Paraoptometric Group has a place for you.  To find out more about volunteering opportunities, visit http://www.aoa.org/x11032.xml, or call 800-365-2219 ext. 4108.

Volunteering does not take a lot of time, just a little time to care!