Art Therapists for Equality Group

Hey Team,

I know we discussed a survey of members that have left the association. I also know we have been brainstorming ideas for them to be involved again. I know many are feeling disempowered and like the association won't listen.

I am wondering what it could look like to do an advocacy letter template similar to what we use in legislative advocacy where we type up a loose email with our concerns and encourage others to fill in their concerns or story. Then provide the email address(es) to send it to. Essentially the message and hopeful impact is a direct challenge to this outspoken minority belief and narrative. This approach would have to carry a strong delivery to work.

If there is anyway to track the number of times the template is used that could give us numbers should they say they aren't receiving the emails. Or even ask that a designated email be card on the emails sent? I don't know that I am tech savvy enough to deliver this piece, but I do believe it is a possible strategy.

At the end of the day an association that is shrinking at the same time that the field itself is larger than ever before, is a massive indicator of a problem. Refusing to see that is deeply concerning. If we had continued to grow alongside the field our association would be substantially larger not continually shrinking. The statistics vary from survey to survey but most report between 650-700 students/yr graduating with an Art Therapy degree.

The association is smaller now than when I joined 12 years ago. Meaning we are losing more than are joining. It seems leadership is content to cement this death rattle of a strategy that "only a small outspoken few care." I am off point now, but let me know what you think of the email idea.

We will need a pretty aggressive campaign to rebuild faith and momentum in AATA. I believe we can do it!