The legislative decisions of our elected officials greatly influence the manner in which physical therapy services are delivered in Illinois. The Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) and Illinois Physical Therapy Political Action Committee (IPT-PAC) work in concert to educate our legislators on issues vital to the PT profession and ask
for their support on key legislative initiatives.
Report to: The IPTA President and Board of Directors. Written reports to the Board of Directors should be submitted as specified in the IPT-PAC Bylaws and policies and procedures, and as requested.
Committee Composition &Term: The IPT-PAC is comprised of five trustees that are recommended by the IPTA President and approved by the IPTA Board of Directors. The trustee with seniority shall Chair the Board of Trustees. When two (2) trustees are senior, the trustees shall select the Chair. The trustees shall annually select the Treasurer for a term of one (1) year. Trustees each serve a term of 3 years, with terms ending on December 31. No more than one IPTA Board of Directors' member may serve as a IPT-PAC Trustee at any given time. The IPTA President cannot serve on the IPT-PAC Board of Trustees.
Position Objective: The purpose of IPT-PAC is to promote, solicit, facilitate, receive, and accumulate voluntary contributions to be distributed for political expenditures to the campaign, political, and leadership committees of candidates for political offices who have demonstrated an understanding, interest, and commitment in the views, goals, and initiatives promoted by IPT-PAC and IPTA.
To the extent necessary to achieve its purpose, IPT-PAC trustees also educate physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, student physical therapists, student physical therapist assistants, and other supporters of the profession about the political process and encourage their participation through outreach and advocacy efforts.
As a Trustee, you will work to identify and execute fundraising strategies to meet the target contribution goals of IPT-PAC, including identifying prospective club level participants among IPTA members.
As able, you may attend meetings and fundraisers of state officials and candidates for state office at locations throughout the state.
Benefits: You may learn more about the political process in Illinois, and develop relationships with key decision makers in the Illinois General Assembly. You will obtain a greater understanding of campaign processes, including rules on fundraising that may help you make personal choices about candidate support for your local and state candidates for political office.
Specific Responsibilities: Members of the IPT-PAC Board of Trustees must adhere to the Bylaws, policies and procedures for the IPT-PAC, as approved by the IPTA Board of Directors. In addition, the following role and job description of Trustees has been approved by the IPTA Board of Directors:
- Chair
- Set the agenda and preside over each official IPT-PAC meeting and conference call.
- Consult with IPTA staff and the IPTA Board Liaison to IPT-PAC on the leadership and management of the IPT-PAC.
- Report to the IPTA Board of Directors on IPT-PAC operations and activities, including an annual report and the minutes of each official meeting.
- With the Treasurer, authorize all expenditures.
- Additionally meet the job description for the Board of Trustees.
- Treasurer
- Review and provide financial reports to the IPT-PAC Chair at least quarterly and when otherwise requested.
- Sign checks in the absence of the Executive Director, but not without authorization of the Chair.
- Consult with IPTA staff and the IPTA Board Liaison to IPT-PAC on the financial management of the IPT-PAC.
- With the Chair, authorize all expenditures.
- Additionally meet the job description for the Board of Trustees.
- Board of Trustees
- Take primary responsibility for recruitment and retention of donors to IPT-PAC.
- Become familiar with the rules and regulations governing political action committees, primarily through the State Board of Elections.
- Advance the IPT-PAC agenda through participation in district meetings, conference call, and activities in support of IPT-PAC.
- Mentor leaders and potential future leaders in fundraising and PAC acumen and management.
- Serve as a resource for IPTA's Districts regarding political advocacy.
Time Commitment: This committee conducts a minimum of one meeting per calendar year that coincides with the Assembly of Representatives. During each election cycle, the IPT-PAC may meet for additional meetings by conference call, email or in person to discuss the budget for projected disbursement/contributions to state candidates. Specific funding for candidates is traditionally discussed on a case by case level via email.
Qualifications: Must be an IPTA PT or PTA member in good standing and contribute on an annual basis to IPT-PAC at least at the PT club level.
Training and Support: The Chapter office provides annual volunteer orientation as well as ongoing administrative and clerical support for the committee. Access to resource documents and information is available through www.IPTA.org.
Recourse: The IPTA places great value on the relationship between members, staff, and businesses working together to further our mission. The IPTA also recognizes that there may be occasions when conflicts arise. If such circumstance occurs, please consult with the IPTA President and Executive Director.
Evaluation: The IPTA BOD President will contact you before the completion of your term for feedback on your volunteer experience. This will be used to update this job description, develop appropriate materials, and effectively orient future IPTA volunteers.