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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:
PURPOSE OF RAP
- To foster the exchange of ideas and resources among members
- 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 a liaison with Federal and State Departments of Health, health-related organizations, community and state colleges, and with legislative bodies.
ORGANIZATION
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.
MEMBERSHIP
Memberships are for personnel employed in the activity profession, social services or related fields of programming. They shall constitute the voting members.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
- Annual Conference Discount
- Monthly Programming guide
- Legislative Updates
- Discounted rate for the Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional course
- Opportunity to apply for conference scholarships
- Nominate and Be Nominated for Annual Awards
- Opportunity to serve on the RAP board of trustees
- Opportunity to serve on committees related to awards, ethics and special projects
Conference
RAP provides an excellent educational conference yearly in October for activity and social service professionals that serve primarily the aging population.
