“Volunteering gives you a new facet of your profession to explore. It expands your horizons and reenergizes.”— Ginger Clark, OTR, CHT, 2002 ASHT Presidential Address
As we prepare to celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 20–26, 2025), I want to take this opportunity—on behalf of the American Society of Hand Therapists—to recognize and thank each and every one of you who has given your time, energy, and expertise to ASHT. Whether you have volunteered for years or recently taken on your first role, your contributions are deeply valued and essential to our shared success.
ASHT thrives because of our volunteers. From serving on divisions and committees and task forces to writing, mentoring, and reviewing—you make it possible for our society to remain innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Your dedication fuels our mission and extends the reach of hand and upper extremity therapy across disciplines and communities.
This year, my presidential theme focuses on sustainability across all dimensions: personal, professional, organizational, and environmental. When you give your time to ASHT, you are directly contributing to this vision by engaging in meaningful service that connects you with peers and renews your passion, by shaping the future of our field and staying actively involved in advancing best practices, and by helping ASHT grow stronger, more resilient, and responsive to the needs of our members on both local and global levels.
To our seasoned volunteers—thank you for your continued leadership and generosity. To those of you who are newer to ASHT or perhaps unsure about where to begin: you belong here, and we need your voice. Volunteering does not have to mean a big time commitment—it can be a short-term project, a micro-opportunity, or just a willingness to say “yes” when something speaks to your interests.
We invite you to explore our Volunteer Portal, where you will find a variety of options that align with your skills, schedule, and goals. Our community thrives on the blend of seasoned expertise and fresh perspectives—and we’re always here to help guide you in finding your place.
As Anne Callahan, MS, OTR/L, CLT, shared in her 1987 Presidential Address: “The beauty of ASHT is that as one person moves out of an activity, there is another ready to move in and continue with the work. Our new members each year bring talents and energy that in the future will guide us through as yet uncharted courses.” I am thrilled to be able to say that 38 years later this still holds true.
Your willingness to step forward—whether for the first time or the hundredth—ensures that ASHT remains a sustainable, member-driven organization. It is this spirit of shared purpose and continuity that defines who we are.
This week, and every week, we celebrate you. Thank you for all you do to support ASHT and move our profession forward.
With deepest appreciation,
Kim Masker, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
2024-2025 ASHT President