IDENTITY
CRISIS
By
Michael A. Bower, ACC
As
the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals
(NCCAP) approaches its 20th Anniversary I am amazed
that many in our profession still get the NCCAP confused
with the National Association of Activity Professionals
(NAAP)! Granted, NAAP members founded the NCCAP, many
members of the profession belong to both organizations,
and both organizations are concerned with the quality
of activity services provided to elders.
One
of the primary differences between the NAAP and the
NCCAP is how we develop membership. One becomes a member
of the NAAP by paying dues to join; it is a membership-based
organization that recognizes a variety of certifications,
but does not require certification for membership. One
becomes a member of the NCCAP by becoming a NCCAP certified
activity assistant, director, or consultant - it is
a certifying body.
At
the annual NAAP Conferences attendees often seem confused
as to the role of the NCCAP. The NAAP graciously arranges
for a room in which the NCCAP Board of Directors holds
their Spring Board of Directors meeting; provides a
location and time slot for our annual membership meeting,
as this is a good opportunity to reach a large number
of NCCAP members. In turn NCCAP supports the NAAP by
sponsoring one of the events and co-sponsoring a scholarship
affectionately known as "the Madge". Several
members of The NCCAP Board of Directors offer their
services as speakers each year, as well, and the Boards
of both organizations meet jointly to discuss issues
facing both boards and the profession.
Perhaps
it is because of all these mutually beneficial activities
that people become confused. Each year the NCCAP Board
receives comments that concern the NAAP Board and the
NAAP Board receives comments that concern the NCCAP
Board. This extends beyond the evaluations at the NAAP
conferences to comments on websites and bulletin boards.
If we were health care facilities it would be a HIPAA
Nightmare! While we try to pass these comments along,
it puts each organization in the position of "carrying
tales" and "minding each other's business,"
neither of which are comfortable positions to be in.
How
can you help?
1. Recognize that the NAAP and the NCCAP are two different
organizations and make sure others in our profession
also understand. It's not okay to use the names interchangeably!
2.
Direct suggestions, complaints, and compliments to the
right organization - they mean much more coming directly
from you, and you will
know that they have reached the people
who can help when you have a problem or complaint.
3.
When you hear others confuse the NCCAP and the NAAP
help them
to reach the right organization.
I
encourage each and every one of you to become involved
on NCCAP and NAAP committees - being involved with the
work we each do is a great way to learn the differences
and the importance of what each organization does. And
we can always use more volunteers - both of us!
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