Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

MEMBERSHIP

How can I join APO or find out about membership options?

Visit our membership page for details on membership options, benefits, regions, and more.  A membership brochure and application form are available for download on this page as well.  Should you have questions, please consult our contact page for information on reaching APO.

Is APO membership held by individuals or employers?

Memberships are held by individuals, even if an employer pays for the membership.  Memberships are non-transferable, so even if you leave your current place of employment, your membership will stay with you wherever you go. 

What happens with an APO membership for a member who takes maternity leave?

In order for an individual to retain active member status in APO, the membership needs to be renewed each year. Memberships are not transferable to/from a person who replaces the activity professional on maternity leave, even in cases where the facility pays for membership.  It is advisable to use your home address as you primary point of contact to ensure you receive all APO mailings, including newsletters and announcements.  By maintaining your membership while on maternity leave, you will continue to receive all membership benefits, continue to accrue uninterrupted professional standing, and continue to keep abreast of happenings within the organization and in the profession.

I don't know what region I am in. How do I find out?

Regions are designated by location of your workplace and not by your place of residence.  For a map of the APO regions, visit our Membership Information page.

When is the annual renewal date for APO membership?

All renewals must be into the head office by April 1st.  Starting in February, renewal notices are sent out to the address you provided as your primary point of contact.  It is advisable to have this as your home address.

What is contained in the members-only area of the APO website, and how do I log in?

The members-only area of the APO website contains resources that are exclusive for the use of members. The section includes recreation activities, past newsletters, professional resources and APO documents, and archived material. Access to the members-only area is provided to members upon registration or renewal, and an individual is granted access as long as she/he remains an active member with APO. Should you have difficulties logging in, please contact the APO office for assistance.

JOBS POSTING SERVICE

How can I post a job on the APO website?

Agencies post jobs directly to the APO website as a service to recreation professionals looking for work. To post a job, your agency needs to first register for an account.  There is no cost for posting jobs on our website.  Please contact us for an application form. View the current job listings page here.

Why are some listed jobs for other positions, not just activation?

APO does not edit job submissions. Agencies register for a jobs posting account and are free to post any jobs they feel may be on interest to recreation professionals. It is our belief that while activation jobs are likely to garner the most interest, other positions may also be of interest, particularly for some job seekers looking for additional work or part-time supplemental income.

Why can't I log in to post a job?

The APO jobs posting service operates separately from the member log-in feature.  Each of these utilities requires separate log-in and password information. To post (or edit or remove) a job, an agency needs to log in using a registered jobs posting account. To log in, click the link "Post a Job Opening" in the left navigation panel under the heading "Career Services." Note, you may need to scroll down to see this option.  If you are unable to log in using this approach or have forgotten your APO jobs posting service log-in details, please contact us.

CONTACTING APO

I have e-mailed APO, but have not received a reply.  What's going on?

If after contacting us via e-mail you have not received a reply within a few days, please try again. Unfortuntely due to the proliferation of spam, some legitimate messages may get filtered out. It is also possible that an APO reply to you was filtered as well, so please add the "activitypro.ca" domain to your safe or white list if you are having problems receiving e-mail from APO. Alternately, you may try one of the other means of contact available to you.  Please refer to our contact page for details.

I have moved.  How can I update my contact details with the APO office?

Please keep us up-to-date so we can ensure you receive all membership mailings, including the quarterly newsletter, Notes and News.  Send any membership updates to us at the APO office through one of the means on our contact page.

I have something to share with the APO executive.  How can I reach someone?

Visit our contact page to submit your comments or enquiry through the APO office.  If you wish to speak with a specific executive member, contact information for each is listed on the "Meet the APO Executive" page.

PROFESSIONAL MATTERS

How can I get a copy of the APO best practices manual?

The "Best Practice for Assessment in Recreation in Long Term Care" document is  available for purchase. Please visit the APO Store page for more information.

Best Practices Manuals can also be purchased at various education functions throughout the year (workshops, convention etc) or by contacting the APO Office.

What is the difference between Activity Professionals of Ontario (APO) and Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO)?

Activity Professionals of Ontario (APO) has a primary focus on activation and leisure services for seniors in healthcare settings. Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) has a primary focus on therapeutic recreation services for all age groups across diverse delivery settings. Both offer networking, education and resources as well as an annual convention.

How can I get involved with APO as a regional representative or member of the executive?

Regional reps are nominated positions whereas executive positions are appointed through the APO board and executive. Regional rep terms are a 4 year duration and the board meets quarterly whereas the executive positions are a 2 year duration which meets monthly. All board and executive members are a volunteer position held by recreation professionals employed in the field. It is through their dedication and vision for professionalism in the field that they form a cohesive group that works to improve networking, education and promotion of the recreation/activation profession for all members.

If you or someone you know wish to pursue a position on the APO board or executive, please contact us for further information.

What activity ideas and other professional resources does APO have available?

APO provides the following professional resources:

• Notes and News Newsletter — delivered quarterly to all members
• APO Website — includes job postings, links to resources and professional organizations, as well as a members-only section including a forum, professional development opportunities, activity library, and membership list
• Best Practice for Recreation in Assessment in Long Term Care Manual
• Annual Convention and workshops
  
• Activity Professionals Awareness Week resource package
• Promotional and professional items available for purchase through the APO Store

THE WEBSITE

How can I submit a photo from our facility for use on the APO website?

We encourage APO members to submit photos to be featured on one of the pages of the APO website; however, APO needs to have a completed photo release form on file to protect the individuals visible in the photograph(s). Click here to download the APO photo consent form.  Complete the form, and send it, along with the photo(s), to APO. Then watch for your photo online soon.  Thank you for your contribution to the APO website.

I found a mistake or out-of-date information on the website. How can I tell APO about this?  How can I make a suggestion?

Please visit the APO contact page to let us know.  Thank you.