Biennium report 2023

BIENNIUM REPORT 2021-2023 28 contribution to the scientific/ technological advancement of P&O to join more international events with provision of sponsorships to subsidise their travel expenses. More emphasis and promotion will be put forward to appreciate and celebrate the international Prosthetics & Orthotics Day on November 5th from this year. Iran What does being part of ISPO mean for your member society? ISPO organizes events and conferences which can be a great opportunity to build relationships with other professionals and organizations in the field. It also offers its members a wide range of educational programs and resources. As a member society, the organisation can access these resources to support the professional development of its members. Additionally, ISPO represents the interests of its members on the world stage and supports policies and initiatives that support the field of prosthetics and orthotics. As a member society, your organisation can contribute to these advocacy efforts and help shape career paths. What were your main objectives and goals as a member society during the biennium? Our main objectives were to expand our Education and Training opportunities such as workshops, conferences, and online courses in order to increase the knowledge and skills of its members. We wanted to focus on advocacy and representation; to represent the interests of members and the prosthetics and orthotics profession to policymakers and other stakeholders. This could include lobbying for policy change or advocating for increased funding for research and development. We worked to promote and maintain high professional standards for members by developing and implementing a code of ethics and standards of practice. We also focused on international cooperation, cooperating with other ISPO Member Societies and Organisations to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to advance the field of prosthetics and orthotics globally. How has the membership base of the society changed during the biennium, and what strategies have been implemented to attract and retain members? We have been holding free or discounted training courses for members to encourage potential members, and hosting events and workshops that are open to non-members and provide an opportunity to demonstrate the value of membership and attract new members. In terms of marketing and outreach, we have been using marketing and outreach strategies, such as email campaigns and targeted advertising, to reach potential members and promote the community and its services. As for retaining members, we have maintained regular communication with members and informed them about events, services, and other related information. In terms of member engagement, we focused on creating opportunities for members to engage with the organization and its services, such as volunteering, serving on committees, or participating in surveys and feedback sessions. What do your members expected from ISPO International? Our members expect a number of things: • Members may expect ISPO International to represent their interests and those of the prosthetics and orthotics profession on the world stage and support policies and initiatives that support the profession and its practitioners. • Members may expect ISPO International to provide opportunities for them to network with other professionals in the field, both nationally and internationally, and to collaborate on research and other projects. • Members may expect ISPO International to provide them with access to resources and support, such as professional guidelines, research papers, and coaching programs, to help them develop their careers and enhance their professional performance. What have been your Member Society’s main challenges and drawbacks this biennium? The main challenges we have faced include: • Financial Constraints: Member communities face financial constraints due to limited resources and high inflation rates that can affect their ability to provide services and programs to their members. • Limited participation: Iran-ISPO strives to involve its members and encourage them to participate in association membership, events, committees, and other activities. • Keeping pace with developments in the field: Member societies strive to keep up with developments in the field of prosthetics and orthotics and provide their members with the latest knowledge and skills, particularly for 3D printing and CNC manufacturing. How did the society support professional development for its members during the biennium? Our professional development focus includes activities such as conferences, workshops, training programs, webinars, and networking opportunities. These activities can help members stay up to date with the latest developments and research in the field, enhance their skills and knowledge, and build connections with other professionals in their area of work. How does your member society use the new ISPO Community platform? We use the platform to network with other members from other member societies by creating online communities.