American Massage Therapy Association^®

AMTA Board Approves Program Developments Government Relations and Toll-free Number Top Priorities

Evanston, IL – At its March Board meeting the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Board of Directors approved development of two new programs.  Following up on its previously-announced Future Directions, and implementing its Strategic Plan, the board agreed to pursue a Government Relations Program and implementation of a toll-free telephone number for members to reach their National Office. 

They also directed the AMTA Council of Schools Board to investigate developing a code of ethics for school members, and committed to resolve advertising issues involving headings for massage therapy in Yellow Page directories, through ongoing communications with the Yellow Pages Integrated Marketing Association.

These decisions will further the association’s goals that “demand for massage reaches the point where it is viewed as a routine part of society’s health and well-being and AMTA members are viewed as providers of high quality massage.”  Decisions on AMTA products, programs and services (PPSs) were strategic choices to accomplish goals of community, advocacy and influence.  Because all AMTA PPSs are to have measurable outcomes, the newly approved programs will be evaluated annually to ensure that they are meeting expected outcomes.

“This was a very exciting Board meeting,” said new AMTA President Laurel J. Freeman.  “There are many products, programs and services we would like to implement for our members and our profession.  The PPSs the Board chose were based on well-researched facts and the decisions are financially responsible.”

Developing and implementing a Government Relations Program is a prioritized strategy for AMTA in FY04/05.  The board decision has provided volunteer leaders and staff with guiding principles for how the new Government Relations Program is to be developed, with special emphasis on input from AMTA chapters. 

• Chapters will be surveyed on the intent and scope of the program. 

• The program should be designed in such a way as to work in collaboration with allied, affiliated and school organizations, and

• It is to include a national focus on portability.  

The board views the new toll-free telephone service for the AMTA National Office as an operational necessity to be implemented by December 1, 2004. 

To expand its relationship with the Yellow Pages Integrated Marketing Association (YPIMA), AMTA volunteers and staff will create a process that allows issues to be addressed appropriately between AMTA and YPIMA.  This will involve an organizationally-selected ad hoc group to advise staff on issues pertaining to Yellow Pages, as needed.  AMTA has invited a representative of YPIMA to meet with members during the AMTA National Convention in Nashville, to discuss ways to resolve problems with massage therapy Yellow Pages headings.  In keeping with its past relationships on Yellow Pages issues, AMTA will share the results of its YPIMA contacts with Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP).

Continuing its commitment to high standards in the massage therapy profession, AMTA has asked the Board of Directors of the AMTA Council of Schools to investigate development of a code of ethics for AMTA School Members.  AMTA’s well-established Code of Ethics is specific to practitioner members. 

AMTA is making choices based on member needs within the context of its strategic direction, Future Directions, “Big Goal”, 3-5 year strategic goals and its Core Ideology.  While the Board determined its resources would allow it to only choose two new programs at this time, others suggested by members will be considered at face-to-face Board meetings this year. 

The American Massage Therapy Association, the largest professional association representing the field of massage therapy, can help navigate the process of linking pain specialists with massage therapists. Finding a qualified massage therapist is paramount – only 33 states and the District of Columbia regulate the profession of massage therapy. AMTA helps consumers and other healthcare professionals locate an AMTA member massage therapist via its free Find a Massage Therapist national locater service, www.amtamassage.org  or 1-888-THE-AMTA.

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