Massage Collage

Are you already sick and tired of hearing about the presidential election?  I am, and just think, it’s going to drag on until November, but it’s made me think this would be a good time to write about the politics of massage. 

I am currently serving a term on our state massage therapy board.  What a rude awakening that’s been!  I would like to think, and so would you, that everyone who enters our profession is going to act ethically.  I’d like serving on the board much better if there were no such things as disciplinary hearings to participate in.  It’s distressing to be on the jury, so to speak, that is charged with deciding whether or not someone has behaved in a manner that should cost them their license to practice massage, but it’s part of the job.  It’s also a dance, of sorts, when the board members disagree with each other, as often happens.  We have to put ego aside, and try to act in the best interest of the public. 

Prior to my appointment to the board, I was serving our state chapter of AMTA in an administrative capacity.  Since there weren’t any disciplinary hearings involved in that job, it was a lot more fun.  The main thing that spurred me into action was simply wanting to be involved in an organization that does so much for the advancement of massage therapy.

There are a number of ways to get involved in the politics that shape our profession.  State boards are obligated to have a period set aside for public comment at each meeting, and every time I teach a class, I encourage the therapists who are present to attend a meeting and make their voice heard.  We do truly listen, and sometimes the comments from the public and members of the profession have been the catalyst for making a change in the practice act or board rules and proceedings.

AMTA and the National Board have their elections, and I wouldn’t miss a chance to vote for the people who are going to influence the direction of massage any more than I would miss voting for the president (although I must say, at the moment, that one is still up in the air for me). 

I’m very pleased at the number of states who have joined the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.  This collaboration of boards is only going to enhance the profession and eventually the portability of licensure. 

I’m not a person who enjoys reading all the wherefores and whereas, but I want to exercise my right to have a say in where we take our profession in the future.  If you want to exercise yours, then vote for our leaders.  Attend a board meeting and your state and national conventions.  Volunteer to serve in any capacity you can make the time for.  Throw your name in the hat for an election if you’re so inclined.  In addition to learning a lot, being in service is also an invaluable networking opportunity.  And most important, it’s a way to give back a little of what massage therapy has given us.

Peace & Prosperity,

Laura Allen

Posted on February 14th, 2008 by Laura Allen
Filed under: General