The idea for creating local networks came about because of seeing how the American Massage Therapy Association was created based on local community groups that were eventually called “Units”. AMTA did away with their Unit systems in about 2015 or so. The local networks were a great way to create a community for support, community and sharing call to actions that are so vital to advocating for massage therapists.
What are local networks?
Local networks of massage therapists across the US advocate for the massage profession in their immediate area (city, county, state). Local networks may provide low cost CE, provide in person or online meetings to promote sharing of information, networking and support or whatever they see is needed in their community. They can work together to help shut down illicit businesses in their neighborhood by working with local law enforcement and city/county councils.
Where do local networks meet?
They meet in community centers, therapists offices or anywhere in the local areas or online in webinar formats. The location is determined by leaders of the local groups. It can also be online.
What do they do?
Local networks of massage therapists across the US will provide a solid framework for sending vital information and calls to action on legislative issues as well as advocacy.
Local networks can also work on creating and influencing policy with their local legislative representatives, state representatives and Board of Massage/Department of Health.
Raise money in local groups or join together to hire essential advisors to Advocate for massage therapists in the work arena providing support for understanding job classifications (employee vs independent contractors)
Local networks will be independently run and organized. They can be informal groups that meet for coffee or more formal for profit organizations or non-profit organizations.
US Massage Network will provide support for creating and forming organizations and sharing of information on national and state issues.
Why Local Networks?
Local networks have the ability to move faster with calls to action and have (or will have the needed connections to legislators, local authorities, and others that can help with hiring attorneys and other consultants as needed. They also provide support for massage therapists to help end isolation, provide low cost CE and whatever is needed.