House Of Delegates and You
AMTA-IL Members, let your voices be heard!
A word about the House of Delegates and what it has to do with you.
On August 19, 2015, your elected Illinois delegates will meet in Pittsburgh, at the annual AMTA National Convention House of Delegates (HOD) Meeting. What does this really mean to the members of AMTA-IL? It means you, the members, elected five of your fellow licensed massage therapists and chapter members (delegates) to represent you, and be your voice on important issues that pertain to our profession and to our members. They will be voting for or against the 2015 HOD Recommendations and Position Statements being presented to the AMTA National Board of Directors.
It’s not only an honor to serve in this capacity, but it’s also a huge responsibility, one not to be taken lightly. I am proud and thankful to be one of the elected five representing you in Pittsburgh. Having said that, I want to speak not only as a delegate, but as the chairperson for the AMTA-IL Chapter Membership Committee. I’m urging all members to please familiarize yourselves with the 2015 HOD Recommendations and Position Statements, which will be voted upon in August.
Recommendations and position statements don’t pertain to all massage therapists, and they don’t necessarily reflect the views and opinions of your delegates; however, they do impact many in our field and profession as a whole. Many hours, and often many years of research are poured into the development of a position statement, and recommendations are carefully thought out and worded in order to pass a vote. I think we owe it to the authors to at least read and learn why they believe in their proposals. Then we can vote.
Whether or not you agree with the author doesn’t matter as much as having your voice heard. It can’t be heard if you don’t contact your delegates and share your opinion with them. Chapter delegates are allowed to discuss and debate the issues with other delegates from around the country, but their top priority is representing the members, despite their own personal opinions. You may contact your delegates for more information by going to the AMTA-IL website at illinois@amtamassage.org. Scroll down under the “About Us” tab and click on “Delegates”. You may also call or write the Illinois chapter at 847-430-0203 or AMTA-IL/ P.O. Box 55/O’Fallon, IL 62269.
Note: The two Position Statements up for vote this year were voted on last year and did not pass. The author(s) changed some of the language and resubmitted them for further consideration.
Respectfully Yours,
Christine Stearns at cestearnsmk@gmail.com
AMTA-IL Membership Committee Chair
2015 HOD-IL
Link to the Recommendations:
https://www.amtamassage.org/chapters/House-of-Delegates/AMTA-Position-Recommendations.html
Link to the Position Statements: