massage and bodywork professionals
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The Massage Therapy Alliance of America - A New Alliance For Therapists!
We are so excited for Massage Therapists!!! But, instead of re-explaining it here, go to the source at http://www.mtaamassage.org
Some of the debate that will take place on this topic will be heated. If opposing sides discussing issues is not your cup of tea, just visit the website. FYI!
Views: 518
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on
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Thank you Travis! That is why I made it a non-profit. It will go on long after we are gone. Mentoring is another program that has come up in the by-law discussions. Those discussions probably will start in 2012/2013. Yes we have you down as a volunteer. Most of the comments and calls have been positive. We will try to get the volunteers going early also. Looking forward to working with you this year! Will be sending out packet in June.
Travis Alligood said:Is this exciting or what, Massage Therapy Alliance of America. Now we have a voice and someone who will always be there for us regardless of affiliation. Mike Hinkle has invited us to this organization because he recognizes the dedication that we carry as Massage Therapist. Im totality excited because as a new therapist (2 yrs), Ill have questions and this organization will help to find an answer.
As we grow in our field we will need this organization to help us during the growing phase as well as our growth as Massage Therapist, and as students coming out of school. Speaking of coming out of school I have had the pleasure myself of working with high school students in helping them make important decisions in their lives and what they would like to do upon graduation. It was very complementary to me for my administrator to call me to take this opportunity, Id love to continue make a difference in a students life and hopefully there will come a day when this organization will have a mentoring program that will find other therapist that will help students in other towns to make decisions to make this a career that they will prosper from.
I do realize that now the AMTA has this program intact but every little bit helps, as I have signed up to be a volunteer for this task.
With all that goes on in this world with differences of opinions of what Massage Therapy is all about, there needs to be more educational expeirences. I plan to become more motivated to share more time in my community. Im not afraid to say that I have a lot to learn and which ever association I choose to become a part of, I will do my part to the best of my ability. Great work !
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Permalink Reply by Bianca Berrios on
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Mike, I have to say it boggles my mind that a new organization is spreading the word for members for a group that, "hasn't been identifed yet or voted upon, are going to do"...????
Mike Hinkle said:Hi Bianca,
Yeah, it's kinda hard to tell you what a group that hasn't been identified yet or voted upon are going to do.
Any initial vote almost always takes place physically in a location. Once the Alliance is up and running, they may have a secure website and funding that will allow online voting, I hope. Or they could do mail or whatever method they decide. The Festival is the biggest event I have to be able to gather the largest amount of therapists. And provide a location for free to the Alliance for the initial election. You do not have to register for the Festival or take classes to vote. I have created the opportunity, I cannot control the economy or people savings. All I can do is not charge people to join. That is the most money I can save you. I could have added a fee, but it wasn't needed.
How many massages I do a week is irrelevant. I owned the 7 room Pensacola Massage Center in FL. I am licensed in FL. NCB AMTA MTAA and I still work 18-20 hours a day for the profession.
You apparently will have to wait to see what they can do for you until after the election. I understand. I can not tell you what they will do for you. However, I think those that join and express their concerns will probably set the direction that the Alliance takes.
You be well too. Thanks... have a great evening!
Bianca Berrios said:I noticed on your site that in order to vote for the board of directors who will lead this "alliance" for all of us therapists, you have to physically be at your festival to vote. If I join for free now but may not be able to get to your festival (considering the economy), how is my voice being represented in the "alliance"? In addition, I don't seem to be getting to the "bottom-line" if you will, in regards to what this "alliance" will do for myself and all the other therapists across America....
(btw I'm curious with all these different ventures you have; festival, "alliance", "I am massage directory", etc.; how many massages do you actually do during a 7 day week?)
Just for the record it will take a whole lot more info for me to pay into another association. As I will not speak for others, but for myself alone between insurance, state license, ceu's and nctmb renewal; I find I am overloaded with fees to just stay in practice. In addition for someone such as myself who was in corporate for 9 years I'm done with meetings and prefer to spend my time giving my full attention to builting my practice and to my clients.
Look forward to hearing your reply. As always be well...
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Permalink Reply by Lisa on
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I am still waiting for the names and credentials of the Leadership Team. If this is truly a voice for US, why are we kept in the dark to the group that is leading this new organization?
"4. A new approach to how we deal with the public. (Details will be shown to the new board first, as they are my ideas."
Also, I would like to know what the details of this new approach on dealing with the public are. Again, if this is really meant to be nonpolitical, then why not start if off with an open discussion, instead of what seems to be, a secluded group with a closed door agenda. Why not use this forum to solicit ideas and discussion? How do I know as a therapist that your ideas are what I want for MY voice in the public eye? You keep saying that this alliance is for us by us, but yet you can not give us specifics on what the agenda is for this organization. And your voting is limited to only those that attend your festival. How is that a voice for ALL of us? Something as important as voting for the BODs should be open to EVERYONE who joins, not just those that can make it to another of your ventures.
Without a clearly defined proposal of what this organization is planning, how can anyone just blindly join? I would suggest to anyone that is about to give out personal information, especially those that are new to massage and are just eager to be a part of something, that you know WHAT you are joining. We all have voices, we just need to use them instead of following the pack blindly.
Finally, I would also like to know, if one wants to run for an office of the BOD, do they have to be at the festival in order to be voted for?
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Just an FYI to those who are not familiar with how "non-profit" organizations operate... "non-profit" does not constitue that people don't get paid...Mike Hinkle said:
Thank you Travis! That is why I made it a non-profit. It will go on long after we are gone. Mentoring is another program that has come up in the by-law discussions. Those discussions probably will start in 2012/2013. Yes we have you down as a volunteer. Most of the comments and calls have been positive. We will try to get the volunteers going early also. Looking forward to working with you this year! Will be sending out packet in June.
Travis Alligood said:Is this exciting or what, Massage Therapy Alliance of America. Now we have a voice and someone who will always be there for us regardless of affiliation. Mike Hinkle has invited us to this organization because he recognizes the dedication that we carry as Massage Therapist. Im totality excited because as a new therapist (2 yrs), Ill have questions and this organization will help to find an answer.
As we grow in our field we will need this organization to help us during the growing phase as well as our growth as Massage Therapist, and as students coming out of school. Speaking of coming out of school I have had the pleasure myself of working with high school students in helping them make important decisions in their lives and what they would like to do upon graduation. It was very complementary to me for my administrator to call me to take this opportunity, Id love to continue make a difference in a students life and hopefully there will come a day when this organization will have a mentoring program that will find other therapist that will help students in other towns to make decisions to make this a career that they will prosper from.
I do realize that now the AMTA has this program intact but every little bit helps, as I have signed up to be a volunteer for this task.
With all that goes on in this world with differences of opinions of what Massage Therapy is all about, there needs to be more educational expeirences. I plan to become more motivated to share more time in my community. Im not afraid to say that I have a lot to learn and which ever association I choose to become a part of, I will do my part to the best of my ability. Great work !
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Hi Bianca,
Have you ever created a non-profit? This is the way it happens. The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education was recently formed and it was done the same way. The program has been defined as well as any are when they start. As with massage you start with intent and then create. If you haven't understood the intent, I'm sorry, "we're going to improve massage as best we can". No crystal ball to tell exacts, and boards aren't real exact anywys, but this is the method in which these events happen. You have an idea, gather folks and vote. That's how they form and how we are going to also. Thanks!
Bianca Berrios said:Mike, I have to say it boggles my mind that a new organization is spreading the word for members for a group that, "hasn't been identifed yet or voted upon, are going to do"...????
Mike Hinkle said:Hi Bianca,
Yeah, it's kinda hard to tell you what a group that hasn't been identified yet or voted upon are going to do.
Any initial vote almost always takes place physically in a location. Once the Alliance is up and running, they may have a secure website and funding that will allow online voting, I hope. Or they could do mail or whatever method they decide. The Festival is the biggest event I have to be able to gather the largest amount of therapists. And provide a location for free to the Alliance for the initial election. You do not have to register for the Festival or take classes to vote. I have created the opportunity, I cannot control the economy or people savings. All I can do is not charge people to join. That is the most money I can save you. I could have added a fee, but it wasn't needed.
How many massages I do a week is irrelevant. I owned the 7 room Pensacola Massage Center in FL. I am licensed in FL. NCB AMTA MTAA and I still work 18-20 hours a day for the profession.
You apparently will have to wait to see what they can do for you until after the election. I understand. I can not tell you what they will do for you. However, I think those that join and express their concerns will probably set the direction that the Alliance takes.
You be well too. Thanks... have a great evening!
Bianca Berrios said:I noticed on your site that in order to vote for the board of directors who will lead this "alliance" for all of us therapists, you have to physically be at your festival to vote. If I join for free now but may not be able to get to your festival (considering the economy), how is my voice being represented in the "alliance"? In addition, I don't seem to be getting to the "bottom-line" if you will, in regards to what this "alliance" will do for myself and all the other therapists across America....
(btw I'm curious with all these different ventures you have; festival, "alliance", "I am massage directory", etc.; how many massages do you actually do during a 7 day week?)
Just for the record it will take a whole lot more info for me to pay into another association. As I will not speak for others, but for myself alone between insurance, state license, ceu's and nctmb renewal; I find I am overloaded with fees to just stay in practice. In addition for someone such as myself who was in corporate for 9 years I'm done with meetings and prefer to spend my time giving my full attention to builting my practice and to my clients.
Look forward to hearing your reply. As always be well...
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Lisa,
I am sorry you have issues with this. I have handled other efforts and gave folks names of folks helping with efforts and then those got harassed or were taken away from their efforts. Not going to happen here. If you have trust issues, Im sorry. When they do come forward you will see threre was no conspiracy. As I explained, my ideas are mine and I will share when I decide. If you want to know who instigated, is planning and organizing this... me. I have a group of veterans working on by-laws with me and that's it.
The discussion to start this effort has been talked about for years, as I explained, at Festival and around the country. The complaints being raised are beyond the scope and off the radar often for Associations that presently exist, It is not what they do or their purpose. We may be able to address some of those things.
I have been using this and other forums, through groups I have formed, questions I have asked and things they have said have convinced me to do this. But this is only one of the sites. So huundreds have helped me make the decision to do this.
Ok, first off, (it should be open to all who join.) I opened up the "free membership" for fun, to raise awareness that it was coming and to let those that will be active to feel a sense of ownwership. You haven't even taken this step and I am trying to make you understand. So, it is open to all.
Sorry, but this "is" the way people form Alliances. (Should be, fair , outta ) All good things... but "is" is what is going to happen. In a perfect world yes. Sorry, it isnt. The leadership group should not be subject to any questions from the general public. There is nothing secretive about them, as you will see. Everyone of them have over 20 years in massage.
People are not "blindly following" Lisa. If you have reservations, please don't join. Wait and see, Many that have been to Festival and that I have dealt with know, I would never hurt massage or form anything to lead to them harm. Again, I am sorry you have trust issues.
Lisa said:I am still waiting for the names and credentials of the Leadership Team. If this is truly a voice for US, why are we kept in the dark to the group that is leading this new organization?
"4. A new approach to how we deal with the public. (Details will be shown to the new board first, as they are my ideas."
Also, I would like to know what the details of this new approach on dealing with the public are. Again, if this is really meant to be nonpolitical, then why not start if off with an open discussion, instead of what seems to be, a secluded group with a closed door agenda. Why not use this forum to solicit ideas and discussion? How do I know as a therapist that your ideas are what I want for MY voice in the public eye? You keep saying that this alliance is for us by us, but yet you can not give us specifics on what the agenda is for this organization. And your voting is limited to only those that attend your festival. How is that a voice for ALL of us? Something as important as voting for the BODs should be open to EVERYONE who joins, not just those that can make it to another of your ventures.
Without a clearly defined proposal of what this organization is planning, how can anyone just blindly join? I would suggest to anyone that is about to give out personal information, especially those that are new to massage and are just eager to be a part of something, that you know WHAT you are joining. We all have voices, we just need to use them instead of following the pack blindly.
Finally, I would also like to know, if one wants to run for an office of the BOD, do they have to be at the festival in order to be voted for?
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Permalink Reply by Travis Alligood on
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Greetings Everyone,
I have REALLY been keeping up with this thread and hopefully the questions that are among this group will not just stop here, but linger into the organization. All questions I feel will be addressed. Can I trust these people ? I joined this site !!
I have only met 7 people from this site in person. I have met 1 person by webcam.( I love modern technology ). 1 person I drove nearly 2 hours to have lunch with, and discuss Massage Therapy matters,Ive had continuing ed. classes with 2, 1 I was in a class with in Charlotte NC, and everyone else I have worked with mostly doing fundraisers. I guess its hard to trust someone you never met, but that will not stop me from purchasing items I need for my profession, like Massage Warehouse, Massagenerd, or any of the others that I have made relationships with on this site.
I guess what Im trying to say is that Ive seen the work, and recieved word of mouth on the different avenues that the people involved in starting this organization and the good they have done, its kind of hard to turn my back on them, and I will not because of my choosing. It is here if you want to join, it is your decision.
Just a note, numbers are good. We need a force. I believe in the ABMP, Im a member of AMTA, and now a member of MTAA. Mike Hinkle has really been a great force here, example of the project in getting a placein Boulder to have a place to call home for Massage Therapist, and I look forward to seeing my name there. And the first thing that will come to my mind will be, who would of thought ? I think everyone should be involved here. Rome was not built in a day ! Nor this organization ,but it will surely be a strong organization with all the thoughts that are flying in this thread. Peace.
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Oh and one more thing. Thank-you Mary for inviting me and Lara for allowing us to all be here.
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Mike,
I have trust issues? I am an educated professional that is just asking for legitimate questions before joining an organization. In the same way that I would research an organization already formed. It would seem the person who has trust issues would be you, in that you scoot around the questions proposed to you about this organization. You can't say you are speaking for all of us and then not give direct answers to direct questions. I'm sorry you can't understand my hesitation. If you are concerned about people harassing others, won't that still be a concern for the BOD? I have no interest in harrassing anyone. I just want to know who is representing "my" ideas in this organization. I have not joined because I can't get clear cut answers to my questions.
My concern in all of this as it plays out, is that the festival is YOUR venture. The Alliance is YOUR venture. The ideas are YOUR ideas. When is it that OUR ideas and thoughts come into play? If an organization is building from the beginning stages, it is THEN that everyone's ideas should come to the table. You have not asked for any ideas, but instead want people to join an organization with no information other than "wait and see". I don't honestly think you are intentionally trying to do harm to massage, but I also don't necessarily think you represent ALL of our ideas and thoughts. And until I see specifics it is hard to jump on the bandwagon. Perhaps some may think I am over thinking this, but I value my personal information. And I have learned to protect that information to some extent.
There are many new therapists out there that WILL join blindly. And then who's to say that 2 years down the road we don't have a "voice" that isn't our own? Just because Mike Hinkle says it so does not settle the professional adult in me. You mention that you have veteran therapists that are helping you create the by-laws. Yet, it's many of the veterans that have created the NCBTMB and look where that has gotten us. Quite frankly, if you are creating by-laws, should it not be comprised of both veterans AND new blood? Not intending to insult anyone, but many veterans I know have old ways and thoughts and are not what I would want representing MY profession.
You say you want to give people a sense of ownership, and yet they can only vote on the BODs at YOUR festival. Do you not see the conflict of interest in that? I haven't joined because I'm still trying to get answers.
You didn't answer the question about if one wants to run for an office do they have to be present at your festival. Can you answer that for me?
Also, if we join for free NOW, will we be expected to pay once the board is in place or will we be grandfathered in for the first year.
Please understand Mike, this is not intended to be a battle with YOU. However it IS YOUR venture and therefore you are the only one I, or anyone else, can come to with our thoughts, concerns, and questions. It seems to me that with all the thought you say went into this for years, the business end of things was off the radar. These are business questions that any one of us should be able to ask a public, non-for-profit organization. And again I say, if you truly want to make this an alliance FOR therapists BY therapists, then you should be willing to put you and any others that are willing to step up to the plate, out there for review. I don't understand why that is such a task to be had. I don't know of any organization that would expect people to join without knowing the who's involved.
Perhaps I would like to run for office. But I don't know what I'd be running for, OR if I have to be at your festival to run, AND who I might be working with. If that is too much to ask, then I guess it really isn't for all of us. and if it isn't, than i shutter to think of the consequences down the road when we have another organization of old thoughts and ideas that don't represent ALL of us, yet are speaking up in public on OUR behalf.
I'm just trying to help you understand that there are many of US out there that just want a bit more information before we join. Many of them are not as vocal as I am, so you won't find them posting in here. But trust me there are conversations outside of this forum about it. And I assure you I am not the only one that is hesitant.
I rarely get this passionate or combative with people about things, but I love my profession and I don't want an organization speaking up for ME and others like me, when it doesn't represent us.
Certainly, as you put thought in pulling this together, you had to expect that not everyone would just join without questions and concerns. I speak on their behalf.
L
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I understand where some folks are coming from. They don't know and most fear the unknown. I just wish they would contact efforts we have done and talk with folks before they make statements like don't give info, when all their info that was listed is online somewhere including licensure information through their state. It really doesn't matter how it is explained, they will continue to pose situautions that don't exist or are just troubling hypotheticals. I don't think they have contacted many and asked them questions, if it was a success or they felt they had been taken advantage of. I will just keep playing the answer game.
I am basically being told not to speak for those that have problems, but they can speak for those that aren't in the conversation. It's ok, I'll do this because, I won't be on the BOD. If they choose to join great if not great, we'll go on. I don't really think going after someone trying to help is productive. But they do, apparently. Most folks are either joining, not joining or waiting to decide. This almost seems like they think their anti-view may stop the effort, it won't. All new entities have distractions. We will persevere.
I appreciate your support and look forward to working with you and seeing you at Fest!
Travis Alligood said:Greetings Everyone,
I have REALLY been keeping up with this thread and hopefully the questions that are among this group will not just stop here, but linger into the organization. All questions I feel will be addressed. Can I trust these people ? I joined this site !!
I have only met 7 people from this site in person. I have met 1 person by webcam.( I love modern technology ). 1 person I drove nearly 2 hours to have lunch with, and discuss Massage Therapy matters,Ive had continuing ed. classes with 2, 1 I was in a class with in Charlotte NC, and everyone else I have worked with mostly doing fundraisers. I guess its hard to trust someone you never met, but that will not stop me from purchasing items I need for my profession, like Massage Warehouse, Massagenerd, or any of the others that I have made relationships with on this site.
I guess what Im trying to say is that Ive seen the work, and recieved word of mouth on the different avenues that the people involved in starting this organization and the good they have done, its kind of hard to turn my back on them, and I will not because of my choosing. It is here if you want to join, it is your decision.
Just a note, numbers are good. We need a force. I believe in the ABMP, Im a member of AMTA, and now a member of MTAA. Mike Hinkle has really been a great force here, example of the project in getting a placein Boulder to have a place to call home for Massage Therapist, and I look forward to seeing my name there. And the first thing that will come to my mind will be, who would of thought ? I think everyone should be involved here. Rome was not built in a day ! Nor this organization ,but it will surely be a strong organization with all the thoughts that are flying in this thread. Peace.
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Hi Lisa,
Take a breath, the program is a week old. By-laws are being written. And I don't know of anyone that allows, everyone in a profession, to join in writing them.
Let's talk about the vital personal info being requested. It took me two minutes on the net to find out this info on you. So it isn't that personal of info and if you've taken steps to secure it. You failed. Would you like to post it all here?
Lisa, this Alliance is developing. It is in the early stages. I am asking people, "if you would like to improve the profession. please join us." No one is taking from or trying to create an Association. We will be an Alliance of pure therapists that try to achieve goals as set by us.
To say I have not quiered therapists, is beyond the pale. I have never stopped. I started the symposiums for the therapists. Now more are having panel discussions.
You do not have to be there, if you sign up as a member and run for office. But you don't get to vote. You must be present to vote at this early stage. Heck AMTA just did start allowing ballot voting through the mail. So far as old ideas versus new ideas concerning writing by-laws... I'll stick with veterans and since I am the incorporater, that would be my choice.
Lisa, in the upcoming months you will see people volunteer for office. They will say why they are running for office and give their backgrounds. They will determine what this Alliance will be with those that are members. The Alliance will speak for therapists the same way Associations speak for therapists. They are called stakeholders. Many felt the MTBOK was where therapists weren't represented enough. I think you may have been one, that was caught unaware of it and spoke out. But you are asking questions that the Board will be deciding, so I can't answer those. I have basically set up a frame work that allows the Alliance to try and improve the profession. What they decide to do with that will rest with them.
I hope this helps you understand better.
Lisa said:Mike,
I have trust issues? I am an educated professional that is just asking for legitimate questions before joining an organization. In the same way that I would research an organization already formed. It would seem the person who has trust issues would be you, in that you scoot around the questions proposed to you about this organization. You can't say you are speaking for all of us and then not give direct answers to direct questions. I'm sorry you can't understand my hesitation. If you are concerned about people harassing others, won't that still be a concern for the BOD? I have no interest in harrassing anyone. I just want to know who is representing "my" ideas in this organization. I have not joined because I can't get clear cut answers to my questions.
My concern in all of this as it plays out, is that the festival is YOUR venture. The Alliance is YOUR venture. The ideas are YOUR ideas. When is it that OUR ideas and thoughts come into play? If an organization is building from the beginning stages, it is THEN that everyone's ideas should come to the table. You have not asked for any ideas, but instead want people to join an organization with no information other than "wait and see". I don't honestly think you are intentionally trying to do harm to massage, but I also don't necessarily think you represent ALL of our ideas and thoughts. And until I see specifics it is hard to jump on the bandwagon. Perhaps some may think I am over thinking this, but I value my personal information. And I have learned to protect that information to some extent.
There are many new therapists out there that WILL join blindly. And then who's to say that 2 years down the road we don't have a "voice" that isn't our own? Just because Mike Hinkle says it so does not settle the professional adult in me. You mention that you have veteran therapists that are helping you create the by-laws. Yet, it's many of the veterans that have created the NCBTMB and look where that has gotten us. Quite frankly, if you are creating by-laws, should it not be comprised of both veterans AND new blood? Not intending to insult anyone, but many veterans I know have old ways and thoughts and are not what I would want representing MY profession.
You say you want to give people a sense of ownership, and yet they can only vote on the BODs at YOUR festival. Do you not see the conflict of interest in that? I haven't joined because I'm still trying to get answers.
You didn't answer the question about if one wants to run for an office do they have to be present at your festival. Can you answer that for me?
Also, if we join for free NOW, will we be expected to pay once the board is in place or will we be grandfathered in for the first year.
Please understand Mike, this is not intended to be a battle with YOU. However it IS YOUR venture and therefore you are the only one I, or anyone else, can come to with our thoughts, concerns, and questions. It seems to me that with all the thought you say went into this for years, the business end of things was off the radar. These are business questions that any one of us should be able to ask a public, non-for-profit organization. And again I say, if you truly want to make this an alliance FOR therapists BY therapists, then you should be willing to put you and any others that are willing to step up to the plate, out there for review. I don't understand why that is such a task to be had. I don't know of any organization that would expect people to join without knowing the who's involved.
Perhaps I would like to run for office. But I don't know what I'd be running for, OR if I have to be at your festival to run, AND who I might be working with. If that is too much to ask, then I guess it really isn't for all of us. and if it isn't, than i shutter to think of the consequences down the road when we have another organization of old thoughts and ideas that don't represent ALL of us, yet are speaking up in public on OUR behalf.
I'm just trying to help you understand that there are many of US out there that just want a bit more information before we join. Many of them are not as vocal as I am, so you won't find them posting in here. But trust me there are conversations outside of this forum about it. And I assure you I am not the only one that is hesitant.
I rarely get this passionate or combative with people about things, but I love my profession and I don't want an organization speaking up for ME and others like me, when it doesn't represent us.
Certainly, as you put thought in pulling this together, you had to expect that not everyone would just join without questions and concerns. I speak on their behalf.
L
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Permalink Reply by Erica Olson on
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Wait . . . what do you mean by "many are"? Many are signing up & giving personal info? Many are physically going to the festivals, thus gaining the right to vote? Something else?
As for your later comment about finding Lisa's personal information, there is a vast difference between information being readily handed over versus it being available through a search. Any security geek will vouch for that. I too would like to know what the benefit of handing over my personal information would be, versus putting myself at deliberate risk of spam, phishing, or identity theft. I'm not accusing you of any of the above, but it happens. As part of that, although I may have missed it, I didn't see the "list your info" page read as secure; ergo, it's completely possible that a third party could have access to my personal information via hacking into the database, especially without any sort of rudimentary firewalls.
Mike Hinkle said:Many are Lisa. Whether you do or not is your choice, Night!
Lisa said:Mike....how can you expect us to sign up and give our personal information that's required in the registration form (name, address, phone number, license no., business name, etc.) if you can't tell us what the group is going to do? I, for one, do not join associations just based on a friendly network. I base it on what the association will do for both myself and the industry. I have read everything on your Alliance site and still can not figure out the why's in joining. I am not trying to give you a hard time, however I AM an educated professional and as such expect more information before joining an organization.
I also have to agree with Bianca regarding the voting. The BODs are an important factor in any organization. And if this organization is suppose to speak for ALL therapists, but is only elected by the ones that can physically go to YOUR festival, I don't see how that is not political or representative of all OUR voices. Such an organization should have it's BODs voted by ALL members of the Alliance, not just the ones that can afford to make it to NC.
Mike Hinkle said:Hi Bianca,
Yeah, it's kinda hard to tell you what a group that hasn't been identified yet or voted upon are going to do.
Any initial vote almost always takes place physically in a location. Once the Alliance is up and running, they may have a secure website and funding that will allow online voting, I hope. Or they could do mail or whatever method they decide. The Festival is the biggest event I have to be able to gather the largest amount of therapists. And provide a location for free to the Alliance for the initial election. You do not have to register for the Festival or take classes to vote. I have created the opportunity, I cannot control the economy or people savings. All I can do is not charge people to join. That is the most money I can save you. I could have added a fee, but it wasn't needed.
How many massages I do a week is irrelevant. I owned the 7 room Pensacola Massage Center in FL. I am licensed in FL. NCB AMTA MTAA and I still work 18-20 hours a day for the profession.
You apparently will have to wait to see what they can do for you until after the election. I understand. I can not tell you what they will do for you. However, I think those that join and express their concerns will probably set the direction that the Alliance takes.
You be well too. Thanks... have a great evening!
Bianca Berrios said:I noticed on your site that in order to vote for the board of directors who will lead this "alliance" for all of us therapists, you have to physically be at your festival to vote. If I join for free now but may not be able to get to your festival (considering the economy), how is my voice being represented in the "alliance"? In addition, I don't seem to be getting to the "bottom-line" if you will, in regards to what this "alliance" will do for myself and all the other therapists across America....
(btw I'm curious with all these different ventures you have; festival, "alliance", "I am massage directory", etc.; how many massages do you actually do during a 7 day week?)
Just for the record it will take a whole lot more info for me to pay into another association. As I will not speak for others, but for myself alone between insurance, state license, ceu's and nctmb renewal; I find I am overloaded with fees to just stay in practice. In addition for someone such as myself who was in corporate for 9 years I'm done with meetings and prefer to spend my time giving my full attention to builting my practice and to my clients.
Look forward to hearing your reply. As always be well...
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