The California Gold Rush (A Response)

I am grateful for and learning quite a bit from everyone's comments on this blog.

After reading Laura's initial blog and posting my comments, I emailed each member of the CAMTC's BOD with my opinion. I received two responses by email. The following day, Feb. 11, I went to the meeting to observe the meeting and gain more understanding. I encourage other therapists to attend the meetings. I had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with a few board members and prospective members. Here are a few of my thoughts.

First, the BOD members work very diligently. I thank them for the energy, time and sacrifices they make to do the necessary work.

Second, I would like to see the following items posted in a timely manner on the CAMTC's website with the intention of creating transparency and clarity for the activities and intentions of the CAMTC BOD:

1. the minutes of the meetings,
2. the resumes of the board members (with personal contact information omitted),
3. a chart of the roll call vote, as on the AMBP website (www.abmp.com/news/california-regulatory-update/), and
4. an accounting of the funds.

I could see opportunity for conflicts interest and self-interest to happen intentionally or unintentionally. The universe of CA massage therapists, schools, insurers, professional organizations, suppliers is finite and interconnected. The salary of the CEO and other expenses need to be reasonable. I want to feel confident in the experience and character of the board members and that the goals of the CAMTC are met or are in progress. I would prefer that this be available through the CAMTC website rather than scattered over several different blogs and websites. I did hear that the CAMTC website is scheduled to be changed. Hopefully, it will be new and improved.

A compelling case with evidence can be made to support the issues raised in Laura's initial post; yet I hope that those issues can be resolved with more transparency. At the moment, I want to put my attention on the AB 1822.

I, too, felt angry and heartbroken about the issues raised in this blog because I, too, am passionate about the goodness inherent in massage work. I have put time and energy into promoting it as an occupation worthy of respect. So, with emotions now calm, I feel it is time to focus on what can be done and how can we do it. Any suggestions?

Sincerely,
Kathy