We had a blast in Phoenix for the AMTA National Convention, and hope that all Wisconsin members in attendance did as well! The WI Chapter Board is so happy that we got to connect and chat with some of you at our ice cream social, and also at the President's Awards Reception (see photo).

Haven't made it to an AMTA National Convention yet? We would love to see you there. It is a great opportunity to take top-notch continuing education and to network and connect with other Massage Therapists nationwide. Here's what WI Delegate Kathy Ginn had to say about her convention experience:

"I attended the AMTA National Conference representing our Wisconsin Chapter as your delegate. I was again reminded of the great privilege we have to be in this profession. Our profession is unique. Our service work is greatly needed in our world today! Meeting new colleagues and embracing old friendships was the highlight of my experience." - Kathy Ginn

While at the National Convention, our very own Deborah Hrycaj, AMTA-WI Chapter President was the recipient of the 2023 Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year Award. The Jerome Perlinski Teacher of The Year Award honors one teacher every year who has gone above and beyond for the profession. We are so proud to have her serve the members in WI. To see all of the 2023 National Awards Recipients, click the button below.

The AOD (Assembly of Delegates) meeting was held at the AMTA National Convention on August 23rd in Phoenix Arizona. 

Delegates from all 50 states and the District of Columbia gathered for two purposes:

1. To discuss and possibly approve an AMTA Position Statement around massage therapy and cancer treatments.
2. To discuss how the decriminalization of sex workers and the sex worker industry might impact the Massage Therapy Profession/Statutes and Licensure.

The meeting followed an agenda which included timed small group discussions, timed summaries from each group and voting on the Position statement.

After discussing the pros and cons of an official AMTA position statement around massage therapy and cancer treatment the AOD unanimously voted to approve. This is the second step in the formulation of an official position statement. The idea was proposed by a Delegate from Connecticut Chapter. It was then brought to the AOD. We discussed this topic for weeks before the convention in a delegate only forum on the AMTA Volunteer HUB, then officially in person followed by the vote. It will now go to the advisory committee who will do more research and draft a position statement to be approved by the National Board.

All AMTA members can view current position statements at https://www.amtamassage.org/about/position-statements/

The discussion topic on the Decriminalization of sex workers was brought to the AOD by a delegate from the Rhode Island chapter. Rhode Island along with many other states are dealing with proposed legislation to decriminalize sex workers and or the sex worker Industry. Although this topic may not directly affect the state of Wisconsin at this time, the discussion was very educational concerning the pros and cons of such legislation and the possible outcomes and proactive language of such legislation to the massage therapy profession.

We would like to thank all of you that responded to our Survey before the convention. Your opinions and insight into these topics was instrumental in our discussions and vote.

Martha Karban - Delegate

Kathy Ginn - Delegate

This year the Chapter Presidents Council meeting was moderated by our past Chapter President, Jeffrey Montoya. The Chapter Presidents gathered to reflect on their shared experience, build connections with each other, and be inspired to better serve our chapters. 

Our Chapter Government Relations Team is exploring the possibility of Wisconsin passing legislation to participate in the Interstate Massage Compact. The Interstate Massage Compact would allow massage therapists from member states to obtain an interstate license which would allow them to practice in each state that participates in the compact. You may learn more at  https://massagecompact.org/

The State Assembly is considering 2023 AB 332. This legislation would provide universal licensure to license holders moving into Wisconsin and reduce the barriers to practicing in Wisconsin after being a license holder in good standing from another state. You may learn more at https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2023/related/proposals/ab332.pdf

We are grateful to our members who have been appointed to serve on the Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy Affiliated Credentialing Board:

Jaime Ehmer

Ramona Trudeau

Charisma Townsend-Davila

Laura Novak

Thank you for your service to our profession!

If you'd like to help our chapter's Government Relations efforts, please contact Jeffrey Montoya at JeffAMTWI@gmail.com

WI Chapter Board Meeting

Oct 15, 2023, 7:00 – 8:00 PM (America/Chicago)

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