February 2021 AMTA IOWA chapters newsletter

#amtaiowa / #Iloveamtaiowa

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and good riddance to 2020. Hopefully, this year will be a less stressful year for us all. As we start out 2021, please let me assure you that the AMTA and especially the AMTA-IA board are doing whatever we can to ensure that we are trying to make you (our AMTA licensed massage therapists) the safest and most respected professionals in your community. With that it is a LMT that we are working for and represent, support, and protect. Every decision that we make is to ensure that our profession keeps the dignity, integrity and respect that it deserves. No decision comes from this board without trying to get as much information and feedback from you our members, the community, and legislators. At this point, we try to make the best-informed decision that we can, once again keeping your our AMTA licensed massage therapists at the forefront of the decision.

One of the main topics of discussion this year is how are the vaccinations being offered to massage therapists and how is the AMTA help make those available. As an organization the AMTA cannot say whether you as an individual should or should not get the shot or not. This decision can only be made by you.

If you are interested in where to go to receive a vaccination shot, you will need to go to the IDPH (Iowa Department of Public Health)(https://idph.iowa.gov) website to find out where to go in your area. Each county is different, and we can’t maintain what 99 counties will be providing. I personally know several LMT that have received their shots, so we are able to get them at this point.

Elections for Board Member 1, Financial Administrator, and Delegate will be coming up in April of this year, which will be all online. If you are interested in running for one of the positions be fill out the application form and return it to Soraya at membershipchair.amtaiowa@gmail.com.

This past year and foreseeable future have been a trying time for us all, however, now more than ever it is vital that we get back to work and provide the necessary relief in your community.

Be safe and have a great year.

Robert Campbell

AMTA-IA Chapter President

Call for Candidates

2021 Elections

There are three positions up this spring.

Board Member 1

Position Title: Chapter Board Member

Purpose

Chapter Board Member will assist the Chapter President in achieving Chapter goals and implementing decisions made by the Chapter Board.

Eligibility

In addition to being a Professional member in good standing and signing the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct, she/he must meet the following requirement:

• Completed one year of AMTA membership.

Authority

The authority of a Chapter Board Member is conferred by the Chapter membership through election, and as specified in National AMTA Bylaws and Policy.

Accountability

Chapter Board Member is accountable to the Chapter Board, Chapter members and AMTA National Board of Directors by virtue of election.

Chapter Board Member agrees to uphold and abide by the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.

Term of Office

One Chapter Board Member shall be elected every odd year for a term of two years or until a successor is elected. One Chapter Board member shall be elected every even year for a term of two years or until a successor is elected.

Relationship

Chapter Board Member work most closely with Chapter Board members and appointees, and National AMTA staff. Chapter Board Member also communicates with Chapter members, the Chapter Relations Committee, and/or other National volunteers, as appropriate.

Responsibilities

1. Is a voting member of the Chapter Board and is familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order.

2. Accepts responsibilities for Chapter/Association assignments as delegated by the Chapter President.

3. May temporarily assume the responsibilities of vacant volunteer positions while working with the President, the Chapter Relations Committee and staff to fill the vacancy.

4. Shall not be the Chair of more than two (2) committees, sub-committees, special committees or workgroups.

5. Attends Chapter Board, Chapter membership, and any Chapter committee meetings for which the Chapter Board Member has responsibility.

6. Identifies, cultivates and recruits future Chapter leaders.

7. Makes recommendations to the Chapter President for committee appointments.

8. Directs and refers members to appropriate volunteer and staff contacts as applicable.

9. Is available to receive direct feedback from members for input to the Chapter Board, and to communicate appropriate information regarding actions of the Chapter Board.

10. Maintains communication with Chapter membership through regular reports, and reports at Chapter membership and Chapter Board meetings.

Approved via National Board Motion #1206:94 2 Updated: Motion: #1016:44

11. Fulfills the fiduciary, due diligence, and other responsibilities of Chapter Board members as described in Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.

12. Maintains orderly records of activities and timelines relevant to her/his position during their term and supplies the incoming Chapter Board Member with those records to ensure a smooth transition.

Time Commitment

The time commitment averages approximately 5 – 8 hours per week, depending on Chapter activities. The time commitment may be higher before and/or during certain Chapter events or actions.

Vacancy

A vacancy in the Chapter Board Member position will be filled according to AMTA Bylaws and Policy.

Removal from Office

An officer may be removed from office for failure to:

1. Fulfill her/his duties and responsibilities (dereliction of duties).

2. Abide by Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.

3. Keep AMTA membership dues current.

Removal shall occur upon recommendation from a Chapter Board member with a two-thirds vote of the entire Chapter Board. The National Office must be contacted prior to Chapter Board voting on removal of a volunteer.

Financial Administrator

Position Title: Chapter Financial Administrator

Purpose

The Chapter Financial Administrator supports the financial operations of the Chapter.

Eligibility

In addition to being a Professional member in good standing, and signing the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct, she/he must meet one or more of the following requirements:

• Completed one term year as a Chapter Board member within the last three years.

• Completed one term year as a Chapter committee chair or member, within the last two years.

• Completed one term year as a National Board member, National Standing Committee Chair or National Standing Committee member within the last two years.

Authority

The authority of the Chapter Financial Administrator is conferred by the Chapter membership through election and as specified in National AMTA Bylaws and Policy.

Accountability

The Chapter Financial Administrator is accountable to the Chapter Board, Chapter members and AMTA National Board by virtue of election.

The Chapter Financial Administrator agrees to uphold and abide by the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.

Term of Office

The Chapter Financial Administrator is elected every odd year for a term of two (2) years or until a successor is elected.

Relationships

The Chapter Financial Administrator works most closely with Chapter Board members and appointees, and National AMTA staff. The Chapter Financial Administrator also communicates with Chapter members, the Chapter Relations Committee, and Finance staff, and/or other National volunteers, as appropriate.

Responsibilities

1. Is a voting member of the Chapter Board.

2. Attends Chapter Board, Chapter membership, and any Chapter committee meetings for which the Chapter Financial Administrator has responsibility (i.e. Chapter budget meeting).

3. Accepts responsibilities for Chapter/Association assignments as delegated by the Chapter President.

4. May temporarily assume the responsibilities of vacant positions while working with the President, the Chapter Relations Committee and staff to fill the vacancy.

5. Shall not be the Chair of more than two (2) committees, sub-committees, special committees or workgroups.

6. In cooperation with the President, conducts the regular day-to-day financial business

Approved via motion #1006:82 2 Revised November 2006/Revised March 2008 Updated: Motion #1016:44

affairs of the Chapter.

7. Adopts, uses, and complies with the Chapter Internal Controls detailed in AMTA Policy.

8. Manages and oversees the Chapter Budget. a. In collaboration with Chapter Board members and/or Chapter Finance Committee, prepares the annual Chapter budget, for presentation to the Chapter Board and the Chapter membership for approval.

b. Submits approved budget to national office finance department by deadline in accordance with AMTA Policy.

c. Ensures that Chapter records are maintained according to the record retention guidelines, and submits required reports to the National Office.

d. Ensures that expenses are budgeted and allowable.

e. Provides information to the Chapter Board regarding budgetary restrictions and alerts the Chapter Board when projects, programs, or units are in danger of going over budget.

f. Brings all unapproved and/or unbudgeted requests for funds and payment to the Chapter Board.

g. Proposes cost cutting measures and budget adjustments.

h. Reports line item financial status of the Chapter, actual vs. budgets, to the Chapter Board quarterly and to the Chapter members annually.

9. Keeps the Chapter Board current regarding status of investments, when applicable.

10. Approves reimbursement to members, appointees, or other volunteers, for budgeted or approved expenditures made on behalf of the Chapter. a. Submits required documentation to the national office to support each payment in order to allow proper recording in the chapter financial records.

11. Signs and submits certification letter to national office finance department by deadline in accordance with AMTA Policy.

12. Submits checks and cash received as payments for chapter events and other income to the national office finance department within 5 business days of receipt.

13. Reviews Chapter expenditures and financial status on a regular basis to ensure overall fiscal responsibility.

14. Reconciles total credit card statement monthly, ensuring all receipts are received and in order.

15. Annually updates Chapter Board on changes to National financial policies.

16. Communicates with Chapter membership, through regular reports, the financial status of the Chapter, including income and expenses to date and account balances.

17. Identifies, recruits, cultivates, and mentors future Chapter leaders.

18. Makes recommendations to the Chapter President for committee appointments.

19. Directs and refers members to appropriate volunteer and staff contacts as appropriate.

20. Is available to receive direct feedback from members for input to the Chapter Board and to communicate appropriate information regarding actions of the Chapter Board.

21. Ensures Chapter financial operations are consistent with AMTA National Bylaws and Policy.

22. Fulfills fiduciary, due diligence, and other responsibilities of Chapter Board members as described in the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.

23. Maintains orderly records of activities and timelines relevant to his/her position during their term and supplies the incoming Chapter Financial Administrator with those records to ensure a smooth transition.

Approved via motion #1006:82 3 Revised November 2006/Revised March 2008 Updated: Motion #1016:44

Time Commitment

The time commitment is approximately 5 hours per week. Time commitment may be considerably greater for short durations during preparation of budget, annual reports, etc.

Vacancy

A vacancy in the Financial Administrator position will be filled according to AMTA Bylaws and Policy.

Removal from Office

An officer may be removed from office for failure to:

1. Fulfill her/his duties and responsibilities (dereliction of duties).

2. Abide by the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.

3. Keep AMTA membership dues current.

Removal shall occur upon recommendation from a Chapter Board member with a two- thirds vote of the entire Chapter Board. The National Office must be contacted prior to Chapter Board voting on removal of a volunteer.

Delegate

Position Title: Delegate to the Assembly of Delegates (AOD)

While not an eligibility requirement, the Delegate position should not be considered as an “entry level” volunteer position. Applicants for the position of Delegate should be encouraged to consider the following questions when choosing to become a candidate for the position.

1. What is the context of health and wellness in my state?

2. What are the things that are impacting massage therapy in my state? (including but not limited to):

a. Education requirements

b. Regulation

c. Continuing education

d. Cultural issues

e. Socio-economics

Candidate-Application-2021-Template

AMTA-IOWA Chapter
Candidate Application 2021

Please complete and submit on or before 3/14/2021

Please send to the Online Elections Coordinator @ Soraya

(  membershipchair.amtaiowa@gmail.com )

Application (this form)Candidate-Application-2021-Template
Photo-optional (preferably head shot taken within past year)

Please sign appropriate Volunteer Code of Conduct:
Click here to sign Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct and/or Delegate Code of Conduct prior to submitting this form.
Your candidate statement & photo along with name and position sought will appear on election ballot.

Please mark with an “X” next to the position(s) for which you are applying.
Re: Board positions (board member, financial administrator): You may apply for only one position.
Re: Delegate position: You may apply for delegate only or delegate and one board member position.
Please review the eligibility requirements and sign the Code of Conduct found at https://www.amtamassage.org/chapters/codesofconduct/index.html

Please click on position to view Position Description.

___ Board Member 2-year term (2021-2023) – Board Position
Eligibility:
Professional Member in good standing for at least 1 year

___ Financial Administrator 2-year term (2021-2023) – Board Position
Eligibility:
Professional Member in good standing for at least 1 year AND at least one of the following:
• Completed one term year as a chapter board member within the last 3 years
• Completed one term year as a chapter committee chair or member, within the last 2 years
• Completed one term year as a national board member, national standing committee chair or national
standing committee member within the last 2 years

___ Delegate 2-year term (2021-2023)
Eligibility:
Professional Member in good standing for at least 1 year

Name:
City:
Phone/text: Other Phone:
Email:

Eligibility Requirements
Please check the requirements below you have met. Please sign the Code of Conduct prior to submitting this application: https://www.amtamassage.org/chapters/codesofconduct/index.html
___ AMTA Professional Member in good standing (includes Graduate Member)
___ Signed the AMTA Chapter Volunteer and/or Delegate Code of Conduct
___ Additional requirements listed under the position to which I’m applying

Preferred Qualifications
Please check all the qualifications below you would commit to if elected. See position description in Call for Candidates for more information about position for which you are applying.
___ Access to computer, phone & Internet
___ Can travel for volunteer activities if required
___ Time required to fulfill responsibilities of position to which I’m applying
___ Can commit to fulfilling entire term of position to which I’m applying

Candidate Statement
Your answers to the questions below will appear on the ballot. You are responsible for spelling, grammar & punctuation prior to submitting. You can use as much space as you need under each question.

Why are you seeking this position?

What are your qualifications, strengths, talents, skills and/or abilities for this position?

What is your volunteer experience within AMTA or otherwise?

Please email this application along with photo (optional) to
Online Elections Coordinator:
Name: Soraya Wagner
email: membershipchair.amtaiowa@gmail.com
phone/text : (319)310-5900

You will receive an email confirmation that your application is received.
If you don’t receive a confirmation, please contact the Online Elections Coordinator.

The Gap Year

Have you ever taken a gap year – that break traditionally between high school and college – to “find yourself” and be ready for the next chapter? A gap year is a time to take advanced courses in math or language studies, learn a trade, study art, volunteer, travel, play sports, or get involved in cultural exchanges. Studies indicate that students who take a gap year perform better than those who do not. Last year, I decided I would do just that – take the year to explore my inner landscape and outdoor pursuits. I asked myself, “What sparks joy?” and wrote a 100 item bucket list for my birthday, put them into the months of 2020 that I hoped to accomplish the tasks, and began my gap experience. However, God laughs at our plans…

2020 started out normal enough. I was fully booked with my holistic practice, took time to enjoy the winter weather, and began planning my next adventure – a trip of a lifetime – to explore the wonders of Ancient Egypt, and gain knowledge of clinical aromatherapy in the process. The trip was amazing. I toured Egypt’s oldest apothecary factory to observe distillation of oils, visited an herbal tea factory, attended a soap making class, studied medical hieroglyphics on the temple walls, indulged in a Turkish bath, wandered botanical gardens and bargained in the open air spice markets. The global pandemic struck just as we returned to the states, so I had to abandon my bucket list calendar. And, instead, just go with the flow. You know the story. On-line continuing education replaced in-person conventions, zoom meetings replaced face-to face gatherings, and we took a good, hard look at our sanitation practices.

Many of the great influencers of history took a gap. Sometimes that gap is dialed up even longer than a year. Who knows, we may take a bit more time to dial it down, flatten the curve and inoculate ourselves with love and learning before we hatch out of these covid cocoons. What does this teach us? It’s okay to take a break. Reset. Re-evaluate. Renew. Refresh. Rejuvenate. Remember: Hindsight is 2020.

How has this gap year transformed YOUR life for good?

Karen Sindelar MA, LMT, R-DMT, HTSM-CP, CCA
American Massage Therapy Association, Iowa Chapter
Board Member & Education Chair

We have no new contracts set in place for 2021 or further. Nationals will let us know when we will be able to begin face to face conventions. We are hoping for 2022. We have had several emails about the covid- 19 vaccine. Please contact Nationals ( info@amtamassage.org )for any information regarding the vaccine. All counties are different in Iowa so your local public health should have information also. AMTA nationals is offering many online CE credits so make sure you visit the National AMTA website
I sure hope you are all staying safe and healthy.
Thanks Hollys

Greetings Everyone!

This will be my last newsletter article written as your Awards Chair. I’ve enjoyed serving on the AMTA
Iowa Chapter Board for the past almost 10 years. It has been an honor and a privilege to be able to serve
you and our profession.

Being on the board has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and allowed me the opportunity to grow, within myself and in our profession. I have met a lot of people in our profession over the last 19 years and have made many lasting relationships especially in our AMTA Iowa Chapter Board Family.

I encourage you all to consider running for a position on the board so that you too, can become part of this “Wonderful” family.

Thank you for the love and support over the years. I look forward to seeing you again, hopefully, in the near future!

Respectfully,
Cindy Haack, LMT
AMTA Iowa Chapter
Awards Chair

Need to Complete Your Continuing Education?

When is your massage therapy license up for renewal? What will you do for continuing education credits? How will you pay for all these credits during a pandemic? Have we got news for you. Currently you are able to use on-line credits to complete your Iowa license renewal. AMTA has over 75 continuing education hours for you to complete at no charge to help you with your renewal, including a section on taxes to get you ready for April 15. Have you taken these yet? From business and ethics to teaching and research, surely you will find a course or two that appeals to you. It’s like putting money in the bank! Start improving your massage education today.

FREE Self-Care CE (https://www.amtamassage.org/continuing-education/self-care-ce/ )

Self-Care for Massage Therapists: Body Mechanics
$0 members / $0 non-members 3 CE credits
An understanding of body mechanics gives massage therapists the tools to provide effective massage therapy while reducing the impact on their bodies.

Self-Care for Massage Therapists: Injury Prevention
$0 members / $0 non-members 2 CE credits
Get an overview of self-care best practices and how you can incorporate them into your massages to help keep you healthy now and for years to come.

FREE Business & Marketing CE
Attracting Business Clients: Part I- Start-up and Retention
$0 members / $0 non-members 2 CE credits
Specific actions can help get massage therapy clients in the door and ensure they return. Learn unique ways to plan your marketing for a start-up clientele and for repeat business.

Attracting Business Clients: Part II-Expansion and Recovery
$0 members / $0 non-members 2 CE credits
All businesses go through cycles. This course addresses the cycles of expansion and recovery and how to assess your business to formulate a plan you can use to address your business building needs—whether for expansion or to recover from a decline in business.

A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Malpractice
$0 members / $0 non-members 2 CE credits
Learn how you can protect yourself from legal malpractice action. This course includes actions you should take if you suspect you’ll be sued — or if it comes to pass that you are actually sued.

Grow Your Practice: Teach Wellness Classes
$0 members / $0 non-members 3 CE credits
Learn how to confidently deliver presentations and courses about health and wellness that will help to improve success with current massage therapy clients and cultivate new clients.

Growing a Thriving Practice—Systems for Success
$0 members / $0 non-members 3 CE credits
Effective communication with your massage therapy clients can be the key to a successful massage therapy practice. Learn innovative ways to build business success through personal interactions.

Insurance Reimbursement and Massage Therapy
$0 members / $0 non-members 3 CE credits
Explore how to work with insurers and other healthcare payers on reimbursements. Understand the entire process including steps to begin, organizations involved, and managing denials.

It’s Your Business-Understanding Business Concepts
$0 members / $0 non-members 3 CE credits
Determine ways to limit liability for your massage therapy practice through the business entity you choose, contracts and forms. Also learn how ethical behavior, negotiations and insurance can be key to the success of your massage therapy practice.

Making Your Mark-Guerilla Marketing for Massage Therapists
$0 members / $0 non-members 3.5 CE credits
Delve into a number of inexpensive marketing tools, techniques and ideas—including the Internet and social media—that will help you build a successful massage practice.

Planning for Tomorrow to Help You Today
$0 members / $0 non-members 1 CE credit
Budgeting and planning for the next fiscal year is an important aspect of any business; this session will focus on the fundamentals of why planning is so important.

Protecting Yourself from Malpractice
$0 members / $0 non-members 2 CE credits
Common sense methods enable you both to prevent a malpractice lawsuit, protect yourself in the event of one, and ease your mind so you can provide clients with the best and safest care.

Resolving Conflict in Your Massage Office
$0 members / $0 non-members 1 CE credit
This session discusses several different leadership styles and personality types, how each manages conflict and how to manage conflict with each type in a constructive and communicative way.

Taking Care of Your Taxes
$0 members / $0 non-members 3 CE credits
Learn the benefits of an accounting system, including preparation of accurate income tax returns and managing information to more successfully run your massage therapy business.

Taxes for Massage Therapists
$0 members / $0 non-members 2 CE credits
Understand how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 affect your taxes. Learn what defines a business entity, how to file, and common tax deductions for massage therapists.

FREE Ethics CE
Self-Evaluation for an Ethical Practice
$0 members / $0 non-members 2 CE credits
This course explores why self-assessment is important and necessary in maintaining ethical boundaries. This course counts towards NCBTMB’s Ethics credit requirement.

Ethics for Massage Therapists: A Comprehensive Overview
$0 members / $0 non-members 3 CE credits
Explore ethical dilemmas, and how to resolve them to maintain a safe, successful practice. Learn guidelines for the ethical use of social media.

Sports Massage: Ethics and Building Trust
$0 members / $0 non-members 2.5 CE credits
Learn about transference, countertransference, special confidentiality requirements and workplace challenges, as well as how to manage vulnerabilities and boundary issues that arise in this specialty.

Dealing with Ethical Gray Areas in Massage Therapy
$0 members / $0 non-members 2 CE credits
This course shows you how to use codes of ethics and a decision-making model to determine solutions for your professional ethical problems.

Ethical Dilemmas Fully Exposed
$0 members / $0 non-members 1 CE credit
Explore real scenarios that demonstrate the ethical decisions massage therapists make every day. Topics include: scope of practice, professionalism, transference, and dual relationships.

Ethics and the Power Differential
$0 members / $0 non-members 2 CE credits
Determine how power affects the massage therapist and client relationship. Explore how power is defined, amplified and misused in this type of relationship and how ethical monitoring of the power differential can improve your client’s satisfaction, ease and build trust.

From the Client’s Perspective: Marketing, Policies and Ethics of your Practice
$0 members / $0 non-members 2 CE credits
Explore the client’s view of your marketing efforts, physical location and business policies. Learn how the ethics of your policies can affect client perceptions.

FREE Master the Classroom for Massage Educators CE
Understanding Competencies (https://www.amtamassage.org/continuing-education/ethics-ce/ )

Hello friends!

Well we are underway into the 2021 Legislative Session. As a reminder, please make sure to check your email for the most up to date information from our lobbyist and legislative happenings. If you are not receiving the weekly emails, please reach out and let me know. Please also remember to follow us on our facebook page for current information and updates. New this session, we are holding monthly Advocacy Calls with our lobbyist. All the info is in your email. We would love for you to join us! We hope you are well in this winter season!

With care,
Rachel Brown
Government Relations
AMTA Iowa Chapter
legislationchair.amtaiowa@gmail.com

Hello all! Goodness what a few months we have had! I hope this message finds you all warm and well from the colder winter months and I invite you to help me count down the days until we have the warm sunshine and summer breezes back.

These past few months have been difficult for many reasons, but the unkown future seems to be the hardest for me personally. Please know that the AMTA Iowa chapter has been working as best we can to get so many questions answered and to obtain as much information on certain topics are we are able. I have been working my best, reaching out to national directly in hopes to obtain a current list, including email for all AMTA Iowa members.

If you are a newer member or question what email you have on file, or simply don’t think you are receiving updated emails please reach out to me with a simple email including you first and last name, phone number, and email you would like on file. I would be more than happy to double check the information that national has given the AMTA Iowa Chapter to use. Also remember to use social media as another tool to stay up to date on all of the topics discussed.

Stay warm members,
Soraya Wagner LMT LNT
Membership Chair
AMTA Iowa Chapter

ATTENTION:
STUDENTS AND NEW GRADUATES…

JUDY ROBUCK GIFT
THIS GIFT WILL BE AWARDED ANNUALLY FOR PARTICIPATION AT THE SPRING CONVENTION (MARCH). THIS GIFT WILL COVER THE COST OF REGISTRATION. ALL OTHER COSTS WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARTICIPANT.
APPLICANTS MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE AMTA IOWA CHAPTER IN GOOD STANDING AND HAVE GRADUATED FROM AN AMTA SCHOOL MEMBER, LOCATED IN THE STATE OF IOWA, WITHIN ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF SPRING CONVENTION OR BE A CURRENT STUDENT AT AN AMTA SCHOOL MEMBER PROGRAM.
APPLICANTS WILL BE QUALIFIED THROUGH MEMBERSHIP REPORTS RECEIVED FROM THE AMTA NATIONAL OFFICE.

THIS QUALIFICATION WILL INCLUDE CURRENT, ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP WITH THE AMTA IOWA CHAPTER (AT THE TIME OF APPLYING FOR THE GIFT AND AT THE TIME OF CONVENTION) AS WELL AS VERIFICATION THAT THE APPLICANT ATTENDED OR IS CURRENTLY ATTENDING A SCHOOL WHICH IS AN AMTA SCHOOL MEMBER LOCATED WITHIN THE STATE OF IOWA. ADDITIONALLY, APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF OF GRADUATION, INCLUDING THEIR NAME AND DATE OF GRADUATION, IN THE FORM OF A COPY OF THEIR DIPLOMA. IF THE APPLICANT IS A CURRENT STUDENT, A LETTER FROM THE SCHOOL’S ADMINISTRATION MUST BE INCLUDED TO VERIFY THEIR CURRENT STATUS AS A STUDENT.

THE JUDY ROBUCK GIFT WILL BE AWARDED BASED UPON A WRITTEN REQUEST (NOT TO EXCEED 500 WORDS) OUTLINING WHY THE APPLICANT SHOULD BE CHOSEN. SPECIAL CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS OUTLINING FINANCIAL NEEDS. THE BOARD MEMBERS WHICH WILL DETERMINE THE AWARD CONSIST OF THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT, MEMBERSHIP CHAIR AND EDUCATION CHAIR.

APPLICANTS WILL SEND THEIR ENTRY FOR THE JUDY ROCK GIFT TO THE AMTA IOWA CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP CHAIR. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE MEMBERSHIP CHAIR NO LATER THAN 45 DAYS PRIOR TO THE SPRING CONVENTION DATE. THE MEMBERSHIP CHAIR WILL THEN SHARE THE ENTRIES WITH THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT AND EDUCATION CHAIR AND A DECISION WILL BE MADE NO LATER THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE CONVENTION DATE. THE MEMBERSHIP CHAIR WILL NOTIFY THE RECIPIENT AND THE OTHER APPLICANTS OF THEIR STATUS REGARDING THE GIFT. SHOULD THERE BE NO APPLICANTS FOR THIS AWARD IN A GIVEN YEAR THEN THERE WILL BE NO JUDY ROBUCK GIFT GIVEN THAT YEAR. THE GIFT WILL THEN RESUME THE FOLLOWING YEAR (SPRING CONVENTION) AS OUTLINED ABOVE.

Hopes that we are able to have a 2021 Convention, we will be honoring Chandal Geerdes as the recipient of the 2020 Judy Robuck Gift. We are still accepting entries to award our 2021 Judy Robuck Gift recipient as well. Though we are not sure when our next convention will take place, we will continue with the Judy Robuck Gift and honoring a recipient annually.

I hope that many will join in celebrating her accomplishments and help welcome her to the Massage profession.
I would also like to take a quick moment to again honor a few more for achieving a very honorable milestone in the massage profession.

The following therapists celebrated their 25 years with AMTA in 2020! If you know or see these faces please extend a warm congratulations and help honor them.

Nancy Hoffman  / Dena Jackson / Sharon Kelch / Joan Knockel / Linda Reicks

We look forward to celebrating all the 25 year milestones to come in the 2021 year ahead.

AMTA IOWA CHAPTER
Board Meeting
January 23, 2021
Zoom Meeting

1. Call to Order:
President Robert Campbell called the meeting to order at 9:00am. A Zoom meeting was
scheduled for our January Board Meeting due to the COVID19 Pandemic.
Robert welcomed everyone and thanked them all for being on the call. Robert asked if there
were any additions or corrections to the agenda.With a couple of additions and corrections to
the agenda it was then approved as written. Then we went on with the meeting.
2. Present:
President- Robert Campbell, Board Member 1/Convention Coordinator Chair- Holly
Rassmuson, Board Member 2/Education Chair- Karen Sindelar, Secretary- Jeanna Tellin,
Government Relations Chair -Rachel Brown, Membership Chair- Soraya Wagner, Awards

Chair- Cynthia Haack, Digital Media Chair – Alex Collins and Advisory/Orientation Chair-
Ken Swenson.

3. Absent:
Financial Administrator – Pam Burnikel, Delegate – Mia Hudson and Social Media Chair- Hannah
Buffington.
4. Guests:
Nick Laning and Jaime Nevins.
Nick Laning from Advocacy Strategies went through a powerpoint first and talked with us about
what is happening in the Capital this year, our legislative agenda and those bills they are working on.
Also, how we can be of some support.
Jaime Nevins joined the meeting to talk about some views and issues on Human Trafficking
concerns.
5. Approval of Minutes:
Secretary Jeanna Tellin submitted the minutes from the September 20, 2020 Iowa Chapter
Board Meeting for approval. President Robert Campbell asked the chapter board if there were
any additions or corrections to the minutes. Holly Rasmusson MADE-A-MOTION to
approve the minutes. Karen Sindelar SECONDED- MOTION- CARRIED.
6. Reports of Officers:
a. President – Robert Campbell:
Robert reported one of the main topics of conversation on the President’s Facebook
Page is the question, what is the AMTA doing to get massage therapists accepted to
receive vaccinations as soon as possible? Nationals say it is out of their scope of
practice. This means we as a state board may not share that information in regards to
the vaccinations. This is due to personal choice as to whether or not the person wants
to be vaccinated or not. There is a lot of discussion as to whether people are pro or

anti-vaccination. The AMTA cannot tell individuals to get the shot or not. As a board
we understand we are here to help our members as we would recommend letting any
member know where they can receive a shot if possible or what the process might be
to get one. However, we cannot put that information on our website but would be free
to put such information on the Iowa-Massage Therapists website. Each county will be
providing shots at different locations. It is up to the individuals to determine if they
want to receive it or not.
Robert thanked the AMTA-IA Board for their wonderful job stepping up.
Unfortunately, missing conventions and members in 2020, it didn’t stop us from
providing the best service we could this past year.
b. Board Member 2 – Karen Sindelar: Karen reported she had a phone conversation
with NCBTMB in December about not using our discontinued number when we host
education events. I assured NCBTMB that we have not had any education events in
2020 and were planning on using the presenter/provider number in the future per
national AMTA guidelines.
Karen attended the December Lobbyist updates via phone with our AMTA Iowa
president and legislative chair.
c. Financial Administrator – Pam Burnikel
Holly Rasmusson reported for Pam, as of December 2020 the Balance was
$64,366.00.
The AMTA National Convention is planned to be held in Tampa, Florida August
26-28 2021. This Per Diem rate is Lodging- $163.00 and Meals- $ 61.00.

7. Reports of Committee Chairs:
a. Government Relations – Rachel Brown:
See New Business
b. Convention Coordinator Chair – Holly Rassmusson:
Holly reported, There are no contracts in place for 2021. Until we can all meet again,
this will take time to set up a venue.
c. Membership Chair – Soraya Wagner:
Soraya reported, as of July 2020, there are 1051 total members.
At this time we are in search of any recipients for the Judy Robuck Scholarship.
Please contact Soraya for more information.
d. Education Chair – Karen Sindelar:
Karen reported there continue to be free courses available on the AMTA national
website. Please take advantage of them. Keep sharpening your skills. Look for a
detailed list in the next newsletter.
e. Digital Media Chair – Alex Collins:

Alex reported,
WEBSITE ADDRESS IS AMTA Iowa chapter – #amtaiowa #iloveamtaiowa
Facebook  929 like / 991 following us
Instagram followers 240 and 134 following us

8. New Business:
a. Legislative Issues – Rachel Brown:
Rachel was present at the virtual board meeting on 1-23-21. She gave a recap of
things that she has been working on since the end of last year’s legislative session.
She sent out the final legislative session email from the lobbyist to the members. She
worked with AMTA National and got this year’s new contract with the lobbyist set.
She posted on the facebook page encouraging members to get out and vote for
elections. She sent out the election results emails from the lobbyist. Rachel worked
with the lobbyist and AMTA National to create this year’s legislative agenda. She
posted the legislative agenda on the facebook page. She worked with the lobbyist to
send a pre-session letter out to all of the legislators. She worked with the lobbyist to
create a session timeline.
New this year, Rachel and the lobbyist started monthly advocacy calls for the
members. The first one was held on 12-12-21. The second one was held on 1-16-21.
She is working with the lobbyist on the bills that are being introduced this year. She
is emailing a weekly update from the lobbyist to the members as well as making
weekly posts on the facebook page.
Rachel will begin working with AMTA National to apply for the LLEAD Grant
again. She continues to take questions, comments, thoughts and concerns from the
members and communicates those to the board and chair members.
b. Lobby Days – Rachel Brown:
Rachel is working with the lobbyist to plan a virtual lobby day this year and to
reserve space at the capitol for a lobby day next year.

9. Adjournment:
Karen Sindelar MADE-A-MOTION to adjourn the meeting. Jeanna Tellin
SECONDED-MOTION-CARRIED. The meeting was adjourned at 11:25am.

Respectfully submitted,
Jeanna R. Tellin
Secretary