Massage Therapy Journal Summer 2024

12 • Massage Therapy Journal

Advocacy Advancing the Massage Therapy Profession

Advocacy 101 for Massage Therapists

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A MTA is the only nonprofit organization in the country that represents massage therapists. As such, we have a duty and obligation to give back, and one of the most significant ways we can do that is through our government relations and advocacy efforts. Learn more about what advocacy is, as well as why our AMTA Government Relations team does this work on behalf of massage therapists at the federal, state and local levels. What is Advocacy? Advocacy is the act of publicly supporting or recommending a particular cause, issue or policy. Advocacy efforts can include lobbying, organizing campaigns, raising awareness to influence decision makers and public opinion, and supporting issues and legislation to help create positive change. What does the AMTA Government Relations Team do? The AMTA Government Relations team helps influence public policy and legislation that impact the massage therapy profession at the local, state and federal levels. These efforts involve building relationships with policymakers, monitoring legislation and regulatory developments, and advocating for policies that elevate, expand and strengthen the massage profession. What are the Goals of AMTA’s Advocacy and Government Relations Work? Through our award-winning advocacy and government relations work, we strive to enhance the reputation and

acceptance of massage therapy and the crucial role of professional massage therapists in health and wellness. From championing massage licensure in every state to advancing legislation on massage for pain to helping veterans gain better access to massage therapy—AMTA advocates for issues that matter most to massage therapists across the country! How Does This Work Happen? By working with other organizations and associations, AMTA can make the most of our resources and maximize our impact in areas that are beneficial for our members and the massage profession. AMTA meets with key legislators, legislative staff, federal agencies and key stakeholder groups so we can share the latest research, build relationships and better represent the massage therapy profession as the experts in the industry. Forging these connections ensures our public statements to agencies and legislative committees are taken seriously, and our recommendations are considered for inclusion in legislation and regulations related to massage. Where Does this Work Happen? AMTA encourages local, state and federal levels of government, including Services (CMS) and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), to promote the benefits of massage therapy and increase the expansion, acceptance and visibility of it as an important part of health care. government agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid

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