Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

86 • Massage Therapy Journal

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The Power of Volunteering: Inspire and Uplift your Professional Community

Volunteering isn’t just about helping others— it’s also a powerful way to grow personally and professionally while strengthening community bonds. In celebration of International Volunteer Day coming up on December 5, 2025, we asked AMTA’s Andrew Smith and Chris Voltarel, Associate Directors of Volunteer Development & Chapter Programs, a few questions about the benefits of getting involved in AMTA. What are some of the top advantages to getting involved in AMTA via volunteer positions? Volunteering with AMTA offers members the opportunity to expand their network and collaborate with fellow members, volunteers, therapists as well as the entire profession. Through these experiences, volunteers gain valuable skills in leadership, financial

management and planning, to name a few. These are skills that can directly strengthen both their practices, businesses and lives, while also making them better massage therapists. What is one thing you find most people might misunderstand about volunteering at AMTA? One common misunderstanding about volunteering with AMTA is that it requires a large, ongoing time or financial commitment … that it’s all or nothing. In reality, there are many different ways to get involved—some roles are short-term or project-based, while others are ongoing. Most of the work is done virtually, so there is very little travel required unless someone chooses to attend in-person events. Volunteers can choose opportunities that fit their schedule

GET INVOLVED Learn more about getting involved. Visit amtamassage.org/ chapters for more information.

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