I speak to a lot of members who are frequently concerned about what the Indiana Chapter is doing for them, how we go about creating events, and how we get things done. Sometimes, there is a misconception about how the Chapter is structured. They are under the impression that people are getting paid to do the work of the Chapter or that there is a budget for staffing our team.

They are sometimes surprised to find out that the AMTA-Indiana Chapter is 100% volunteer run. The leadership of the Chapter is made up of the Board of Directors, who are elected by the membership. This Board makes all the decisions for the chapter, creates policy, and actually does about 90% of the work of running the Chapter, including event planning, PR, communications, government relations, and everything else.

In addition to the Board, there a a few committees that put in a great deal of work. Sometimes a committee consists of one person. This includes the Newsleter Editor, Sunshine Chair, Membership Chair, Volunteer Chair, Nominations Chair, and others.

Additionally, your Indiana Chaper has three Delegates, who represent the membership at a national level at the House of Delegates for AMTA. This is where we have the chance to make, change, and influence policy.

None of the people described here are paid. Some of them, like Board members, are reimbursed for travel and expenses, but aside from that everyone is 100% volunteer. These individuals have regular full-time jobs and other obligations to take care of and yet they donate their time to ensure that your Indiana Chapter runs as smoothly as possible.

These volunteers fight for laws that protect massage therapists. They plan complex education events. They help members with professional issues. They do all this in the spirit of service and concern for their fellow AMTA members.

Next time you have the opportunity, be sure to take a moment to thank you Indiana Chaper volunteers for all their hard work. If you would like to post a comment or a note of thanks here, please feel free to do so below.

Thank you to all who currently volunteer or have ever volunteered for AMTA-Indiana. You are appreciated.