This page was last updated: September 14, 2006 6:30pm MST
ABOUT US > Background
Background
The BLMTB is a 501(c)(6) tax exempt, not-for-profit organization, started by necessity. In late 2003, a small group of somatic practitioners started holding discussions; there was concern that there was no viable representation for the rank and file practitioner in the state of Montana. Individual practitioners' viewpoints were not being heard. The AMTA-MT Chapter was pushing forward in its quest to introduce legislation in 2005. The AMTA was doing a good job of disseminating its viewpoint through its newsletter. However, as with any process, there are many viewpoints, and they weren't really being heard. It was out of this lack of discussion and dialogue that the BLMTB was founded in February 2004. In the past, the Montana Association for Bodywork and Massage Therapy (MABMT) provided this type of counterpoint and counterbalance, however, by the time the founders of the BLMTB began discussions, it had become clear that the MABMT was unable or unwilling to fulfill this role. (Editor's note: since the BLMTB was founded, the MABMT disbanded and graciously donated its assets to the BLMTB.)
One of the first steps taken by the BLMTB founders was to agree on a structure, a Board of Directors, and to disseminate a mailing. The purpose of the mailing was to inform the massage community that there were larger issues, and more viewpoints than what was being distributed by the AMTA-MT Chapter. You, the practitioner, need all of the information available (pro and con) in order to make informed decisions. Another critical step in developing this information network was establishment of the website in March 2004.
The founders also were in agreement that there were other issues that affect the profession. Therefore, the BLMTB is a general advocacy group and "cheerleader" for the profession. The Purpose of the BLMTB (a web page in the "Home" section) reflects this view.
Although the BLMTB is concerned about other issues, much space on the website will be devoted to legislative issues because of their importance. The BLMTB's role in the legislative process will be primarily an educational one, as the Board of Directors is interested in participating in, but not leading, the legislative process. However, the BLMTB Board of Directors believes that it is our job to educate the community concerning the issues, and spur discussion and constructive debate that will lead to the formulation of legislation that benefits all of us. To that end, our website has taken on an educational flavor.
In general, the structure of the BLMTB is a lean one: The Board of Directors is small and makes decisions for the organization based upon the input of the membership. This ensures that decisions can be made quickly, which means that the BLMTB can be highly responsive to situations as they arise. To uphold the trust that the members place in the Board of Directors, it is imperative for the members to know that the Directors have been charged with a wide-view approach: what is in the best interests of the profession first and foremost. The second priority is in the best interests of the BLMTB membership. Since we hope to attract a membership that represents the diversity of the profession, the needs of the BLMTB membership should not conflict with the needs of the profession. All too often, groups take a short-sighted view to protect their "turf" and to limit competition. In the long run, such viewpoints are detrimental to the profession as a whole, and limit creativity and growth within the profession.
In short, to make the BLMTB a valid voice for the profession, your support is needed. Read the position papers that have been developed (found in the "Legislative" section of the site). If you agree with them and want to stay informed, please join us. We need your input, feedback, and support! We do not have national organizational resources. If you see the need to have the kind of representation that the BLMTB can offer, we ask you to reach into your pocket and contribute financially as well to help offset the operating costs of setting up and maintaining this endeavor.
Serving the Community, We are:
The BLMTB Board of Directors
Vianna Rose Myles
Tracy Williamson
Patricia Murphy
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