The Texas Association of Massage Therapists (TAMT) has upgraded their benefits. The association has gone through many changes in the last few years and we would like to see more North Texas therapists get more involved with the association. We are especially pleased that this year we're having our convention co-sponsored by MD Anderson and hope to see you there (see latest issue of MassageToday.com: http://massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=13779 for more information).

Besides the Annual Convention, Exhibition and Banquet, in which TAMT offers the opportunity to earn 12 CE hours while attending quality massage education workshops and networking with other massage professionals, we have added:

Credit Card Services - TAMT has teamed up with Cell Charge to offer members a special rate and discounted credit card merchant set-up charge.

Massage Magazine - All new members, who don't already have a subscription, will receive one free year of Massage Magazine.

Massage Warehouse - All members will receive a $50 free upgrade on Massage Warehouse's Professional Bundle Package

Yahoo Bulletin Board - We will keep you abreast of what is happening with the TAMT through a Yahoo Email Bulletin Board. We have Ad Slicks, Application for Service, Session Notes Form, and a Brochure for copying

Malpractice and Liability Insurance - 
We have joined forces with the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) to offer you liability insurance.  For just $149 you will not only receive excellent liability insurance, but also all the benefits offered to ABMP's Professional members.  TAMT represents Texas and the ABMP represents national interests; and this joint affiliation will enable us to adeptly keep abreast of what is happening nationally and therefore help influence all national input into Texas. http://www.abmp.com/membership/professionals.html

Service:
The primary purpose of a trade association is to represent its professionals and protect the profession against special interest groups that may potentially downgrade an individual's way of life, either personally, financially or professionally.  The Texas Association of Massage Therapists board of directors has been working diligently to increase their member benefits for Texas Massage Therapists. The elected officers along with TAMT volunteers have spent grueling hours learning what our members want, where the profession is moving in the state and what factions are affecting massage positively and negatively.

State Legislative Representation - TAMT was a primary and very visual group helping to pass the state law to a 500-hour minimum basic educational program.  TAMT representatives negotiated with all stakeholders and legislators to protect the profession's interests during the legislative process.  TAMT held tight to our objectives until the governor signed the law.  We are the only association in the state that represents only the Texas Massage Therapists; their specific and unique needs.

Membership annual dues are only $70 for practicing members, with insurance $219, and $50 for students. Here is a link to the membership application:  http://www.texasmassagetherapists.com/TAMT_Application%20_Jan08.pdf 

To Join or find our more information, call (888) 778-9851 or check out this website:  http://www.texasmassagetherapists.com/joining.htm

Submitted by Janine Ray, LMT, MTI
Legislative Chairperson
Texas Association of Massage Therapists
(512) 331-5922