Massage Community

Re-post of an email Aimee Perkins sent out.

Hello Ya'll,

My dream for creating an extensive massage community is still strong and alive.  Here is a list of what I believe our community is in need of:

An Union - so we are getting paid what we are worth and not being forced to work more than our bodies are capable of. I think this would also include educating spa owners and chiropractors of limitations and how physical our profession is.

An Association ( Oregon Chapter) - where as a group we could get a group discount on health Insurance.
                              

Check out NAMASTA that offers discounts for yoga and massage professionals.  http://www.namasta.com/health_insurance_plan.php 

The National Association of Massage Therapists offers liability insurance, slip and fall,($89.95) and a discount health plan at an additional cost.  www.namtonline.com

A Temp Service  - We work at small chiropractors office and spas that in are need of coverage when we are sick and want to go on vacation.  This task usually falls on us since our employers do not know how to find these temps.

A Directory - Be nice to have a directory based on modalities/ specialities. Maybe an online directory where a client can put in modality and zip code.  Or a central phone number for booking massage therapists in the Portland metro area by modality and zip code and availability.

A Web Site - A web site for Portland Metro Massage therapists with a similar format as Craigslist but with categories of; equipment for sale, massage trades, rooms for rent etc...

These are the thoughts that run through my head and would like to start putting them into action but I am so overwhelmed and not sure where to start.  Here is my plan.  I am holding a potluck and looking for people to be on committees for the above needs and whatever else you might think we are in need of.  I want to hold monthly meetings/potlucks to report to the community progress and to keep us on track/accountability. I am thinking the second Tuesday of the month.  Come meet other LMT's and get jazzed about being a part of this fabulous profession.  Please RSVP so I know how large of a venue I need.  Put it on your calendar November 9th 6:30-9:00pm. 

MASSAGE TECHNIQUES- As some of you know I have held groups where we focus on a certain body parts and each show our own special techniques of loosening that muscle group and get CEU's on top of it.  Is there a class that you just took and would love to share what you learned with us?  Or just want to lead a Massage Technique group?  Let me know.  You can find the schedule on meetup.  http://www.meetup.com/Portland-LMTS-Connect-Meetup-Group/.  You need to join meet up which is free and sign up for Portland LMTS Connect.  Easy to do and a great way for automatic reminders etc.. Please join to stay abreast and email if you want to add something on the calendar.

Look forward to seeing you all soon and I am blessed to know you all. Please feel free to forward this on.

Aimee