Casey Guilfoyle, LMT AMTA-WI 1VP, Education Chair
The “City of Bridges”, “Steel City” or “The ‘Burgh” was this year’s destination for AMTA CVOP (Chapter Volunteer Orientation Program) and National Convention. The week was packed with such a variety of activity. Networking, shadowing, learning and experiencing the host city were my assignments. I explored the Cultural District and experienced a number of landmark and historical locations which had fortunately been saved from demolition and revived with President Lynn Kutz, Marilyn Heckert, Mary Schweiger, Jacci Horstman, Sara Wendt, “Sam” Licht and Carol Birkett.
I attended the open session of National Board of Directors with about 75 of my fellow association members. The staff was positioned off in the wings of the Pennsylvania Ballroom at the Westin Convention Center. Changes in election procedures for Board of Directors were moved and passed after discussion.
Chapter Leadership Training experienced a revamp in style and had 170 preregistered attendees! The participants were divided into 3 groups and each group rotated to various breakout sessions of varying lengths and topics. CSMT changes and procedures section was one I enjoyed attending to get further explanation about the requirements and expectations for chapters and volunteers. Lee Stang facilitated this expertly.
Effective Collaborative Communicating session led by Jill and Steve of ???? Outfitters provided a humorous look at conference call experience and insights on how to improve team based discussions for best outcomes. The morning offered an expansion of skills needed as an effective volunteer and leader..
Wisconsin’s 5 delegates represented our state in House of Delegates. The Recommendations presented and debated had many superb comments in support of the recommendations submitted this year.
PA Chapter had a creative spin on chapter information table including different Pennsylvania products each day: Peeps, Utz Snacks and Hershey’s Kisses and Together AMTA shirts. They also created a beautifully adorned Quiet Room and had chair massage available. The members collaborated with Pittsburgh School of Massage to obtain massage tables to loan to out of town participants. I asked questions about how these elements were decided upon and coordinated by PA Chapter volunteers.
Student Day and Teacher’s Day had mixed reports from various people I chatted with on Saturday. Closing Ceremony focused on massage and cancer patients. Integrative Oncology and its active application is being supported by a variety of hospitals, medical training programs and physicians according to Dr. Gabriel Lopez. “Life Interrupted”, NY Times blog author Suleika Jaouad inspired me to continue offering the type of support I am presently providing.
Saturday Night’s Dinner Dance was scored by a band not afraid of playing out, loud and clear.
Cow Pies and WI Chapter pins were given to National BOD and other attendees who happily enjoyed them and look forward to Milwaukee. Thank you for this opportunity to represent and connect with other members of our association. I hope to invite members from other states to support National Convention next October and work together as AMTA.
To read the rest of the reports click the "read more" link below