In the short time since our last newsletter the circumstances for our schools, CE providers, and practitioners has changed dramatically. Conditions have changed so quickly that we have been caught without effective plans for our businesses.

What can we do to assure the survival of our schools, businesses, and practices?

I have some hope for the effectiveness of the plan passed on 3/25 by Congress to help businesses and individuals. Social isolation as a policy should work over time to limit the spread of COVID-19, but we clearly need a better plan nationally for the manufacture and distribution of personal protective equipment, ventilators, and test kits and chemicals.

I don’t intend to attempt a comprehensive analysis of national health policy here, but I am certain that it is on all our minds.

This is a time for creative problem solving. I appreciate the March letter from the AMTA Board of Directors sharing what they are doing on behalf of the profession. All of the organizations in the Coalition of National Massage Therapy Organizations will be meeting in early May. I invite everyone who sees this message to write to me at standawson42@gmail.com with your suggestions for what you would like the Coalition to try to do to help.

Let’s pray to God but tie the camel – doing whatever we can do to make a difference in this challenging time.

Featured Video: Ideas & Strategies for Massage Education COVID-19 Webinar with Virginia Cowen, Dawn Hogue & Jodi Scholes

Get PDF of Handout for Links to Resources

The COVID-19 Pandemic is rapidly changing education. AFMTE recognizes that Massage & Bodywork Educators are facing an unprecedented situation to move teaching and learning to a distance model. As the association for massage and bodywork educators, AFMTE recognizes the unique needs for massage and bodywork education. A group of board members is holding a free webinar to provide initial information, ideas, and support. 

This webinar is led by:

• Virginia Cowen, PhD, LMT, BCTMB, online education expert, researcher, author, and AFMTE Board Member
• Dawn Hogue, MA, LMT, COMTA Executive Director and AFMTE Board Member
• Jodi Scholes, LMT, Marketing expert, author and AFMTE Board Member

This Video Reviews:

• School and Program Considerations: policies, procedures, planning, implementation
• Logistics of Teaching and Learning Alternatives: platforms, materials, formats
• Active Learning Strategies: effective engagement of students