Description
New Registered Massage Therapists are the future of the RMTAO. They enter the profession with fresh perspectives and an enthusiastic view of the challenges and opportunities facing massage therapy today. Their voices help the association stay relevant, responsive, and connected to the people it serves.
Every leader in this profession was once a new RMT, and the RMTAO is stronger when early-career therapists see themselves as active, contributing members of the association. Their participation brings new ideas to the table, widens the range of experiences that shape our advocacy, and builds a foundation of future committee members, board directors, mentors, and leaders.
The Emerging Leader Award celebrates a newer RMT who has already stepped forward. It is also an invitation to every new RMT to consider how they can help shape the profession as they grow in their career.
Criteria
Recipients of the Emerging Leader Award will:
- Be an Active Member of the RMTAO in good standing.
- Have graduated from a Massage Therapy Diploma Program within the past five (5) years.
- Demonstrate commitment to the Association and the massage therapy profession.
- Show initiative, engagement, and leadership potential early in their career.
- Exemplify professionalism, ethical practice, and a commitment to quality patient care.
- Contribute positively to the growth, visibility, and future of the profession.
Areas of Contribution
The Emerging Leader Award recipient will have demonstrated commitment to the Association and the profession through one or more of the following:
- Engagement with the RMTAO: Has taken part in RMTAO programs, events, communications, or initiatives, for example, attending Community Based Networks, contributing to Massage Therapy Today, volunteering, serving on a committee or working group, or responding to calls for member input.
- Contribution to the Profession: Has contributed to the growth and visibility of massage therapy, whether through sharing knowledge, supporting students or fellow new graduates, or representing the profession in their community or with other health care providers.
- Commitment to Professional Standards: Demonstrates a commitment to ethical practice and reflects the vision of the RMTAO by striving to be a leader in the promotion of massage therapy through advocacy, professional engagement, and with a focus on quality patient care.
- Advocacy and Professional Voice: Shows interest in the direction of the profession by staying informed on issues affecting RMTs, engaging in advocacy efforts, or bringing thoughtful perspectives to conversations about the future of the profession.
- Leadership Potential: Shows initiative, collaboration, and a willingness to step forward, with the potential to become a future leader within the RMTAO and the wider profession.
Nominations
There will be a call for nominations made by the RMTAO Board of Directors. Both self-nominations and peer nominations are welcome. Nominations may be submitted in writing or in an alternative format (e.g., audio or video). Supporting letters or documents may also be included. Please contact the RMTAO (info@rmtao.com) if you require an accommodation to submit a nomination. Please submit your nomination by Nov. 16 at 4 p.m.
Selection Process
The Membership and Elections Committee (MEC) reviews all nominations against the criteria above. Committee members declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from reviewing affected nominations. The MEC then recommends up to four (4) candidates to the Board of Directors, which selects the recipient.