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Constitution & Bylaws

PREAMBLE

To promoting unity of action in all matters affecting the mutual interests of the United States Organization of Licensed Massage Therapists, working towards the improvement of the massage industry, we as members of the United States Organization of Licensed Massage Therapists, adopt this Constitution and Bylaws.

ARTICLE I NAME AND HEADQUARTERS 

SECTION 1. This Coalition shall be known as the United States Organization of Licensed Massage Therapists (USOLMT). 

SECTION 2. It shall be composed of a leadership council (board of directors) and members throughout the United States of America, organized together under the provisions of this Constitution. 

SECTION 3. The headquarters of this Coalition shall be in Phoenix, Arizona.  

SECTION. 4. There shall be published by USOLMT an official publication to be known as Hands Together; a copy of such publication shall be digitally furnished to each member on a quarterly basis and released to the public 30 days later.

ARTICLE II OBJECTS AND PURPOSES 

The Objects and Purposes of this Coalition are to promote the coordination, cooperation, and collective action of Massage Therapists in the United States of America to accomplish the following: 

1. To publish standards for LMT-Owned businesses that join our organization and to promote those employers who follow all applicable health and safety standards and provide supportive, growth-oriented, ethical businesses for massage therapists to work, and to support the development and improvement of the employee-employer relationship. 

2. To promote the development of massage therapy coops and collective working environments for massage therapists. 

3. To support sole proprietors and independent contractors in business development, growth, and reduce the misclassification of contractors by providing a knowledge base for any therapist considering this path to employment.

4. To support employee members by providing the tools and education necessary to create positive working relationships and environments that support practice growth and upward mobility in employment situations.

5. To support massage therapy students by providing tools necessary to enhance their school learning experience and to provide support through mentorship and on-demand learning as well as networking opportunities for new graduates. 

6. To provide news, information, collect and distribute research to our members and the public and to stay on top of what is happening in the field of massage therapy, the career of massage therapy, and the industry overall. 

7. To provide a wealth of free and paid resources for members and non-members including on-demand learning, the USOLMT CE academy, Mentorship Moments, Free practice building resources and paid resource kits, free and paid courses, inspiration and charity information, research reports, and coaching / mentoring services to members and non-members. 

8. To facilitate, market, and promote USOLMT and other industry events, an annual, one-day conference, and to provide opportunities for massage therapists to engage and openly discuss the issues we face as a profession. 

9. To advocate for the sustainability and growth of the massage industry, to maintain relationships with member state board and government officials and agencies that affect the field of massage therapy, to provide an advocacy hotline and do advocacy work legislatively as well as directly, and to provide a comprehensive state-by-state directory of frequently requested information for the public and our members. 

10. To create and maintain a robust membership benefits program, ensure ethical and transformational leadership of the organization, to provide transparency, accountability, visibility, and authenticity to members of the organization, provide networking opportunities and connections for members, and opportunities to get involved and take action.

11. To work collaboratively with other leaders, educators, and massage therapists who are working towards the benefit of our industry, disrupting the old paradigm, and innovating in new ways, and to promote these leaders, educators, and massage therapists on the USOLMT platform. 

12. To raise funds for the USOLMT Angel Fund and Scholarship program, and the organizational costs towards growth and expansion. 

13. To coordinate and build relationships with other industry-wide associations, massage therapy activists and advocates, and other social justice allies, worker’s centers, non-profits, boards, foundations, or other volunteer organizations for the purposes set forth above. 

14. To take all actions necessary and appropriate to furthering and achieving these goals on behalf of Massage Therapists in the United States of America. 

ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES - Members of each of the following categories shall have voting rights and privileges.

1. Students – Massage Therapy Students shall have a discounted membership rate that goes through their first year of practice. Students shall have full voting rights and privileges outlined in the student membership.

2. Employees – Employed Massage Therapists shall have a standard membership rate and have full voting rights and privileges outlined in the employee membership. Employees of our employer members shall receive a discounted employee membership rate equal to the student rate. 

3. Sole proprietors and Independent Contractors – Sole proprietors and Independent Contractors shall have a standard membership rate and have full voting rights and privileges outlined in Solopreneur and IC membership. 

4. Educators & CE Providers shall have a standard membership rate and have full voting rights and privileges outlined in the CE provider membership. 

5. Employer members shall meet or exceed the employer standards and be LMT-Owned business employers to gain membership to USOLMT. Employers shall be extended a discounted rate for their massage employees to join the organization. Employer members shall have full voting rights and privileges outlined in the employer membership. 

6. Members that transition from one tier to another during their annual membership term shall provide updated information to USOLMT upon annual request to update their membership tier. 

7. Members who may belong to more than one tier shall sign up under the highest tier in which they participate to gain access to the membership privileges for that tier and all others under their highest tier. 

8. Allied members are defined as stakeholder organizations in the massage therapy field that wish to support the work of USOLMT. These organizations may be defined as product and service providers to massage therapists in the United States, event sponsors, advertisers, massage schools, and private companies that support the work of Massage Therapists. 

9. Supporters are defined as individuals who support the work of the Coalition. Supporting members may wish to support the mission and values of USOLMT and may include massage therapy consumers, clients, and the public. Opportunities to donate as supporters and sponsors of the organization are ongoing. 

10. Affiliated organizations are defined as organizations that work with USOLMT in an alliance manner to fulfill and support our mission and are determined by the Leadership Council. Currently, USOLMT has no affiliated organizations. Affiliates may include Women’s Organizations, Advocacy Organizations, or Non-Profits should one arise that meets the needs of Massage Therapists in the United States. 

ARTICLE IV – QUALIFICATIONS AND ADMISSION

SECTION 1. All candidates for membership shall subscribe on the website, fill out the membership form, and shall agree to comply with the constitution and bylaws, standards, and code of conduct of this organization. Membership shall be granted if the candidate meets all the requirements of membership, according to their status. All members will be required to follow the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Membership. Violations of policy may result in termination of membership. Each new member will be vetted including students providing a massage therapy school ID, license lookup, and business lookup.

ARTICLE V – RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

SECTION 1. All members may attend meetings of the Coalition as described in the member benefits and receive all products and services identified as member benefits for the tier they are signed up under. All members may form committees which meet and deliberate on the social platform. Members may attend meetings of the leadership council. The leadership council reserves the right to executive breakout session during these meetings. All members are eligible to serve on the leadership council if they meet qualifications and may participate in discussions or serve as speakers at the Annual Conference. All members have the right to vote on proposals brought forth by the Leadership Council and will, as the organization grows, have the right to nominate and vote for their Leadership Council members. All members have the right to be represented equally by USOLMT. Donors, Affiliated members, and supporters may choose one person to represent their interests in all matters to the Leadership Council. 

Article VI – MEETINGS AND ELECTIONS OF THE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

SECTION 1. Annual Membership Meeting - The Coalition shall have an annual membership meeting at a time and place as determined by the Leadership Council. Notice of meeting shall be conveyed by electronic means to each member (90) days prior to the meeting date.

SECTION 2. Annual Conference – The Coalition shall have a one-day only, virtual conference to which all members are invited to participate, as well as non-members for the purpose of education, fundraising and learning about our organization, it’s structure, and it’s goals.

Section 3. Nominations and Elections - The Leadership Council (also referred to herein as “LC”) shall oversee and seek nominations for all new members and shall present qualified candidates according to the board policies and procedures. No name shall be placed into nomination without the consent of the nominee. The first election shall take place once the membership base is substantial enough to support an election, but, not before 2024.   All Leadership Council members shall serve a term of two years, and no more than 4 years consecutively. Candidates shall begin their election campaigns beginning in October of the election year. Candidates will be voted for on an individual basis.  Votes will be due December 15th of the election year. Elected board members will be seated, oriented, and trained in January the following year. Directors shall be elected by secure electronic ballot delivered to all members via electronic mail per policies and procedures.

ARTICLE VII – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1. Until such time as USOLMT is incorporated formally, the Board of Directors shall be called the Leadership Council. 

SECTION 2. General Powers – The affairs and properties of the Coalition shall be controlled and managed by the Leadership Council. Consistent with this authority, the Leadership Council shall create strategic plans to fulfill the mission and goals of USOLMT, adopt policies and maintain an operations manual, adopt and provide oversight to an annual budget, approve staffing and volunteer positions and oversee staff and volunteers, approve leadership appointments, present an annual report to the membership, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws and Constitution of USOLMT, alter or change the name of the USOLMT, adopt a plan of consolidation or merger or partnership with other organizations, authorize the sale or lease of all of the property and assets of USOLMT, or authorize the voluntary dissolution of USOLMT or revoke any proceedings thereof. 

SECTION 3 – Composition - The Leadership Council shall be comprised of no less than two and no more than nine voting members. The council shall strive to maintain a diversified board. The founder will continue to stay involved in the Leadership Council until such time that the council and organization can fully function, thrive, and maintain the organization without founder’s assistance. There may be ex-officio members who shall have a voice at meetings, but, no vote per Policies and Procedures. 

SECTION 4. Eligibility and Term - Leadership Council members shall be in good standing at the time of their appointment or nomination and election to the Leadership Council. All Leadership council members are subject to an interview process, board approval prior to appointment, background, and professional reference checks. All members must meet minimum qualifications to serve. No member shall concurrently hold an elected or appointed office in a state or national association, regulatory agency, business, or accrediting agency that would result in potential, perceived, or actual conflict of interest with USOLMT. Leadership council is elected to a two-year term. Leadership council shall serve in accordance with terms defined in the Operations Manual. Leadership council members shall take their positions on January 1 and shall vacate their positions on December 31. Elections shall be held on December 15th with all votes being counted by December 23rd. Council members will be seated, oriented, and trained in January following the election year.  

SECTION 5. Conduct of Business - The Leadership Council shall conduct the official business of USOLMT. If there are vacancies in the Leadership Council, the remaining leaders shall conduct official business of USOLMT. Ex-officio members are not counted for the purpose of conducting the business of USOLMT. The Leadership Council shall hold at least 4 meetings per year, in addition to the Annual Conference and Annual Member’s Meeting. Additional meetings may be called by the Executive Director of USOLMT or by any leadership council member. Members will receive notice of all such meetings and have the right to attend. The leadership reserves the right to meet in breakout executive session at any time for any reason. 

SECTION 6. Removal. The Leadership Council may remove any officer by a majority vote of the council members, as outlined in the operations manual. Officers may be removed if they fail to support the mission and goals of the organization, fail to maintain the standards and code of conduct of the membership and Leadership Council, fail to attend meetings or contribute to the work involved in running the business of USOLMT or are otherwise not upholding the duty and loyalty pledged to the organization and its members.

ARTICLE VIII – STATE CHAPTERS AND AFFILIATES

SECTION 1. The Leadership Council shall have the sole authority to issue state chapters and provide for the affiliation of other organizations with the Coalition. Organizations seeking affiliation and Chapter Groups seeking other organizations for affiliation shall demonstrate that they meet minimum standards with respect to organizing, action, and membership mobilization or indicate a willingness to develop the necessary capacity in these areas. 

SECTION 2. Each affiliate of this Coalition agrees that it shall be bound by the terms of this Constitution and any decisions, policies, rules, standards, or other directives issued in accord with its terms. In particular, each affiliate agrees that it shall not allow any dispute, issue, or other matter subject to this Constitution to be submitted to, heard, decided, or be the subject of any action by any other group or outside organization. 

ARTICLE IX – LEADERSHIP COUNCIL OFFICERS

SECTION 1 – Duties - The officers of the USOLMT and their duties are set forth as follows:

The Executive Director and founding member shall preside at all meetings of the leadership council until the membership base can support an elected Board of Directors. The initial council shall serve as the guiding and governing board of the organization. The organization shall have an Executive Director who oversees all work and development of the organization, a Marketing & Events Director who assists with marketing and event planning of the organization, an Executive Assistant who takes on administrative duties and some social media and web management duties, a Membership Director who develops membership materials, interacts with members, and maintains member database, a Fundraising Director who develops and maintains the fundraising of the organization, a Secretary/Treasurer who is responsible for the finances and report of the organization, a Campaigns Director who develops and markets the campaigns of the organization, a Resources and Mutual Aid director who oversees the free and paid resource programs developed by the organization and who develops the scholarship and angel fund programs,  and a Government Relations director who maintains the state-by-state information and advocates in the legislative area. Members of leadership may serve in ex-officio capacity to ensure the continuity of appropriate leadership. 

ARTICLE X - COMMITTEES

SECTION 1. There are no standing committees currently. All members of USOLMT are encouraged to form any committee they wish to work for common purpose on our social platform. 

SECTION 2. USOLMT is here to support any work organized by members of our organization. Any committee may request funding and support to promote their cause or campaign from the leadership council at any time. All support and funding will be subject to approval by the Leadership Council.  

SECTION 3. New Committees may be formed, or committees dissolved at the request of the membership.  

ARTICLE XI – FINANCES

SECTION 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Coalition shall run from January 1 to December 31.

SECTION 2. Finances more than $5000.00 per month shall be managed by a Certified Public Accountant in conjunction with the Secretary-Treasurer and shall be reported to the Executive Director on a Monthly Basis. Until such time that ongoing funds reach more than $5000.00 per month, the Executive Director will continue to report and manage the funds of the organization in conjunction with an accountant for audit and tax purposes. 

SECTION 3. All payments made in the name of USOLMT shall be authorized by the Secretary-Treasure at the direction of the Executive Director once funds reach more than $5000.00 per month. Until such time, the Executive Director will keep sole discretionary payment control of the organization.  

Article XII – AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

SECTION 1. This constitution and bylaws may be amended or repealed by a majority vote of the leadership council at any regular or special meeting.

SECTION 2. Notice – Notice of the proposed amendment or repeal shall be provided by electronic means to the Leadership Council and members at least (30) days prior to a meeting where such changes are ratified.

SECTION 3. Certification – Any such amendment or repeal of the Constitution & Bylaws shall be duly certified by the Secretary-Treasurer or Executive Director of the Coalition as to the effective date thereof and place with the official Bylaws & Constitution.

SECTION 4. Effective Date – This Constitution & Bylaws, and any other subsequent amendments thereto, shall become effective upon their adoption by the Leadership Council Members. 

Article XIII – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Conflict of Interest – All Leadership, Officers, agents, and potential employees are required to disclose all actual, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest in conducting the business of USOLMT. It shall be the responsibility of everyone to disclose such conflicts and to recuse or withdraw when a conflict occurs in the discussion or action of any matter before the Leadership Council. 

SECTION 2. Indemnification – USOLMT shall indemnify present or former members of the Leadership Council, and officers, agents, or employees of USOLMT against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any action, suit, or proceeding to which any of them may be a party by reason of being or having been a member of the Leadership Council, or officer, agent, or employee of USOLMT, except as to matters wherein said member or officer, agent or employee shall be finally adjudged in such action, suit, or proceeding to be liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct. 

SECTION 3 – Dissolution – In the event of the dissolution of USOLMT, the Leadership Council shall prepare a plan for the orderly distribution of its assets. After payment of all bona fide obligations, remaining assets shall become property of the Founder. 

THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the above Constitution and Bylaws of United States Organization of Licensed Massage Therapists is duly adopted by the Leadership Council as of December 4, 2021 and will remain in effect until further notice.