Where Mission Meets Method: Our Guiding Principles

To promote the 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.  

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

SECTION 2. It shall be composed of a 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 association shall be in Phoenix, Arizona. 

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

SECTION 1. To set standards for Massage Therapy 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 by promoting employee-centric workplaces, and the professional development of business owners and staff. 

SECTION 2. To support apprentices, sole proprietors, employees and independent contractors / staff members in business development, growth, and reduce the misclassification of contractors by providing a knowledge base for any therapist considering this path to employment.

SECTION 3. To support employee members by providing the tools and education necessary to create positive working relationships and environments that support practice growth, enhanced income opportunities, and upward mobility within an employer’s location. 

SECTION 4. To support massage therapy students by providing resources necessary to enhance their educational experience and to provide support through on-demand learning as well as networking opportunities for massage therapy students and new graduates. 

SECTION 5. To provide nationwide news and information pertaining to massage therapy, to collect and distribute research to our members and the public, and to keep massage therapists well-informed of developments in the profession, the massage industry, and the massage labor market. 

SECTION 6. To provide free and paid programs for the massage community including support and education for those listed in section 3, direct services, resources, advocacy, member services, and insurance. 

SECTION 7. To facilitate USOLMT events including in-person and virtual engagement opportunities. 

SECTION 8. To advocate for the sustainability and growth of the massage industry, to maintain relationships with members, state boards, government officials, commissions and agencies that affect the field of massage therapy, perform legislative and direct advocacy and to provide comprehensive state resources. 

SECTION 9. To create and maintain a robust membership benefits program, ensure ethical leadership of the organization, provide transparency, accountability, and visibility to members of the organization and our massage therapy community. 

SECTION 10. To collaborate with and promote other leaders, educators, and massage therapists who are working towards the benefit of our industry in alignment with our vision.

SECTION 11. To raise money for the USOLMT Angel Fund, which supports massage therapists in financial need, and the organizational costs towards growth and expansion. 

SECTION 12. To coordinate and build relationships with other industry-wide associations, massage therapy activists and advocates, and other allies for the purposes set forth above. 

SECTION 13. To take all actions necessary and appropriate to furthering and achieving these goals on behalf of Massage Therapists in the United States of America. 

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 free membership rate that extends through their first year of practice and ends one year from the date they become licensed. Students shall have full voting rights and privileges outlined in the student membership. 

2. Professionals – Professional Massage Therapists shall have standard monthly or annual membership rate options and have full voting rights and privileges  outlined in the professional membership. 

3. Educators & CE Providers shall have a standard annual membership rate and have full voting rights and privileges outlined in the Educator & CE provider membership. CE Providers who partner with the USOLMT CE Academy to provide free or discounted courses for members of USOLMT shall receive a free membership rate as long as their course is offered to members. CE Partner members shall have full voting rights and privileges outlined in the CE partner membership. 

4. Employer members shall attest that they meet or exceed the standards set forth by the organization. Employers shall have standard monthly or annual membership rate options. Annual employer members shall be extended free memberships for their current employees. Employer members and their staff shall have full voting rights and privileges outlined in the employer membership. 

5. Supporter members shall have a standard annual rate set forth by the board. Supporters may have access to log in to the USOLMT website members pages, but do not have voting rights and privileges. Supporter members are provided with the benefits outlined in the supporter membership. Supporters are defined as individuals who support the work of USOLMT. Global supporting members may include international massage therapists, retired massage therapists, massage therapy consumers, and the general public. 

6. Massage Schools and Vendor Partners shall have free membership to USOLMT, as outlined in the massage school and vendor partner memberships. Vendor partners are defined as businesses or individuals who offer free or discounted products and/or services to USOLMT Members as part of their benefits package. Massage School partners are defined as massage schools who display & distribute USOLMT marketing materials, promote USOLMT, and sign their massage students up for our free student + first year membership. 

SECTION 1. All candidates for membership shall subscribe to the website, fill out the membership form, and shall agree to comply with the constitution and bylaws, standards, and codes of ethics and 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 prior to approval.

SECTION 1. All members may attend USOLMT meetings and receive all products and services identified as member benefits.  

SECTION 2. Members have the opportunity to form committees approved by the board. 

SECTION 3. The Board of Directors reserves the right to invoke executive session at necessary times during meetings. 

SECTION 4. Members are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors if they meet qualifications and may participate in discussions or serve as speakers at the Annual Conference.  

SECTION 5. Members have the right to provide input on proposals brought forth by the Board of Directors and will have the right to nominate and vote for their Board members when membership growth supports an election.  

SECTION 6. Members have the right to be represented equally by USOLMT. 

SECTION 7. Donors, partners, and supporters may choose a spokesperson to represent their interests in all matters to the Board of Directors.

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

SECTION 2. Annual Conference – The Association shall have an annual conference at a time and place as determined by the Board of Directors. 

SECTION 3. Nominations and Elections - The Board of Directors shall oversee and seek nominations for all new members and shall present qualified candidates according to 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 2025. Once an election is held, all Board of Directors 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. 

SECTION 1. Position Types - The Board of Directors shall consist of working directors, honorary members, and/or advisors. Honorary Members and Advisors will have a voice and a vote in decision-making; however, official Directors will have the final say in all matters brought forward for voting.

SECTION 2. General Powers – The affairs and properties of the association shall be controlled and managed by the Board of Directors. Consistent with this authority, the Board shall create strategic plans to fulfill the mission and goals of USOLMT, adopt policies, maintain an operations manual, adopt and provide oversight to an annual budget, approve staff and volunteer positions, 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, merger or partnership with other organizations, authorize the sale or lease of all of the property and assets of USOLMT, authorize the voluntary dissolution of USOLMT, or revoke any proceedings thereof. 

SECTION 3. Composition- The Board of Directors shall be comprised of no less than two and no more than thirteen voting members, with 50% constituting a quorum. Members in attendance cannot constitute a quorum.

SECTION 4. Eligibility and Term - Board of Directors members shall be in good standing at the time of their appointment or nomination and election to the Board of Directors.  All Board of Directors members are subject to an interview process, board approval prior to appointment, background, and professional reference checks. All members must meet the outlined qualifications to serve as noted in the Board of Directors Information Packet. 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. 

SECTION 5. Resignation– Board members may resign from their positions for any reason by providing a written notice to the Chief Executive Officer. A notice will be provided to the Board members and a new board member will be sought to fill the position. Members will be notified and given the first opportunity to apply or nominate someone for open board seats. If no one is nominated or accepted, the board reserves the right to post the available position, interview, and appoint a new board member. New officers and directors shall be added, and former board members shall be removed from the organization’s official state filings with the Arizona Corporation Commission in April each year when filing the Annual Report. 

SECTION 6. Conduct of Business - The Board of Directors shall conduct the official business of USOLMT. If there are vacancies in the Board of Directors, the remaining leaders shall conduct official business of USOLMT. If board members are unable to attend meetings, they must notify the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in advance. If the CEO is unable to attend, the appointed second chair will facilitate. If the first and second chairs are unable to attend, the third appointed chair will facilitate. Ex-officio members are not counted for the purpose of conducting the business of USOLMT. The Board of Directors shall hold at least 4 meetings per year. Additional meetings may be called by any Directors of the Board. The Board reserves the right to hold executive-only meetings anytime throughout the year. 

SECTION 7. Removal - The Board of Directors may remove any officer through executive session by a majority vote of the Board members for the causes outlined in this section. Officers may be removed if they fail to support the mission and goals of the organization, fail to maintain the code of conduct set forth by the board, fail to follow the policies and procedures of the organization, fail to meet board member requirements, fail to attend 75% of board meetings, fail to consistently 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. The CEO reserves the right to terminate board members immediately for severe policy violations. 

SECTION 1. Board Authority - The Board of Directors shall have the sole authority to issue state chapters and form state task forces for the purpose of achieving the goals of USOLMT and provide for the affiliation of other organizations with the Association. Organizations seeking affiliation with USOLMT and groups seeking chapter formation shall attest to their commitment and loyalty in supporting the goals of USOLMT. 

SECTION 2. Binding Terms - Each affiliate, chapter, committee, or task force of this Association 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. Each affiliate, chapter, committee, or task force agrees that it shall not allow outside individuals, groups, or organizations to make decisions regarding the actions of USOLMT, or to speak to the positions of USOLMT as if they were a representative of the association. 

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

1.The CEO shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors until the membership base can support an elected Board of Directors. 

2. The initially appointed Board of directors shall serve as the guiding and governing board of the organization. 

3. The organization shall have a President who oversees all the work and development of the organization and serves as the Board Chair.

4. The organization shall have a Director of Advocacy who oversees the USOLMT advocacy programs and serves as the Board Second Chair.

5. The organization shall have a Director of Membership who oversees the USOLMT membership program, new member recruitment and serves as the Board Third Chair. 

6. The organization shall have a Secretary / Treasurer who oversees all USOLMT financial transactions, records minutes, and serves as the Board Fourth Chair. 

7. The organization shall have a Director of Education who oversees all USOLMT educational programs including the USOLMT CE Academy, On Demand Learning, and Leadership Training and serves as the Board Fifth Chair.

8. The Organization shall have a Director of Fundraising who oversees all USOLMT fundraising programs, the Angel Fund and serves as the Board Sixth Chair. 

9. The Organization shall have a Director of Campaigns who oversees all campaigns launched by USOLMT and serves as the Board Seventh Chair.

10. The Organization shall have a Director of Resources who oversees all free and paid resources released by USOLMT, the Merchandise Store, and serves as the Board Eighth Chair.

11. The Organization shall have a Director of Marketing who oversees all marketing and advertising efforts of the association and serves as the Board Ninth Chair.

12. The Organization will have an Executive Assistant who serves as a Board member with full voting rights and privileges and supports the Board of Directors.

13. The Organization may have up to two Honorary Board Members with expertise in any area of the board’s choosing.

14. The Organization may extend advisory positions to industry members at their discretion.

15. Board Members whose terms have expired may continue to serve if there is no other person elected to fill the Board position.  

SECTION 1. All Board members of USOLMT will oversee standing committees.

SECTION 2. Members may form committees at the approval of the Board. Members should report committee members, meeting highlights, and results to the Board of Directors. Member committees may be marketed, advertised, and supported by USOLMT.

SECTION 3. Any committee may request funding and support to promote their cause or campaign from the Board of Directors at any time. All support and funding will be subject to availability and approval by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. Committees may be dissolved by the Board of Directors or at the request of the membership. 

SECTION 1. Fiscal Year - The fiscal year of the Association shall run from April 11 to April 10 the following year. 

SECTION 2. Finances - Finances shall be managed by the Secretary-Treasurer and shall be reported to the CEO on a Monthly Basis. In the absence of a Secretary-Treasurer, another Director will be appointed to oversee the funds of the organization. The organization will engage the service of an accounting professional for audit and tax purposes.  

SECTION 3. Policy- The Board will implement and adhere to a written financial policy. 

SECTION 1. Amend or Repeal - This constitution and bylaws may be amended or repealed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting. 

SECTION 2. Notice– Proposals for amendment or repeal shall be provided by electronic means to the Board of Directors and members at least (30) days prior to a meeting where such changes are adopted. 

SECTION 3. Certification– Any such amendment or repeal of the Constitution & Bylaws shall be duly certified by the Secretary-Treasurer or Chief Executive Officer of the Association as to the effective date thereof and placed with the official corporate documents. 

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

SECTION 1. Conflict of Interest – All leadership, officers, volunteers, and staff 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 involved in decision-making to disclose such conflicts and to recuse or withdraw when a conflict occurs in the discussion or action of any matter before the Board of Directors. 

SECTION 2. – Confidentiality – All leadership, officers, agents, staff, volunteers, and members are required to adhere to a confidentiality policy which states that board business is confidential and remains inside the organization, and that the identity of all members of USOLMT remain confidential unless they themselves choose to identify as a USOLMT Member. Identity confidentiality does not apply to USOLMT Board Members, whose identity is a matter of public record.

SECTION 3. Indemnification– USOLMT shall indemnify present or former members of the Board of Directors, 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 Board of Directors, officer, agent, or employee of USOLMT, except as to matters wherein said member, officer, agent or employee is found to be liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct. USOLMT shall obtain and carry Officers and Directors insurance for the purpose of indemnification once 501c status is obtained. 

SECTION 4. Dissolution – In the event of the dissolution of USOLMT, the Board of Directors shall prepare a plan for the orderly distribution of its assets. After payment of all bona fide obligations, the remaining funds shall be donated to another nonprofit organization of the Board’s choosing. 

THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the above Constitution and Bylaws of United States Organization of Licensed Massage Therapists is duly adopted by the Board of Directors as of March 8, 2024, and will remain in effect until further notice.