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Participation Counts!
The Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) is proud to sponsor International Massage Week. Since 1995, ABMP members have given their time, money and effort to help those less fortunate, while also promoting themselves and the profession. The Ninth Annual International Massage Week will be celebrated July 13-19, 2003.

ABMP is asking its members to donate just two hours of time during the week, so together they can make a real difference in our communities. ABMP looks forward to including you as a participant in International Massage Week. Please check their website. for more information and to become a member.

There are many ways to get involved. At their website you will find information to help promote International Massage Week through your practice and involvement in community events. The ideas are just a partial list. Use your imagination! Participation in your community will pay dividends with greater visibility for your practice.

ABMP suggests giving complimentary massages, while asking for donations which will go to a charity. International Massage Week has been designed to promote ABMP, its members and their practices, and the profession as a whole.

Here are a few marketing suggestions to promote your profession during this special event:
• Provide discounts to senior citizens
• Establish special "Lend a Hand" promotions such as discount coupons (members can call ABMP to request)
• Ask clients to bring a can of food to each massage session for donation to a local charity
• Donate a massage session to be auctioned for charity
• Offer on-site massage for telethon telephone workers
• Create specialty offers (students, police/firemen, etc.)
• Bring the message of massage to local health fairs

Why should ABMP members get involved?

Exposure.
Successful business is based on filling a need and marketing that service. The success of your practice will be determined by the extent of your marketing efforts. Participation in community events is an excellent way to gain exposure for your services while also making important contacts in the community.

Recognition.
Everyone appreciates a job well done. ABMP members who participate in International Massage Week and send ABMP a summary of their activities will receive special recognition in Massage & Bodywork magazine or the ABMP newsletter. Let us know what you've done!

Satisfaction.
There is no greater feeling of fulfillment than participating in an event that helps others.

More Great Ideas for Community Participation Throughout the Year
On-site massage for any of the following events or groups:

• College Students During Exam Week
• Tax Relief for Accountants
• Attractions and Tourist Sites
• Convention Halls and Convention Groups
• Health & Fitness Clubs
• Health Food Stores
• Hospitals: Waiting Rooms, Doctors, Nurses, Staff
• Cultural Events: For the performers at ballets and plays, during intermissions, for fundraisers
• Holiday Events and Gatherings
• Veteran’s Hospitals
• Substance Abuse Patients
• Hospices for the Terminally Ill and their Families
• Animal Shelters

Three Steps to Promotion
Coordinate local groups of ABMP members and assign responsibilities.

Contact your local media and inform them about International Massage Week.

Pool your talents and establish a network with fellow practitioners to share costs in advertising.

ABMP Support for Members
ABMP has developed banners for use at large events to promote ABMP and International Massage Week. Members can use a free banner, download the posters and gift certificates.

Participation Guidelines
Please follow these guidelines when participating in any community event during International Massage Week.

Document everything.
Take pictures!
Promote your professional affiliation!
Be aware of your limitations.
Don’t overextend yourself.
Be aware of your liability as a volunteer.
Don’t work on the elderly, infants or emotionally-challenged individuals without proper training.