American Music Therapy Association



			American Music Therapy Association, Inc. 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1000 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, USA Phone: (301) 589-3300 Fax: (301) 589-5175
		State Advocacy The mission of the American Music Therapy Association is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world.


	Current Calls-to-Action
		Nothing at this time.

	Implementation of AMTA and CBMT State Recognition Operations Plan
		The on-going collaboration with CBMT to address the State Recognition Operational Plan has created a positive advocacy experience for music therapists. CBMT Regulatory Affairs Advisor, Dena Register, and AMTA Director of Government Relations, Judy Simpson, continue to work together to facilitate state task force activity. There are currently 24 active task forces involved in state recognition efforts. Add to that number another eight states, which have received assistance with advocacy issues since beginning the operational plan in 2005, and the total rises to 32 states that have received state recognition support in 4 years. Current economic issues have highlighted the importance of task forces being aware of how state budgets might impact the provision of music therapy services. Unfortunately, we are not always successful in avoiding service delivery reductions or program cuts. It has become evident to all, however, that having strong task forces in place makes the advocacy process much more effective. Despite some of the challenges we have faced, it has provided an opportunity for more music therapists to become engaged in advocacy and actively contribute to state recognition projects. Many clinicians and students have participated in advocacy training and State Legislative events coordinated by task force members. Some state groups have successfully networked with parents, providers, and administrators to coordinate advocacy regarding proposed funding reductions. Whether related to specific client groups or the profession as whole, other task forces have attempted to impact legislation and regulations through Committee hearing testimony or official comment submissions. Several task forces are currently encouraging all music therapists to communicate with legislators through a systematic letter writing campaign, educating stakeholders about music therapy and inviting them to observe music therapy in action. AMTA and CBMT have been highly involved in all of these endeavors, providing guidance, PR materials, advocacy PowerPoint sessions and template letters, research and reimbursement documents, organizational support letters, and technical assistance. Many thanks are due to all of the members of the State Task Forces and Groups throughout the country for their dedication to pursuing state recognition opportunities. They are to be commended for devoting a significant amount of volunteer hours in response to very time-sensitive and time-intensive activities. In addition, AMTA would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dena Register and CBMT for the outstanding on-going collaboration that makes state advocacy a very positive and productive endeavor. It is a pleasure to work with all of these professionals on this exciting operational plan. Below is an update of state advocacy activities that have occurred in 2010.

	Go to State Updates in the Member Area
	Go to Communicating with your State Legislators in the Member Area





		Return to Top


	AMTA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and accepts contributions which support its mission. Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law. Copyright © 2010, American Music Therapy Association.