AMTA Strategic Plan, June 2017

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the American Music Therapy Association is to advance public knowledge of music therapy benefits and to increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world.

PURPOSE

The AMTA Strategic Plan is a dynamic document detailing the goals and objectives of the Association. Developed by the AMTA Board of Directors, with input from the AMTA National Office Staff, the Strategic Plan will serve to direct the programs and activities of the Association over the next 3-5 years. As this Plan is operationalized and implemented, the Board of Directors will continue to evaluate, refine, revise and expand the goals and objectives in order to fulfill and fully realize the mission of AMTA.

GOALS

1. Efficacy
2. Advocacy
3. Professional Development
4. Resource Development

I. EFFICACY

AMTA’s continuing challenge is to promote and provide scientific data and information that demonstrate the effectiveness and outcomes of quality music therapy services.

Goal Statement: To support, strengthen, and advance the credibility of music therapy services.

1.1 Prioritize a research agenda

1.2 Prioritize an information agenda

1.3 Position the organization as a Resource Center

1.4 Establish and maintain strategic partnerships related to efficacy.

II. ADVOCACY

Promoting music therapy means advancing music therapy as a viable healthcare profession and as an efficacious clinical intervention. In addition, AMTA must continue to advocate for the provision of music therapy services in medical, educational, community-based, and other settings.

Goal Statement: To advance public knowledge music therapy benefits.

2.1 Develop a communications program that will articulate music therapy benefits to targeted audiences, related organizations, and potential funders.

2.2 Develop music therapists and others as advocates at international, national, state, and local levels.

2.3 Develop strategies that will result in the support and enactment of legislation, regulations, policies, and programs that will increase access to and funding for music therapy services and programs.

2.4 Establish and maintain strategic partnerships related to advocacy.

III. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AMTA’s ongoing commitment is to ensure quality music therapy services by maximizing the development of professionals. Fulfilling the goal of ensuring access to quality MT services necessitates a growing number of professionals to deliver MT services.

Goal Statement: To provide information, education and technical assistance on effective therapeutic models and emerging therapeutic practices; best business and association practices; and labor supply and demand economics to address the needs of the profession.

3.1 Encourage educational and clinical training programs to reflect current and future market demands.

3.2 Establish and maintain standards for the music therapy profession.

3.3 Provide information through conferences, publications and other materials as to how members can use both traditional and innovative tools and technology to improve clinical practice.

3.4 Provide opportunities for members to enhance professional competencies to obtain employment and thrive in a changing service delivery system.

3.5 Develop and encourage leadership training and mentoring opportunities at every level of the association.

3.6 Conduct a nationwide music therapy labor supply and demand study.

3.7 Establish and maintain strategic partnerships related to professional development.

IV. RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Fiscal and human resources are foundations on which the aforementioned programmatic areas must be built.

Goal Statement: To ensure achievement of the organization’s mission and objectives through effective development and allocation of financial and human resources.

4.1 Develop a comprehensive, long-range financial plan to ensure that adequate funding is available for the fulfillment of the strategic plan.

4.2 Ensure adequate human resources (staff and volunteers) are available for ongoing development of strategic plan programs and services.

4.3 Establish and maintain strategic partnerships related to resources development.

Footnote:

In June, 2017, the AMTA Board of Directors voted to remove all references to a “Futures Council,” with the possibility of its development at a later date.