Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68174
READER FORUM We need to educate the public about what a quality massage experience is and what it is not and that the lowest price in town is not the way to choose a quality massage therapist. It is diffi cult for those of us who believe in quality massage and the education, commitment, and integrity that go along with it, watch all we have worked for disappear. I will remain an active voice opposed to these chains and what they are doing to the art and science of massage therapy and the dignity of the profession. SUSAN DELGADO ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON 54 massage & bodywork march/april 2010 Although I am a Massage Envy employee, and do love my job and what I do, not all Massage Envy's are as opportunistic as some of your sources report. Massage Envy has given me a lot of great experience and employment. And we are making massage affordable and accessible to our public. But, as employees, we get no benefi ts, no sick time, no vacation, not much chance for advancement, and, unlike the owners you talked to, I don't know one single person making more than $20 an hour. I think Massage Envy corporate needs to set some standards and offer benefi ts to every massage therapist who works for them. After all, you would think they would want to offer more to the people who are making it such a successful corporation. Please understand that I'm not disgruntled, or ungrateful for the opportunities Massage Envy has given me. Franchises are giving a lot of people the chance to experience massage and creating a healthy community. But the massage therapist is the reason the franchise is in business. JASON ROWDEN RENO, NEVADA connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 55 Global Massage Outreach By ReBecca Jones A merica's massage therapists are well known for their dedication to volunteerism. This article illustrates the dynamic international outreach work provided by MTs who have successfully combined their love of their profession with their desire to travel around the globe. Global Outreach I truly enjoyed your article "Global Massage Outreach" (March/April 2010, page 54). Service is a huge part of the massage therapy community, and it was inspiring to hear some of its stories. Last year, Boulder College of Massage Therapy took its service global, culminating in a week-long massage therapy training in Dharamsala, India. Over six days, some of our senior faculty members trained 20 Tibetan refugees in shiatsu, Swedish, and chair massage. The experience was a life- changing one, and we are grateful that the course was so well received. CAROL BRUNELLI BOULDER, COLORADO Service is a huge part of the massage therapy community, and it was inspiring to hear some of its stories. Carol Brunelli Boulder, Colorado connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 15