AMTA Volunteer Connections

I was asked to write an article about using the AMTA Volunteer Connections on their website. I thought why would anyone want to hear about my experience?
Then I thought, why not. As a Massage Therapist I’ve had the pleasure of helping a variety of people who’ve ended up on my table. But I have to tell you, none are as fulfilling as doing volunteer work. Now, I’m not going to say I volunteer ALL the time, just some of the time and for causes that mean something to me.

That’s where the Volunteer Connections has made a difference in my life. My first time volunteering through them was after the shooting at Northern Illinois University. They were looking for volunteers to do chair massage for the counselors and a handful of us were able to volunteer. As I was talking and listening to people while doing the chair massages, I heard how happy they were that we took the time to show them our appreciation. A lot of them said they either hadn’t had a massage in a long time or this was their first massage ever. As I was walking back to my car that evening, I thought, this has been the best day and I want to do this again. It was a few months later that I was able to repeat the experience when I volunteered for the Start! Heart Walk in Grant Park, Chicago. This time I took my son with me (he’s a senior in High School) so he could experience it and see what I do to give back. Again it was just like before and the people were so thankful that we took the time to do this. It was an amazing experience to meet Survivors and people who were walking in remembrance of someone. On the train ride home, my son thanked me for taking him with and that he enjoyed being there (he did the walk and received P.E. credit for it too).

After meeting everyone from AMTA at the Heart Walk and seeing how happy the walkers and Survivors were that we took the time to do this, I couldn’t wait to volunteer again. Well, that opportunity came up again – only not through the board, but by my initiative. After contacting the local Breast Cancer Society office about doing chair massage at the upcoming walk, I found out that they had never had anyone. I immediately contacted Melissa Spani from AMTA and explained the situation to her and that I wanted to put out an email blast asking for volunteers. Melissa was excited and willing to help me get the message out. We ended up having a couple of us volunteer and the walkers were so happy to have someone there (my son helped out here too and also did the walk with friends). We were busy for the 3 hours we were there and both the walkers and volunteers are looking forward to next year. Without the AMTA Volunteer Connections I wouldn’t have had these wonderful experiences and would never have met all the wonderful people I did. Next time you’re trying to think of a way to give back and meet some extraordinary people, take a peek at the AMTA Volunteer Connection and see what’s going on in your area.

Written By Cyndy Wollenweber for AMTA Volunteer Connection