RACtivity
RACtivity for August to December 2006.The latest report to members about what's going on at the RAC offices, with the Board and behind the scenes on your behalf
This has been a very busy and active 5 months with many changes and many exciting new prospects.
Annual Conference.The 2006 annual conference took place in Kelowna and over 100 members and guests participated. Your Board took the opportunity for a number of face to face meetings and many important decisions were taken including that PCT should not be separated from RAC and that, instead, PCT under a new name, would beome an active part of RAC with independent panels in place to ensure the integrity of the Association and avoid any possibility of conflicts of interest. The administrative function for PCT will be transferred to the Winnipeg Office leaving PCT staff to develop new programs.
The Conference also saw the changing of the guard as Fil Lander stepped down from his role of Interim Executive Director and handed over to Marcus Summersfield and Chiquita Hessels left the Board while Karen McNeil joined as a new Board member.The Kelowna conference will be the last of the annual conferences as the Board has decided that the Conference will be held every two years with the AGM and a study day being held in the intervening year. Montreal has been selected as the site for 2008 and plans are already well in hand to make this the biggest and most successful RAC Conference ever.<
Buddy Plan The Buddy Plan was introduced to members participating in the conference and, subsequently, to all members as the membership renewal letters were sent out. It is hoped that this will result in a significant increase in membership something that is vital if we are to establish RAC as the natural leader for reflexology in Canada.
Newsletter November saw the last issue of the RAC newsletter in its present form and, from March 2007, the newsletter will be published every two months and will be retitled "The Canadian Joural of Reflexology". Already, articles are being evaluated for inclusion and we feel sure that this will prove to be a very positive change for members.
Chapters The development of existing Chapters and the creation of new ones is very much a priority as we strive to strenghten RAC from the grass roots. Some exciting new Chapter initiatives will be announced during 2007 and you should keep a watchful eye for those. Sherri Gunn is in charge of Chapter development at the Winnipeg office and will be working hard to ensure that 2007 is a year to remember for all Chapters and their members. Thanks to France Trudeau for her inspired efforts in Chapter work and for so conscientiously planning the meetings and preparing the minutes. This is what TEAM RAC is all about and each and every one of us is an integral part of that team. We hope that, in 2007, TEAM RAC will show itself to be a winning team so that by the time 2008 rolls around we will established ourselves at the pinnacle of Canadian reflexology.
Everyone at head office in Winnipeg and at PCT in Wolfeville wishes you the very best for the holiday season and expresses the hope that the coming year will be everything each of you could wish for.
RACtivity for June and July 2006.A report to members about what's going on at the RAC offices, with the Board and behind the scenes on your behalf.
Board Retreat. The Board had very productive sessions at the semi-annual May retreat in Winnipeg. The other time the Board meets for a face-to-face meeting is at the Fall Annual Conference, this year in Kelowna.
Work was done to upgrade the Board's policy manual, the National Unity issue was discussed at length, and final candidates for the Executive Director position were interviewed and a selection made.
The other major topic discussed was ways to fill two upcoming vacancies on the Board. Work has started to recruit new Board members. Please consider sharing your expertise for the good of your organization. RAC is a member run organization and serving on the Board is one way to ensure RAC delivers what you would like to see for Reflexology in Canada.
Contact Ettalie Inglis at [email protected] to find out how the Board operates and how you can get involved. The experience is rewarding.
Executive Director. Join us in welcoming Marcus Summersfield as RAC's new Executive Director. Marcus has a tremendous blend of skills and experiences to make him ideally suitable for the next phase of RAC's growth and development.
Marcus will work in tandem with outgoing ED Fil Lander for the next few months. Marcus will work from the Winnipeg Head Office of RAC and will be officially introduced at the Conference and Annual General Meeting in Kelowna.
Welcome Marcus.
National Unity. There are fine organizations in Canada representing reflexologists at the Provincial level in BC, Ontario, and Nova Scotia, and one is starting up soon in Alberta. RAC has local Chapters in most regions of the country, as well as its Head Office in Winnipeg. Schools offering courses in Reflexology dot the landscape from coast to coast.
Confusing? Yes if you are an individual wanting to study a new modality or a client wishing to find a practitioner nearby to work on your feet, hands, or ears.
Cumbersome? Yes if you are a regulator or insurance provider wanting to communicate with a representative or spokesperson for our Industry.
Fragmented? Yes if we continue to operate in isolation from one another and do not work to gain the benefits that a larger critical mass will bring.
Your RAC Board has invited all Reflexology groups, associations, schools and individuals to start a discussion on National Unity and hopes that there will be enough interest and support to move forward. A letter and survey with a July 15th return request was widely distributed.
A report on National Unity will be presented in the August-September edition of RAC-tivity, at the Conference in Kelowna, BC and in the November newsletter, as well as other places in this website.
If you have ideas and opinions on how a unified effort on our collective behalf should be structured, please contact Marcus Summersfield at [email protected].
Continuing Education Units. We are turning our attention and devoting staff time to this critical aspect of our collective professional development as Reflexologists. We are also happy to announce that we are working with our friends at NSARP(Nova Scotia Association of Reflexology Practitioners) in this initiative.
Briefly, Continuing Education (CE) is a commitment that each member will be expected to make to maintain a Professional membership. Opportunities for professional development and growth will be offered in every calendar year and a 'value or score' attached to each opportunity. There will be an expectation that every professional member will obtain a number of credits annually (number to be decided). Attendance at an AGM, or writing a newsletter article, or presenting a workshop, or serving on Committees are examples of activities that will be awarded credits.
The benefit of a CE program is multi-fold. It will continue our Professional growth and it will give the public a greater sense of security that their chosen Reflexology practitioner is a devoted professional. More importantly perhaps is that the regulators and insurance providers will better come to recognize Reflexology as an insurable modality.
We expect this to be phased in over the next couple of years and there will be lots of opportunity for this to be discussed by you, the members. Stay tuned!
Study Days with Hanne Marquardt. RAC members have a golden opportunity to meet and study with one of the world's top reflexology teachers this fall in three cities. Toronto and Montreal will each host a full day of Hanne's teaching, while Kelowna, BC has Hanne for a full day too plus this year's Annual General Meeting and Conference.
Please see 'Conferences Workshops and Study Days within 'Announcements' in RAC's website.
Program Outline:
- The principle of analogy/similarity of shape as a useful tool of orientation for treatment
- Understanding the importance of observing signs and reactions of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) including; terminology, characteristics of abnormal zones and treatment protocols
- Demonstration and practice of 'harmonizing/stabilizing' grips for harmonizing the ANS
- Recognition, location & treatment of scars with Reflexolotherapy in the "reflecting zones" of the feet
In addition to lots of practice time all participants will receive detailed Handouts—'Reflexotherapy of the feet', 'Treatment of Scars with Reflexotherapy of the Feet', 'Grips for Stabilization/Harmonization of the ANS', 'Understanding Pain & the ANS'.
RAC members can register on line at the special member price of $240.75 including GST.
Education/Professional Certification & Training. Have you considered teaching as part of your career path and reflexology practice? RAC needs teachers in various parts of the country. Check out the website for teaching opportunities in your area or contact Linda Hughan, RAC's Education Coordinator at [email protected].
Newsletter. We hope you enjoyed the Spring Newsletter as much as we enjoyed compiling it. Now we start on the November edition. Look for a Commemorative 30 year supplement. We welcome submissions—and if you have a story, information or photo from any of the past 30 years that you think is interesting, we would love to receive them. Contact Alana at RAC Head Office [email protected].
There are also opportunities to advertise.
Chapters. Welcome to RAC's 10th Chapter, in the Ottawa Valley. If you are interested in information or are visiting th region, contact Ettalie Inglis at [email protected]. Interest continues high with Chapter activity. Some Chapters are planning programs and events for World Reflexology Week celebrated this year from September 24 to 30, 2006.
BC Chapter is hosting the 30th Conference and Annual General Meeting in Kelowna, BC (Sept 22 to 24). Toronto Chapter is hosting Hanne Marquardt's study day in Toronto on Sep 30. The Chapter in Montreal is hosting a Study Day on October 7th.
For information on a Chapter near you or to start one in your area, contact France Trudeau, RAC's Chapter Liason at [email protected]. Chapters are a great way to stay up to date with activities in Reflexology and to develop a support system for individuals.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).The Board has been working on introducing a new program to affect better (and much cheaper communication at RAC). Using VOIP computer technology to be introduced at the September Board Meeting, most future meetings of the Board, Committies, and Staff will be enhanced and cost far less than traditional teleconferencing (our current modality).
When Staff becomes proficient in presenting and moderating the VOIP programming, expect to see Reflexology learning opportunities from the comfort of your office or living room. This tool will shrink the size of our country virtually and allow us to bring members together for meetings, information sessions, and upgrading programs easily and effortlessly.
We will have more information to share following the Annual Conference.
RAC Finances continue to be in a strong and balanced position. However we are about 250 members short of our budgeted projection for 2006 and that will prevent us from introducing some marketing initiatives and French translation of RAC course material, in the short term. We continue with a 'RAC wants you back campaign' and if you know anyone who we should send an invitation to, please let us know.
Change of Address. Please make sure you give us all changes to your postal and email addresses so that we can keep you informed.
Keeping in Touch.
Please keep in touch through the Head Office from Monday to Friday:
Email: [email protected]
Toll Free: 1-877-722-3338
Phone: 204-477-4909 in the Winnipeg area
Fax: 204-477-4955
The contact names, phone numbers and email addresses for the Board of Directors and Marcus Summersfield, RAC's Executive Director, can be found by scrolling down on the "About RAC" page of this website.
We welcome your feedback and questions to know how you feel about the changes at RAC.
April–May 2006
A member’s report on what’s going on at the RAC offices, with the Board and behind the scenes on your behalf.
Board Retreat. We are preparing for the semi-annual face to face meetings of the Board in Winnipeg for late May. The other time the Board meets this way is at the Fall Annual Conference.
In May the Board and Staff will be upgrading the policy manual, considering resolutions for the Annual General Meeting, discussing the new National Unity issue and meeting with candidates for the Executive Director position.
The other major topic will be to discuss ways to fill some upcoming vacancies on the Board. Please consider sharing your expertise for the good of your organization. RAC is a member run organization and serving on the Board is one way to ensure RAC delivers what you would like to see for Reflexology in Canada.
Contact Ettalie Inglis at [email protected] to find out how the Board operates and how you can get involved. The experience is rewarding.
Executive Director. The search to replace outgoing director Philip Lander is entering its last stages and the final choice will be made from very skilled and experienced individuals.
The Board Committee doing the work has narrowed the selection to the candidates who will be interviewed in May. All candidates live in Winnipeg, which was one of the criteria for applying. Thank you to all members who showed an interest in competing for the Executive Director position.
Following the final selection, references will be checked and contracts signed before the Board makes its announcement. The new Executive Director will be officially introduced at the Conference and Annual General Meeting in Kelowna.
National Unity. There are fine organizations in Canada representing reflexologists at the Provincial level in BC, Ontario and Nova Scotia, and one is starting up soon in Alberta. RAC has local Chapters in most regions of the country, as well as its Head Office in Winnipeg. Schools offering courses in Reflexology dot the landscape from coast to coast.
Confusing? Yes if you are an individual wanting to study a new modality or a client wishing to find a practitioner nearby to work on your feet, hands or ears.
Cumbersome? Yes if you are a regulator or insurance provider wanting to communicate with a representative or spokesperson for our Industry.
Fragmented? Yes if we continue to operate in isolation from one another and do not work to gain the benefits that a larger critical mass will bring.
Your RAC Board has invited all Reflexology groups, associations, schools and individuals to start a discussion on National Unity and hopes that there will be enough interest and support to move forward.
If you have ideas and opinions on how a combined effort on our collective behalf should be structured, please contact Marcus Summersfield at [email protected].
Study Days with Hanne Marquardt. RAC members have a golden opportunity to meet and study with one of the world’s top reflexology teachers this fall in three cities. Toronto and Montreal will each host a full day of Hanne’s teaching, while Kelowna, BC has Hanne for a full day too plus this year’s Annual General Meeting and Conference.
Hanne is from Germany and she refers to her style of reflexology as Reflexotherapy of the Feet. In her book by the same name Hanne describes it as “an additional specialization to the existing profession[s] in the medical and therapeutic fields.” We have an opportunity to learn why her techniques are recognized and considered an important part of the medical system in her home country.
Program Outline:- The principle of analogy/similarity of shape as a useful tool of orientation for treatment
- Understanding the importance of observing signs and reactions of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) including; terminology, characteristics of abnormal zones and treatment protocols
- Demonstration and practice of ‘harmonizing/stabilizing’ grips for harmonizing the ANS
- Recognition, location & treatment of scars with Reflexotherapy in the “reflecting zones” of the feet
In addition to lots of practice time all participants will receive detailed Handouts - ‘Reflexotherapy of the Feet’, ‘Treatment of Scars with Reflexotherapy of the Feet’, ‘Grips for Stabilization/Harmonization of the ANS’, ‘Understanding Pain & the ANS’.
RAC members can register on line at the special member price of $240.75 including GST.
Education/Professional Certification & Training. RAC teachers are reporting lots of interest this spring in feet, hand and ear courses. RAC relies on its teachers to spread the word about Reflexology as well as train an ever-increasing number of Certified practitioners. Have you considered teaching as a way of life and a way to supplement your Reflexology income? RAC needs teachers in various parts of the country. Check out the website for teaching opportunities in your area.
Newsletter. As part of RAC’s 30th year anniversary expect a bigger and better May/June newsletter. We have increased the size to 24 pages, including more French content and articles from you the members.
Chapters. Interest continues high with Chapter activity. Early May will be a time for the 2nd quarterly meeting of all Chapters by teleconference. For information on a chapter near you or to start one in your area, contact France Trudeau, RAC’s Chapter Liaison at [email protected]. Chapters are a great way to stay up to date with activities in Reflexology and to develop a support system for individuals.
Change of Address. Please make sure you give us all changes to your postal and email addresses so that we can keep you informed.
Keeping in Touch.
Please keep in touch through the Head Office from Monday to Friday:
E-mail: [email protected]
Toll free: 1-877-722-3338
Phone: (204) 477-4909 in the Winnipeg area
Fax: (204) 477-4955
The contact names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for the Board of Directors and Marcus Summersfield, RAC’s Executive Director, can be found by scrolling down on the "About RAC" page of this website.
We welcome your feedback and questions to know how you feel about the changes at RAC.
February-March 2006
Kelowna 2006. September 22, 23 and 24, 2006 - RAC's 30th anniversary Conference details continue to be refined and the application form has been sent to all renewed members for 2006. It has also been posted to the website.
Please contact Alana at Head Office, if you have NOT received your Conference registration form, or cannot download it from the website!
Hanne Marquardt, our guest presenter and workshop leader will be leading Study Days in Montreal and Toronto in October 2006 in addition to Kelowna, as we try to maximize the number of RAC members who can work with her.
Seats are filling fast - send in your application TODAY!
Another New Board Member! Please join us in welcoming Marco Arruda to the Board. Here are a few words from Marco about his vision for RAC:
"As a new member of the Board, I'm ready for a challenge. I'll start by bringing my spirit and passion to the table, perhaps some new ideas and, definitely, and intention to work hard for RAC and its' members.
I still encounter too many people who have never heard of Reflexology. I'm hoping that we can do more to promote Reflexology and RAC not only on provincial and national scales but continue to develop our international
presence too. I hope to see membership increase more over the next while, allowing RAC to firmly plant itself for, at least, another 30 years!" Marcos Arruda, RAC Director
Continuing in a New Direction.The separation of the two distinct components of RAC - membership and education - into two organizations continues. The education arm now operates under the direction of a Subsidiary Board which is developing a plan of prioritizing tasks, and accomplishing them. Among the top priorities are to recruit and develop more teachers nation-wide, and to improve, update and translate educational manuals and charts. A revised curriculum will naturally result.
No decision to separate the education component from membership will take place without a full report to membership and a vote at a future AGM with 2007 being the earliest possible time for the separation to happen.
New Products. We are looking into carrying other products made or requested by our members, possibly an online Mall on our website where RAC members can market their own reflexology-related products. What do YOU want to see on our product shelf?
- Anatomy, Physiology and Reflexology video: Available on VHS and DVD.
- Beryl Crane's NEW First Aid at you finger-tips Hand Chart: It's almost DOUBLE the chart, with NO increase in price!
Insurance. Lackner McLennan have designed a Professional Liability and General Commercial program that we think stacks up favorably in the marketplace. It's every member's choice to carry insurance, although the Board of Directors highly suggests you do.
Contact Lackner McLennan directly at 519-579-3330 or Toll Free: 1 (800) 265-2625 or visit their website at www.lacknermclennan.com.
Website. The website is receiving rave reviews! Staff is able again to make updates on-line. The French translation is underway. To successful log-on, please remember to use your first name plus any initials. Staff stand ready to assist you if necessary.
May Newsletter. Deadline for articles for the May edition is March 23, 2006. Do you have a story to share? Now is the time to submit it! Look for the year's first semi-annual newsletter to appear in your mailbox in June, or by email (Thank you for choosing email!). It will feature RAC's upcoming Conference in Kelowna, as well as Chapter information, members' articles, and marketing tips.
Chapters. France Trudeau has been working hard as your Chapter Liaison and is communicating with chapters on a regular basis. More Chapters are being founded to support Reflexologists on a local level, nation wide! The information France shares will then be distributed to all chapter members to keep everyone up to date. It's a great new attraction to attend Chapter meetings, and keep "in the know"!
RAC has made a bulk purchase of Reflexology World magazines and so each chapter will be updated about the global reflexology scene every four months. Another quarterly initiative will be a tele-conference with chapter Chairs where ideas and information will be shared on a regular basis.
"Being part of a regional chapter brings a wealth of knowledge to so many aspects of the practice of reflexology: licensing; government recognition, or lack of it; networking; keeping in touch with other modalities or those in alternative medicine; and the opportunity to bond with colleagues in the profession" France Trudeau, Toronto Chapter.
For information on a chapter near you, or steps to create one, please contact Vicki Rempel at RAC Head Office.
Better Together. RAC has a mandate to unite Reflexologists nationally in professional programs and services. We must reach ALL qualified practitioners. We are looking at different ways to accomplish this. We need YOUR ideas. Look for a survey coming your way SOON!
Change of Address. Please make sure you give us all changes to your postal and email addresses so that we can keep you informed.
Keeping in Touch.
Please keep in touch through the Head Office from Monday to Friday:
E-mail: [email protected]
Toll free: 1-877-722-3338
Phone: (204) 477-4909 in the Winnipeg area
Fax: (204) 4774955
The contact names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for the Board of Directors and Marcus Summersfield, RAC's Executive Director, can be found by scrolling down on the "About RAC" page of this website.
We welcome your feedback and questions to know how you feel about the changes at RAC.
RACtivity for January 2006
New Year Resolutions. We are committed to staying in touch with all members through this website, newsletters, special mailings, Chapter involvement and one-to-one dialogue when possible. How are we doing?
It is very important that we receive feedback from you, so please stay in touch.
Your Association. The last couple of years were focused on getting out of debt and we are pleased to say we are back on track financially. Now we can start to look ahead to shape your association with you and your needs in the forefront.
We need your help, because it’s a task that we all need to share. It really is not appropriate to allow a small group of people to do all the work for the whole membership. If we all take a turn the work becomes easier and more fun.
Here are some ways to contribute.
- French translation remains a big challenge, and if you are bilingual please share some of your time.
- Articles, reviews, personal stories and information about Reflexology always are needed for the newsletter and the website.
- Chapters in your area are great places to share your talents and meet interesting colleagues.
- We will assist you starting a new Chapter in your area, if needed.
- Members are always welcome for committee work and for the Board of Directors. These are terrific ways to learn new skills.
- Attend meetings as a minute/note-taker.
- Contact us and tell us about your skills, and we will suggests ways you can be involved.
Contact the RAC office with ideas and offers to share the workload.
Kelowna BC is the place and September 22, 23 and 24, 2006 are the dates to mark in your reflexology calendar for the 30th anniversary Annual General Meeting and Conference. We have invited Hanne Marquardt, one of the world’s foremost reflexology teachers, to be our guest presenter and workshop leader.
RAC has lined up many other wonderful presenters and workshop leaders, as well. Thank you to Diane Wiebe and her committee for bringing us such a great assortment of learning experiences.
Study Days with Hanne Marquardt. Ensure you get your place in a ‘Study Day with Hanne Marquardt’ and at all the other selections you make. Please fill out and return the application form sent with your 2006 renewal receipt or complete the form you can download from the RAC website.
Hanne will be leading ‘Study Days’ in Toronto (Sept 30, 06) and Montreal (Oct 7, 06) in addition to Kelowna (Sept 25, 06). We are trying to maximize the number of RAC members who can work with her! Each ‘Study Day’ will accommodate a maximum of 40 participants.
RAC members will be given first choice of space. Your Membership Advantage is working for you!
To reserve your space book EARLY and before June 1 2006
PCT/Education. We have now set up the PCT/Education division as a subsidiary of RAC (mandated by you at the last AGM in Halifax). The new Subsidiary Board had its inaugural meeting in January and will chart the course to set up a new independent RAC School of Reflexology.
We will give you regular updates about the development of the School. The separation of the School from RAC will not happen without membership approval.
Teachers Wanted! RAC will be looking to increase its number of teachers across Canada. We have identified a number of regions where more RAC teachers are needed. Is teaching a career direction in your future? Contact the PCT division for information.
Chapters/Regional Development. Although we are a national organization, the Board of Directors is committed to strengthening RAC at the local level. This will assist us all to keep abreast of changes in Reflexology and key updates from within RAC.
We will be working closely with the BC, Toronto and Montreal Chapters this year as they co-host the “Study Days” with Hanne Marquardt in their fair cities this fall. As well as acting as co-facilitator for these exciting educational opportunities, the Chapters will be hosting Hanne as she tours our wonderful country.
The BC Chapter, of course, is also the host for the 30th anniversary Annual General Meeting and Conference in Kelowna. See the website for dates and costs and other details as they become available.
For many individual members, Chapters provide a forum for a personal exchange of ideas and information, a way to meet and introduce the public to Reflexology and a venue for treatment exchanges. For information on a Chapter near you, or steps to create one, please contact Vicki at RAC Head Office.
French Translation. We are following though with our promise to French-speaking members to make all of our written material available in both official languages.
An application will be submitted to Heritage Canada to assist with translation for the 30th commemorative newsletter.
Au Secours! We are having a more difficult time providing translation for the RAC website. If you or anyone you know has translation skills, please ask them to get in touch with Marcus Summersfield, RAC Executive Director at [email protected].
New Products. We are encouraged by the warm response of our members to the following NEW products;
French colour brochure: Hundreds sold! More French products eagerly requested.
Dr. Wickler Foot video on 2 DVD’s: (multi-reader compatible):
Hanne Marquardt’s book, “Reflexotherapy for the Feet”: Available from RAC’s OWN ‘On-Line Bookstore.” Have you ordered YOUR copy yet?
Press Kit CD-ROM: a handy presentation tool!
Anatomy, Physiology and Reflexology on DVD and VHS: an old favorite in both new and regular format.
Additional products are being considered for development. Tell us what YOU would like find in our RAC boutique!
Change of Address. Please make sure you give us all changes to your postal and email addresses so that we can keep you informed.
Keeping in Touch.
Please keep in touch through the Head Office from Monday to Friday.
|
|
|
