CTSA CALL FOR MEMBERSHIP

Dear Connecticut Acupuncturists,

Out of a little over 400 licensed Acupuncturists licensed in the state of Connecticut, only forty-nine are professional members of the Connecticut Society of Acupuncturist (formerly the Connecticut Society of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, CSAOM- we are currently in the process of updating and changing our name). We ask that you please take a moment to read why being a member is important at this time of the development of our profession at both the state and national level.

Unified and cohesive organization among our profession is essential in order to continue to be taken seriously not only by our state legislators but also when working to provide support on a national level when advocating for issues that affect all acupuncturists nationwide. Legislators need to know that we are on the same page as a profession regarding the issues we ask them to consider.

In becoming a member of the CTSA, you become an integral part of the recent advent of a cohesive national organization, the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA). The ASA (www.ASACU.org)  is working closely with its member state associations (twenty-seven states to date) to support states and provide a structured pathway to accomplishing the many broader goals our profession has been trying to reach for decades.

Historically, there have been many organizations that have attempted to meet the needs of the uniquely diverse group of people that acupuncturists are.  Some are legislatively motivated (i.e. AAAOM, CSA), some educationally motivated (i.e. NCCAOM, ACAOM, schools) and many ethnically/culturally motivated (i.e. ATCMS, UA, KAOMNY).  Our alphabet soup of organizations is extensive.

However, state and national associations must represent all acupuncturists.  For this reason, the ASA only allows state associations to sit on its Council with voting rights.  Although the ASA collaborates with other groups, only state associations are “members” of the ASA. CTSA is, therefore, representing all Connecticut acupuncturists on this Council.

In order for the CTSA address the issues that support and affect our profession in this state, first and foremost, we need a strong membership to ensure that have a sustainable future.  As we face health crises like the opioid epidemic, unique opportunities like the Joint Commission’s mandate that medical institutions now provide alternative treatments to opioid prescriptions with acupuncture at the top of that list.   Joining our organization allows the community of acupuncturists within CT to come together to benefit our communities, our patients, and our profession in an exciting and tangible way.

Why Do We Need a State Organization?

Coming together as a state organization brings a sense of “strength in numbers.” We can accomplish much more together than we can each on our own.

• Working together as an organization allows us to organize public relations campaigns and activities in a way that can strongly benefit our members and educate the public effectively
• The most effective way for Connecticut acupuncturists to have a voice about the state of affairs within their home state is to join as members
• The only reason Acupuncturists in the state of Connecticut have an up- to-date and pertinent scope of practice and legislative statutes is because of the efforts of CTSA/CSAOM over the years.
• CTSA has long maintained a productive and respectful relationship with our legislators and we continue to have an open dialogue with them
• In this current climate of change of consciousness about acupuncture nationally, there may well arise a need for more legal assistance as changes are happening and the CTSA is the organization our legislators turn to or expect to hear from
• A strong membership lends itself to financial stability- this is a benefit to any legislative changes that may need to be addressed in the future
• We are transparent about the workings of our board, our budget and expenditures and make a great effort to ensure we are representing the needs of our profession in a democratic way.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Being a CTSA Member?

• Our membership dues are some of the lowest in the country at $135.00/year with options to pay bi-yearly or automatic renewal option
• Being a CTSA member is the only way to become a member of the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA), which keeps us informed on the national agenda and legislation action and allows us to take part in all benefits offered by the ASA (including a discount on Pro D seminars)
• CTSA wants to work on securing our profession’s role in addressing the opioid epidemic and in addressing the concern of Dry Needling/Acupuncture being provided by other health professions without the qualifications that Licensed Acupuncturists have
• Professional listing on our CTSA website (CSAOM.org) (which is soon to be significantly overhauled in conjunction with the ASA)
• Ability to be featured on our CTSA Facebook page for CEU offerings, your business page, local lectures, etc.
• Discount on CEU offerings from CTSA and any ASA State organizations
• Regional Meet and Greets are to begin soon, with the first one to be in Fairfield county October  2018 that allows Connecticut acupuncturists to get to know each other
• Benefits include Lhasa OMS sale days for CTSA members only. Our members will access some serious savings (enough to pay for your annual membership!)

What Are Some of CTSA’s Accomplishments Over the Years?

• Scope of Practice legislation enacted June, 2012 which updated our Acupuncture Practice Act (which includes the term ‘dry needing’)
• Title Protection legislation (Public Act 09-21) for licensed acupuncturists was passed in 2009.
• Every October 24th is designated a statewide Acupuncture Day, along with national awareness day efforts.
• 2008-2012 raising awareness by participating in Acupuncture Demo Day at the State Legislative Office Building.
• Newtown emergency response clinic established to provide treatment to a community of shooting victims, 2013
• Developing closer relationships with the Acupuncture Institute at the University of Bridgeport
• Yearly event at our Connecticut State Capitol- Acupuncture Demo day where Connecticut Licensed Acupuncturists can meet their legislators, demonstrate and teach about Acupuncture and discuss our current needs in the state of Connecticut
• 2018 presentation to the Committee on Children at the CT Legislative building on The Benefits of Acupuncture Treatment as an Alternative to Opioid Prescription, given by Maggie Barili, RN, LAc, Dipl.Ac, president of the CTSA with Jody Eisemann, LAc, Dipl.Ac, Vice President CTSA

Connecticut Acupuncturists, please support and join your state association. We are your representatives.

Please visit our website at http://www.csaom.org to join today.

MORE NEWS & IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS

• CSAOM has a new name and logo!  CTSA Connecticut Society of Acupuncturists  AND we have a new revamped website in the works in conjunction with the ASA, American Society of Acupuncturists.
• CTSA Annual meeting will be Sunday February 24 at 10am, with an afternoon 2.5 hour CEU offering by Dr. Sarah Poulin, DACM, LAc which will focus on Multi-disciplinary Communication Strategies. More details to follow.  Please save the date!
• Sunday October 28, 2-5 pm, CTSA is hosting an hors d’oeuvres, wine and beverage Meet and Greet at The Office of Jody Eisemann, LAc, Acupuncture Healing CT, 166 East Ave. Suite 201, Norwalk, CT 06851. 
  •  We are placing a special focus on Fairfield county licensed Acupuncturists, but all CT LAc’s are invited.   (More CTSA Meet and Greets will be in the future in different counties).  This is a lovely opportunity to socialize and to meet members of the board of the CTSA. 
  • We would like to update you on the latest Acupuncture news and happenings in CT and how joining the CTSA will be a great benefit to you in so many ways. We would also like to hear from YOU about your activities and interests.  Please Join us!!  It’s our treat!
    Please RSVP to Jody Eisemann by email: jeisemann2@gmail.com, or call: (203) 216-2548

Please feel free to contact CTSA board members by email: CSAOM2015@yahoo.com

Please also check out our Website: CSAOM.org

We need members for their voices, donation of time for tasks, suggestions, improvements so that we can truly remain a valuable resource to all Connecticut Acupuncturists.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,

CTSA Board of Directors