Arkansas Makes An IMpact: A Grassroots Victory!

When I first came across a post advertising the kickoff meeting for stakeholders in the spring of 2021, I was intrigued. Like many others, I didn’t participate in the early development discussions, but I saw potential in the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact). It wasn’t until December 2022, when the finalized model legislative language was announced, that my involvement truly began.

Cold Calls

With the 2023 legislative session about to start, I wasted no time. In the first week of January, I contacted my state senator and representative, urging them to introduce the compact that year. To my disappointment, I received no response from either. Not one to give up easily, I shifted my focus when I noticed that a similar compact for occupational therapists had been introduced by a state representative. Again, my attempts at engagement were met with silence.

Facing Setbacks and Finding New Avenues

Despite these initial frustrations, I remained committed. Nevada made history in July 2023 as the first state to join the compact, while Arkansas’s legislative session ended without progress. Since Arkansas only holds fiscal sessions in even-numbered years, I thought I’d have no opportunity to advance IMpact in 2024. However, I was honored to receive an invitation from the Council of State Governments (CSG) to attend the IMpact Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., in October 2023.

The summit was an eye-opening experience, featuring insights from the U.S. Department of Defense, industry professionals, state regulators, and legislators. Topics ranged from busting myths about the compact to discussions on the future of massage therapy licensure. While I dreaded having to wait until the 2025 legislative session, I saw this time as an opportunity to strategize and educate others in Arkansas.

While in D.C., I documented my experience through a series of vlogs, explaining why I supported IMpact and why others should too. Throughout 2024, I dedicated my efforts to spreading awareness—sharing updates as Ohio became the second state to join, attending and promoting virtual webinars, writing blogs, creating videos, and conducting informal polls. I had countless phone conversations with the government relations leaders of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), working tirelessly to gain institutional support.

Building a Grassroots Movement

By August 2024, after exhausting all possible avenues to get AMTA on board, I teamed up with two trusted friends to create a Facebook group, Supporters of IMpact, dedicated to education and rallying grassroots supporters. We designed supporter gear—caps, shirts, enamel button pins—and proudly displayed them at massage therapy gatherings and around town.

As the year progressed, I faced an unexpected challenge. In the autumn, I was removed from my elected position as Arkansas Chapter President of AMTA. No official reason was provided, but from conversations with the association’s CEOs and national leadership, I firmly believe it was due to my unwavering support of the compact. However, I have no regrets—the association ultimately shifted to a neutral stance just before the 2025 legislative session, which was a victory in itself. And to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing!

Turning the Tide

As summer 2024 turned to early fall, I helped conduct a survey of Arkansas massage therapists using the Department of Health’s list of licensed practitioners. The survey provided invaluable data, illustrating the profession’s strong support for the compact, collecting personal stories, and identifying individuals willing to actively participate in advocacy efforts. Around the same time, a colleague who had hosted continuing education courses at her clinic reached out to express her support—and she had a connection that proved invaluable. Her brother, a soon-to-be elected state representative, seemed open to sponsoring the compact bill.

As 2024 came to a close, I facilitated discussions between this newly elected representative, CSG, and the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). By year’s end, we had secured a sponsor; all we had to do was wait for the legislative session to begin and the bill to be drafted.

Navigating the Legislative Process

The long-anticipated moment arrived in late January 2025, when the House bill introducing IMpact was finally filed in Arkansas. Just a week later, we were hit with another challenge—a Senate bill mandating the Department of Health to develop a state test as an alternative to the MBLEx for licensure. The same individual pushing for the Senate bill was actively lobbying against IMpact. Initially, this felt like a disaster, but it ultimately became a rallying cry, engaging the massage therapy community in Arkansas more than I had ever seen. While many focused on opposing the Senate bill, I channeled my energy entirely into advancing IMpact.

I researched committee assignments, identified where they met in the Capitol, and compiled contact information for key legislators. Using the survey responses, I strategically targeted my email campaigns, sending updates and calls to action to supporters who had expressed willingness to participate. To make an impression, I mailed IMpact-branded ink pens and luggage tags to committee members with a brief letter explaining the compact’s benefits. While not against the rules, this move ruffled a few feathers and left some legislators skeptical.

While waiting to secure a Senate sponsor, I ramped up grassroots education through social media, creating videos and “Did You Know?” graphics. More states were filing compact bills, and Arkansas saw an influx of other occupational compacts being introduced. By late January, FSMTB retained a lobbyist to focus on opposing the state test mandate and to a lesser degree, help provide legislators with accurate information about IMpact.

The Final Push

As the Senate bill sped through committee, we finally secured our Senate sponsor, setting the stage for a showdown between the two bills. Once we had a date for IMpact’s first committee hearing, we organized a live webinar, allowing therapists to ask questions, meet our lead sponsor in the House chamber, and strategize outreach efforts. The recorded session was later shared in our Facebook group for transparency and accessibility.

Leading up to the hearing, I sent personalized emails to every committee member, aligning IMpact with their legislative priorities based on their voting records and biographies. While only a few responded, every touchpoint mattered. You never know which lawmakers are checking their emails—or which ones might be swayed at the last moment.

Lessons for Future Advocates

Passing the Interstate Massage Compact in Arkansas was a hard-fought victory, and it reinforced the power of grassroots activism. For those looking to create change in their own states, here are some key takeaways from my journey:

Persistence is Key – Initial rejection doesn’t mean failure. Keep searching for new angles and allies.

Data Matters – Surveys and real-world testimonials make your case stronger.

Engage the Community – Grassroots support can be a game-changer. Social media, webinars, and direct outreach all play a role.

Understand the Legislative Process – Know which committees your bill will go through and build relationships accordingly.

Don’t Underestimate Opposition – Be prepared for counterarguments and misinformation, and always have factual responses ready.

Looking Ahead & Lessons Learned

The fight isn’t over—other states are still working to pass IMpact, and there’s always more advocacy to be done. But looking back, I am immensely proud of what we accomplished. This was a victory for every massage therapist who raised their voice, for every client who will benefit from improved mobility, and for the profession as a whole.

Grassroots activism works! And when professionals stand united, we can create meaningful change.

During the legislative discussions, several key questions and concerns were raised by lawmakers:

1. State Sovereignty and Rulemaking Authority: Legislators questioned how participation in IMpact would affect Arkansas's autonomy, particularly regarding rule-making authority. To address this, an amendment was proposed specifying that the Arkansas General Assembly or the Legislative Council would have the authority to review rules established by the Interstate Massage Compact Commission. 

2. Licensing Requirements and Standards: Concerns were raised about the uniformity of licensing standards across member states. IMpact requires therapists to hold an active single-state license, complete at least 625 hours of massage therapy education, pass a national licensing examination, undergo a background check, and meet specific professional conduct standards.

3. Implementation and Oversight: Questions emerged regarding the establishment and oversight of the Compact Commission, the body responsible for implementing and administering the compact, including its rule-making and dispute resolution powers.

4. Impact on Existing State Laws: Legislators sought clarification on how the compact would interact with current state laws governing massage therapy, particularly concerning the enforcement of standards and disciplinary actions.

5. Public Safety and Practitioner Competency: Ensuring public safety and the competency of practitioners under the compact was a significant concern. Discussions focused on how IMpact would maintain high standards for massage therapists practicing across state lines.

These discussions and the subsequent amendments played a crucial role in shaping the final version of the bill, leading to its successful passage in Arkansas.

Accompanying Vlogs: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirbyclarkellis.mti/video/7484262311570574635?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7356954434540471851

Peace and Healing,

Kirby Clark Ellis, MTI, BCTMB