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The 9th International
Conference in Denver was an amazing event! Infant Massage
representatives attended from 23 countries around the world.
It was such a joy to see everyone mingle, reunite, and for
some, get to know each other for the first time.
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Pre-Conference
Because this is a prime opportunity for groups to meet in
person and discuss important topics and developments in the
field, Chapter Representatives and Trainers committed to
all-day meetings before the conference.
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Chapter Representatives from 23 countries.
Of 46 Trainers around the world, 19 were present for the
conference.
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More of the Conference attendees arrived during the day on
Friday. What a joy to see our founders Vimala McClure and
Audrey Downes meet again after so many years! |
At right, Jody Wright, Vimala McClure, Helen Moses and
Audrey Downes - four of the original founders, chat together
for the first time in over 10 years. |
International Night
Friday night was designated as 'International Night'. Audrey
Downes was our Mistress of Ceremonies. She shared her story
of how Infant Massage found her, and we all listened
intently to one of the stories of the beginnings of our
global mission. Read more at:
How Infant Massage Found Me
Between events, an entertaining magician captivated the
audience, and then the International Video Committee
presented a preview of an 8-minute DVD presentation - the
first international marketing presentation for Infant
Massage capturing a variety of families and images
representing our work. The DVD is being finalized, and it
will be available in many languages.
International Conference Saturday and Sunday
The conference speakers presented information to support the
many areas of our work. After each presentation, one could
hear the hum of discussion. Interest and discussion was so
high, that breakout circles were formed for special-interest
groups lead by each speaker.
First General Assembly for Infant Massage USA
On Saturday during lunch, Infant Massage USA had its first
General Assembly. During our short time, we were inspired
and energized by the amazing talents, resources and passion
of our members. Linda Storm, our Executive Director, and
Chris Elkanick, our Membership Coordinator, assisted in
providing a brief look at our history and short-term
membership goals.
International Banquet
The Banquet on Saturday night was so special. We honored
Vimala and Audrey for their work and vision. Other founding
mothers of the organization shared in the event: DeAnna
Elliott presented a video interview of Vimala. Helen Moses
lead us in a song for Vimala, and Jody Wright sang a song
for Vimala and led the Candle Lighting Ceremony.
 This
was such a moving activity. Vimala's candle was lit. She
then lit Audrey's candle, then she lit the candles of the
original Founding Mothers – Helen Moses, DeAnna Elliott and
Maria Mathias. These trainers then lit the candles of the
Trainers from around the world. The International Trainers
then lit the candles of all of the Instructors/Educators
present. While the candle lighting was taking place, we all
sang 'Ami Tomake' and formed a circle in the banquet room.
There was hardly a dry eye as we stood in this circle of
lights. It was deeply moving, transforming and validating to
see how we have grown as an international body of citizens,
on a common mission, in one global organization.
 An
International Banquet wouldn’t be without music and dancing!
Our colleagues from around the world enjoyed each other’s
company while dancing to a live band long into the night. |
Raffle of Vimala’s Handmade
Quilt
 Before
the conference, a photo of Vimala's Quilt was in our
newsletter. The photo couldn’t do it justice. The quilt is a
masterpiece. People who were not connected with the
Conference walked by it (as it was on display) and admired
it. A few quilters commented on what mastery it took to make
the quilt.
During the Conference, raffle tickets were sold for a
variety of valuable prizes. The coveted ‘Grand Prize’ was
Vimala's quilt. When the last speaker completed their
presentation, we held the raffle drawing for the quilt. It
was won by IM USA CEIM, Angelica Garcia of Southern
California. Needless to say, she was thrilled!
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Stroke Review
It is custom to complete the International Conference with a
stroke review. Members gathered with their dolls, took a
traditional seat on the floor and followed the Committee of
Trainer Candidates in a stroke review. It is a valuable
session for all of us (Trainers included!) to gather within
a group and review the very techniques we set out to guide
families in. |
 International
General Assembly
Following the Conference, Chapter Representatives and
Chapter Members gathered for two days of intense discussion
and voting of international issues of interest to all. It’s
a lot of work, and it was professionally and efficiently
facilitated by Dominique Proudhon of Grenoble, France.
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Comments About the
Conference from Infant Massage USA Members
Just a note to tell you how much I enjoyed the International
Conference & GA. The content was excellent, and I enjoyed
meeting colleagues from all over the world. But most of all,
I felt very comfortable and cared for. The hotel was perfect
for the event. The speakers were fabulous. The preconference
course with Cherry Bond was invaluable. The process looked
seamless. If there were behind-the-scenes problems, they
were invisible to the participants. Thank you and your
committee for making this an unforgettable experience.
Cynthia, MD
Brandy's Blog -
I wish I could describe to you the weekend! I get pretty
speechless trying to write my feelings, my excitement, and
my vision for infant massage. I learned so many things that
will make me a more valuable teacher, wife, and someday
mother. I am a better person because of the people I met and
the spirit I felt all weekend. Saturday night was a banquet
specifically honoring Vimala and Audrey Downs. (Audrey
became instrumental to Vimala in organizing the whole
international association). Without the two of them, there
would be no association! Brandy, CO
For those of you who could joined us in Denver, CO – thank
you!...and for those of you who couldn’t, we missed you! The
next International Educational Conference and General
Assembly will be held in the United Kingdom in October 2010.
We do hope to see you there. For those of you who have not
yet had the “international experience” of this global
organization, it is a prime opportunity to do so. Be
inspired, be motivated, share, learn and enjoy meeting peers
from various cultures that share a common mission:
…promoting nurturing touch and communication through
training, education and research so that parents, caregivers
and children are loved, valued and respected throughout the
world community.
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Infant Massage USA is the US Chapter
to the International Association of
Infant Massage, with its offices in
Sweden (iaim.net). Our
program is the one founded by, and
continues to be supported by, Vimala
Schneider McClure, author of “Infant
Massage, A Handbook for Loving
Parents” and a pioneer in Infant
Massage.
Learn
More...
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