The day is here, certification and membership renewals for 2025 are now open! As always, your certification and membership will expire on January 1st.

Click here to view the early renewal rates.

October 2024

The FGNA Annual Meeting was held last week on Sep 26, 2024. The Annual meeting is a comprehensive report of the previous year, 2023,  to its members. For those who did not register or were unable to attend the live Zoom meeting  you will be able to read the entirety of the PowerPoint presentation on the members website (FGNA Annual Reports).

Overall the 2023 year reports show continued fiscal health, numerous website improvements, and increases in membership activities. Communications boosted our social media presence and the Zoom cafes continue to increase in popularity. Several reports to highlight are the following committees: Financial, CORR, NATAB, Conference, the Journal, and Service Marks. (FGNA Annual Reports). 

We are forever grateful to our fellow volunteer members  for their hours and hours of dedicated service, team work, their  brilliance, their humor as they participate on the variety of FGNA committees, in supporting roles,  in service to FEFNA and other affiliates. You, your ideas, and skills, are welcomed.

Nominations for candidates to run for the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee are still open until October 6th. Volunteer Here There are numerous other FGNA Committees that would love to have your help. If you are interested in volunteering for any project or committee, please email fgnavolunteers@gmail.com.

Please reach out to membership@feldenkraisguild.com 

Maxine Sidenfaden

fgnapres@gmail.com

In Touch Live - "the challenge of slowing down."

Register now!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: JOIN US FOR IN TOUCH LIVE!

Wednesday October 9 at 7:30pm EST/4:30pm PST

Join In Touch Live! an interactive conversation with Violet van Hees and Jeff Haller, hosted by In Touch editor Seth Dellinger on Wednesday, October 9 at 7:30pm EST to dialogue about the "the challenge of slowing down."

Be prepared to ask questions and discuss with Violet Van Hees and Jeff Haller. Read In Touch here: https://t.e2ma.net/message/y7u9yh/22tcmznb

Register now!

The renewal process can be a great time to enter your classes and workshops. You can list classes as on-line, in-person, or both, if your live classes are also being streamed. We have noticed that In-person class listings are almost non-existent so please consider taking some time to enter your classes for the coming year. Again, in-person classes, in particular, have a small number of listings. So even if you are teaching at a club or wellness center, please list them with a note that membership is required if that is the case.

We will continue to evaluate and make appropriate changes to continue to improve the ease and functionality for members and the public.

Listing your classes may not make a big difference in your enrollments but it does make a difference in the overall impression the public gets when they visit feldenkrais.com and look for classes. Their assumption is probably that our class database represents all of the classes that are available, but that is not the case. Searches for in-person classes, even in large metropolitan areas, are yielding very small results. This gives a false impression of what is actually available.

The listings are not comprehensive by design. The link to a practitioner's own website for more detailed information is the primary objective. So it is a snapshot with basic location and day/time information.

The functionality and accuracy of the class listings on feldenkrais.com has been a problem for years. Many of these problems have been solved, but there is still more to do to make it easier for practitioners to list their classes and for the public to find them. Quite a few practitioners may have abandoned listing their classes due to past issues, or perhaps didn't think listing them would be relevant to their situations.

We are encouraging all practitioners to list their classes on Feldenkrais.com. The current version does not take long, and you can now set the end date for up to 12 months.

Title: Teaching Awareness Through Movement® Support Study Group

Date: October 26th

When: 9:00-11:30 am

Description: Join fellow practitioners on the floor for a fun ATM® lesson followed by facilitated feedback and discussion.

Location: Taj Yoga Studio at Crown Hill Community Center, 9250 14th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117

What: Study group with feedback

Host: Event sponsored by FGNA NW Region/Council of Regional Representatives and Feldenkrais Teachers In Seattle

Contact: Email Becci Parsons at bparsons@seanet.com

Cost: Free admission for FGNA Members! 

Interested in attending or teaching? Email Becci Parsons at bparsons@seanet.com.

Title: Teaching Seniors - Rolling in all Directions

Date: Nov 2-3, 2024

Register Here

Instructor/speaker: Moti Nativ

Description 

Location: Live Online

What: 2 day live online workshop 

Host: Eastern and Southern California/Southern Nevada/ Hawaii Regions

Contact: Jane Johnston - feldyeastern@gmail.com, Elsie Sleeter fgnasocasonvhi@gmail.com

Cost: 

Early Bird expiresOctober 23rd

Early Bird: FGNA Members $125, Non Members $175

FGNA Members $175, Non Members $225

*ALL tickets are for both days and include recordings, transcripts and ATM transcripts.   

Registration link: ALL tickets are for both days. Recording and transcript will be distributed 2 weeks after the end of the workshop. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teaching-seniors-rolling-in-all-directions-tickets-1026473859947

News from the Council of Regional Representatives (CORR)

In CORR’s September meeting, we discussed presenting our 2025 budget to the Board of Directors as well as information on 2024 workshop costs and attendance to assist in planning for the 2025 Annual Conference. CORR is considering projects such as: continuing to support advanced training workshops, establishing a system to match member volunteers with needed tasks, and considering whether changes to region boundaries might be useful. Representatives encourage members to list in-person classes in the Feldenkrais.com calendar and suggest that the Website Committee explore ways to more easily find local in-person classes listed in the calendar. CORR is Investigating sociocracy as a way to increase the effectiveness of our meetings, a process that helps organizations make decisions in a non-centralized manner with transparency, equity, and efficiency. It works with concepts of consent rather than consensus, inclusive discussion, and implementing leadership opportunities for all. CORR welcomes the questions, comments, and ideas of members. Please contact your region representative. 

The last segment of the FGNA Annual Conference Series for 2024, ” Breath”, will take place Friday, October 18th. Come join our seasoned and new presenters to explore why breathing is a fundamental movement of life and how it is like the rhythm of the sea. Gain a new perspective on breathing, rejuvenate yourself from the inside and expand your knowledge and understanding.  

Forgot to register? Don't worry you can still register for the whole conference and receive the recordings of the earlier segments of your choice.  

For a limited time only, we are offering an exclusive opportunity to those who have already purchased a one-day Conference Series ticket! Upgrade your ticket to the Full Conference Series at the Early Bird registration rate. This upgrade gives you access to the upcoming event on October 18, plus recordings from both Part 1 and Part 2 of the Conference Series.

Why Upgrade?

Expand Your Learning: Access additional sessions and deep-dive workshops.

Save More: Enjoy the full conference at the Early Bird rate, even though it's closed for new registrations!

Don’t miss this chance to maximize your experience. Email events@feldenkraisguild.com to upgrade your ticket!

The Chairman of the Conference Committee, Elinor Sillverstein, and Conference Committee members Darcia Dexter and Jane Johnston, after many years of service, are retiring from their positions.  On behalf of the FGNA community, we thank you for your years of service. 

If you have experience with organizing events, please consider volunteering for the FGNA Conference  Committee. 

Contact March Dolphin at fgnadirector3@gmail.com

From Canada (last month) we cross the border into the New England region. In contrast with the smaller Canadian library, the New England’s library ‘branch’ has 117 items in varied formats (book, transcript, DVD, CD, VHS and audiocassette tape).

Four titles in their inventory are relevant to the 2024 FGNA annual conference Breathing Theme. Consider requesting these resources out to complement your 2024 FGNA conference experience!

- Dr. Breath: The Story of Breathing Coordination by Carl Stough and Reece Stough (book)

- The Perceptible Breath: A Breathing Science by Ilse Middendorf (book and tapes)

- ATM© Series on Breathing in Action by Ned Dwelle at the Feldenkrais Guild® Conference 2006 (CD)

- Breathing, Posture & Pain Relief by Anat Baniel (DVD) 

Access the library system  https://www.feldenkraisguild.com/page/interregion-library

… or … find the library link anytime through the FGNA Membership Portal’s Resources tab, then click the library link.  

Questions about your region’s library ‘branch’ - contact your region’s librarian.

Questions about the overall library system - contact Katherine Wieseman at feldenkraisnwlibrary@gmail.com.

NATAB is the North American Training Accreditation Board.  We are one of four international Training Accreditation Boards (TABs).  Each TAB has a TAB Governing Body, as well.  NATAB's Governing Body is the FGNA Board of Directors. 

The region served by NATAB is the Americas. 

The TABs and their Governing Bodies provide the following two services, within the region that they serve: 

*Review and approval of training program accreditation applications, when requested by a training organizer

*Review and approval of Assistant Trainer applications and, together with the other TABs, approval of Trainer Candidate and Trainer applications. 

Each TAB Governing Body is also one of four TAB Governing Bodies that collectively make decisions about whether to approve or update international policies related to the above two areas of responsibility. 

The four international policies that the TAB Governing Bodies are responsible for are:

*International Training Accreditation Guidelines (TAGs)

*Guidelines for Certification as a Feldenkrais© Assistant Trainer

*Guidelines for Certification as a Feldenkrais Trainer (which includes the requirements for Trainer Candidate approval)

*Policy and Procedure to Change Internationally-Approved Training Accreditation Policy and Guidelines 

NATAB is a busy group!  Stay tuned in future Guild News publications for updates on work underway. 

 Do you know someone who would like to learn about becoming a Feldenkrais Practitioner?  

Our website has helpful information about Feldenkrais professional training programs, including:

*Links to training programs that are currently open for enrollment or in process

*What participants will learn in a Feldenkrais training program

*What Feldenkrais Practitioners know and are able to do...

*And more!

Best regards,

Andrea

Thanks to all who attended the September 19 Zoom Café, and participated in the discussion of The Educated Heart, by Laura Allen and Nina McIntosh. In the café, FGNA members became acquainted with the book and discusses the impact of professional boundaries on their work, together with members of the Ethics Committee.

The Educated Heart offers support for both new and experienced practitioners. It is a wonderful resource for teachers of the Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education in understanding and navigating complex ethical boundaries and professional principles. It also provides practical strategies for navigating the complexities of boundaries with helpful suggestions for effective communication and professional relationships, to enhance the quality of client care and ensure a strong practice.

Listen to the recording here.

The Educated Heart is readily available for purchase online. Search for the 5th edition, which is most current, and contains new content covering boundary issues related to the Internet. 

If you have questions about FGNA’s Ethics program, or the process set forth in the Grievance Protocol, please contact the Ethics Committee Chair: ethics@feldenkraisguild.com 

It is renewal time!

 Why is Certification directly related to Service Mark use? 

   * When certification has lapsed, the practitioner is required to renew certification. 

    *Until renewal, the use of service marks must be discontinued.   

   * When a Feldenkrais® Practitioner or trainee does not become certified through FGNA, they are not licensed to use the FGNA Service Marks. 

    (Note your certifications expires 12/31/2024 - To Renew

Are Service Marks important to a profession? 

‘Both trademarks and service marks play a critical role in brand recognition and member loyalty by ensuring that consumers and members can identify the source of goods or services they trust.’

Source: Understanding the Basics: What are Trademarks and Service Marks?

Date: June 4, 2024  By: Gregory M. Stone Attorney 

Questions: please contact the service mark committee at:servicemarks@feldenkraisguild.com

IFF Distribution Center - Original source materials from Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, DSc. This month we're highlighting the San Francisco Training, taught after Esalen and before Amherst, it's Moshe in his prime. Available as audio and transcript, a wonderful way to listen to the master himself, his lessons, stories, quirks. FGNA members are eligible for a special discount on IFF materials, click here. 

Register for a free account to access the complete catalog (available exclusively to Practitioners and Trainees) at: https://feldenkrais-method.org/materials/catalog/  

The FGNA Annual Meeting is completed. A ballot will come your way in the next 10 days to vote in the FGNA General Election.

There is still time however to nominate yourself for a position on FGNA Board or Nominating Committee. These positions are open to Guild Certified Feldenkrais PractitionerCM Professional Members and Certified Awareness Through Movement TeacherCM Professional Members. To appear on the general ballot, each nominee must agree to accept a nomination and complete the nomination form by October 6.  Volunteer Here 

FGNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nominations are open to complete the term for FGNA Director 4. Director 4 will take office immediately, with the term ending in Q3 2027.

Nominations are open for FGNA Director 2, term beginning Q3 2025 and ending in Q3 2028, The person who is elected will begin attending Board meetings in January 2025 as Director-Elect, and will be mentored by a designated Board member until their term begins.

Nominations are open for FGNA Director 3, term beginning Q3 2025 and ending in Q3 2028, The person who is elected will serve as Director-Elect from January 1 2025 until they take office in Q3 2025.

Nominations are open for FGNA Director 5, term beginning Q3 2025 and ending in Q3 2028, The person who is elected will serve as Director-Elect from January 1 2025 until they take office in Q3 2025.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Nominations are open to complete the term for Member Elected Seat #5 . Committee seat #5 will take office immediately, with the term ending in December 31, 2025

Member Elected Seat #2 - January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2027 

Support your member organization and it's presence and growth in the profession. Volunteer Here There are numerous other FGNA Committees that would love to have your help. If you are interested in volunteering for any project or committee, please email fgnavolunteers@gmail.com

Would you like an addition way to get FGNA news, IFF news, news from your region and news from your colleagues? If so join our new Facebook group for FGNA members only. Join our FGNA Members Facebook Group.

Click on this link to join. https://www.facebook.com/share/CZUzLXVrXF9mqCqN/ 

All is quiet on the legislative front. If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer in this area, please contact Government Relations Administrator Andrea Wiener: andrea.wiener@feldenkraisguild.com.