MOVTA Is at a Crossroads — And We Need RVTs Willing to Step Up

The Missouri Veterinary Technicians Association exists because veterinary technicians chose to create and sustain a professional voice in Missouri. But today, we need to be honest with our members and our profession:

MOVTA is hurting.

For years — in some cases, more than a decade — the same small group of RVTs has carried this organization. These are full-time working technicians who volunteer nights, weekends, and emotional energy because they believe Missouri RVTs deserve representation.

That model is no longer sustainable without new people stepping forward.

Recent progress, such as the updates to Missouri’s Levels of Supervision, did not happen by chance. It happened because technicians were willing to take initiative, engage with the process, and speak up. Those wins matter — but they are fragile.

Without new RVTs willing to help, MOVTA may cease to exist.

And without MOVTA, Missouri veterinary technicians lose:

  • A professional voice at the state level
  • Advocacy for scope, supervision, and recognition
  • Representation when decisions are made about us
  • A unified place for technicians to organize and be heard

Where We Need Help

We are especially in need of support in:

Leadership Roles

  • President – Helps guide the direction of MOVTA, facilitates board meetings, and represents Missouri RVTs at the state level. This is a supported role with mentorship from current and past leadership.
  • Vice President – Assists the President, helps coordinate board efforts, and steps in as needed. A strong role for someone interested in leadership while sharing responsibility.
  • Secretary – Maintains meeting notes, records, and basic documentation to support organizational continuity and compliance.

Support & Engagement Roles

  • Membership Chair – Focuses on welcoming new members, supporting retention, and helping RVTs feel connected and supported.
  • Student Relations / Scholarship Chair – Supports veterinary technician students through outreach, engagement, and scholarship-related efforts to help build the future of the profession in Missouri
  • Advocacy & Legislative Support – Assists with monitoring legislation, communicating updates, and supporting technician advocacy.
  • Education, Continuing Education & Events Support – Helps plan continuing education opportunities, educational events, and professional development programming in support of MOVTA’s mission.
  • Public Relations (Communications & Social Media) – Supports MOVTA’s public-facing communication by sharing news, advocacy updates, and opportunities through social media, email, and the website.

For those who would like more detail, MOVTA’s Constitution outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations for executive board positions and committee chairs and can be viewed here:
https://movta.org/about-us/constitution

These are not rigid roles. If you have ideas, energy, or a willingness to help in ways not listed here, we still want to hear from you.

All roles are collaborative and supported — no one is expected to do this alone.

You do not need board experience. You do not need to have everything figured out. What we need most right now are RVTs who are willing to take initiative and share the load.

If you have ever asked why things don’t change — this is where change actually happens.

Connect With MOVTA at MVMA

MOVTA will be hosting a Veterinary Technician Reception during the MVMA Annual Conference on Saturday, January 31 from 4:30–6:00 PM at:

Wyndham Executive Center
2200 Interstate 70 Drive Southwest
Columbia, Missouri 65203

Following the reception, MOVTA will hold an informal, informational board meeting for anyone who would like to ask questions, learn more about board or volunteer roles, or hear more about where the organization is headed.

This is a no-pressure opportunity and does not require a commitment.

Unable to make it? Please reach out to us at — we’re happy to connect another way.