Moves That Matter

The mission of Moves That Matter (MTM) is to make the game of chess available in health and human service organizations for the benefit of their patients, family members and caregivers. MTM does this by partnering with these organizations to establish chess playing programs and opportunities within their facilities. Patients, family members and caregivers looking for a distraction from everyday challenges may embrace the game to enjoy its challenge or as a way to pass the time and make a social and emotional connection with someone else.

Here are a few FAQs about the Moves that Matter program:

HOW DOES MTM WORK?

MTM will work with you to identify areas within your facilities to play chess and will provide you with the appropriate equipment. We can arrange training, as necessary, for your volunteers to ensure they are able to engage others in a game of chess.

WHAT DOES MTM SPECIFICALLY PROVIDE?

MTM will work with you to tailor this program to fit your needs. In addition to providing you with chess boards and pieces, we are happy to do the following:

• Design and help implement a kick-off event for the program
• Provide chess training opportunities for your volunteers interested in also acting as MTM volunteers
• Provide templates for internal marketing materials and volunteer feedback and evaluation forms

WHAT DOES A MTM PARTNER NEED TO DO OR PROVIDE?

This will depend upon the extent of your participation, but generally you will need to:

• Provide sufficient, secure space for chess play associated with the kick-off event and program
• Distribute and publicize marketing materials
• Provide volunteers to play chess with your patients/caregivers
• Distribute MTM volunteer feedback and evaluation forms

WHO CAN BE A MTM PARTNER?

We know there are many applications for this program and are open to your ideas. The following are examples of venues that will work with this program:

• Hospitals (waiting rooms, break areas, entertainment areas, in-room use)
• Rehabilitation Centers (either as entertainment or therapy)
• Treatment Centers
• Retirement Communities
• Nursing Homes
• Community Centers

HOW DOES THE TRAINING WORK?

We can arrange to provide a chess coach through the Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis to train your volunteers.

WHAT ARE THE VOLUNTEER FEEDBACK AND EVALUATION FORMS?

These will be provided to you. They are used to measure the effectiveness of the program and whether it is meeting your needs. In addition, it provides a medium for volunteers to make suggestions as to how to improve the program. All we ask is that you distribute and collect these from your MTM volunteers.

WHO CAN PLAY WITH MTM VOLUNTEERS? DO YOU HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO PLAY CHESS?

Anyone can play, from those who are interested in learning the game or who understand a few simple moves, to those who are more interested in competitive play.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MTM PROGRAM?

Depending on your facility needs, a nominal fee may apply.

HOW DO I BECOME A MTM PARTNER?

To become a MTM partner or to receive additional information about the program, please contact: Lauren Stewart, Manager Lauren@movesthatmatter.org (314) 646-1999 ext. 1.

MTM is a Missouri Nonprofit Corporation. MTM is an outreach program of the World Chess Hall of Fame and Museum opening in September 2011 in Saint Louis.