Hi All,
I have watched this thread with interest as I would dearly love to join ILCA
and have wanted to since I became interested in this field.  I believe that
the ILCA dues are reasonable simply for JHL alone - that is one hell of a
journal!  I believe that the dues are reasonable for belonging to a
professional organization and are needed to promote our 'cause'.  I also
agree with the suggestions that some sort of sliding scale be developed for
fees or possibly a "job for dues" trade of some sort for those of us who
cannot justify this expense.  I have watched with dismay as the dues have
gone up over the past few years - knowing that I cannot justify this expense
no matter how badly I want to.

Currently, because of my financial situation, my local ILCA affiliate has
allowed me to
be a member without paying the dues.  I simply cannot justify any extra
expenses given my situation - single mom living on sporadic consultations
and child support.   Even dues of $30 are difficult for me to justify when I
cannot buy school clothes for my kids.  I
will be able to attend a conference this coming Nov because the head of the
conference graciously offered me a 'trade job' for conference fees (I was in
near tears!) -
otherwise I would not have been able to go even tho it would have been very
good for my practice.  I borrowed money to purchase the "LC in Private
Practice" to be able to be better prepared to make my pp work so that I can
support my family.  No matter how much I want to join ILCA, get JHL,
contribute to the cause, be on the roster - I cannot justify the expense - I
need that money to feed my kids and pay my bills...and I can check out JHL
from
my ILCA affiliate...

Am I whining about my situation?  No.  It is what it is and that is just OK.
There are priorities in my personal life that surpass my professional life.
I know that some would say that dues and expenses are a "must do" to
maintain professional standards, education, etc., and I agree.  But, for me
(and for others I am sure), it is a luxury to be able to go to a conference
(even a cheap one!), join an organization or even buy a book.  Going out for
lunch or dinner is simply not an option around here.

I feel it would be wonderful for ILCA to be flexible in situations like this
so
that those of us who have the desire to be involved (but cannot afford to
financially) can
be involved and make the difference we want to make.  There must be other
ways
to help our cause and organization besides giving out $$$.

Choosing to stay in this field is important to me for many reasons.  There
are reasons why I do not/can not go to work for someone else in some other
type of work that might provide a stable income (mostly
physical limitations).  So, I made the choice to do whatever I could to
support myself and my kids by being an LC.  Being able to be a member of my
local affiliate and being given the opportunity to work for my conference
fees has made a huge difference in my life.  It gives me the opportunity to
continue my education, be
productive in my community and maintain a connection with my colleagues
without taking away from my family - and to do so with dignity.

Warmly,
Jaye

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