I was going to stay out of this, but....I agree the heart of the issue is the
purpose of ILCA.

For example, in the nutrition profession......The American Dietetic
Association is the professional organization for dietetic/nutrition
professionals.  They produce a professional journal, provide affiliate
groups, host annual conferences, do an enormous amount of pubilcity
for nutrition, host a nutrition hotline *and* credential Registered Dietitians.
However, you can be credentialed as a Registered Dietitian *without*
being a member of ADA.   ADA also has different levels of membership,
based on you status - affiliate (student), associate (RD), and others (?).
I'm not sure if all have voting status.

If it is decided that ILCA is the professional organization for IBCLCs,  then
I am comfortable being a non-voting member.  BUT, I think it is important to
allow non-IBCLCs to retain membership in an affiliate status.

If it is decidied that ILCA is the professional organization for all
breastfeeding supporters, advocates, professionals, how will this be
defined?

JMHO,
Debi VanderMey Barr, MS, RD, LD
Portland, OR