January 22, 1997

Dear ILCA Members,

The Board of Directors would like to thank those members who have shared
their comments and concerns both positive and negative regarding the
proposed bylaws and ballot.  Your response demonstrates a level of
member involvement that is rare among associations.  In preparing the
bylaws revision, every effort was made to retain the basic principles of
the association, strengthen stated purposes, create a readable and
functional document, respond to the results of the Membership Survey and
facilitate movement toward a governance model.

The ballot was designed to give members the opportunity to accept or
reject specific portions of the proposed bylaws.  Unfortunately and
unintentionally, there was no provision made for voting on those
passages which were deleted such as Article III, Policies.  This
particular article was relocated into the Policy and Procedure Manual
without realizing that some members view these passages as guiding
principles of the association rather than policies.

According to Priscilla Bornmann and Terrence Hutton, two attorneys with
expertise in association law, the ballot is legally defensible,
therefore it would be inappropriate to interrupt the ballot process at
this time.  However, a task force has been formed to review member
concerns and avoid inconsistencies within the bylaws.  Task force
members will include Judy Brosseau, Mary Solberg, Jeanine Klaus, Margo
Mann and Amy Spangler.  Particular attention will be paid to those
passages which were inadvertently deleted.

If you have not shared your comments or suggestions, please contact a
task force member, your regional representative, delegate or any
officer.  The Board of Directors has made this a priority issue and
anticipates presentation of amendment(s) for membership vote in
conjunction with the upcoming ballot for delegate and officer
candidates.  Upon completion of the balloting process, the Board will
consider timelines for incorporating approved changes into the operating
system.

The Board would like to thank the Regional Representatives and Affiliate
Presidents for their assistance in facilitating communication with the
membership.  The dialogue generated by the proposed bylaws and ballot
has been extremely positive for the most part.  The Board of Directors
would like to thank those members who have been courteous and
professional in their communication.  While many members, including some
directors, subscribe to LACTNET, the Board of Directors feel that this
forum is not the appropriate venue for the discussion of association
issues, particularly those of a controversial nature.  However, in view
of the fact that considerable discussion regarding the association
issues has occurred on LACTNET, the Board hopes this response will
provide clarification and reassurance.  Recognizing the limitations of
the JHL and the ILCA Globe with regard to timely communication, the
Board of Directors has established an ICLA Website and is currently
investigating an electronic Listserv.  Unfortunately, the wheels of
progress turn slowly and the Board asks for your patience.  In the
interim, please note that directors and staff are available by phone,
fax and e-mail.  Please consult your membership directory for current
addresses.

Several members have asked for clarification regarding the annual dues
payment structure. Apparently the recent announcement in the
November/December 1996 ILCA Globe concerning the decision by the Board
of Directors to move to an annual dues payment has generated some
confusion.  The article stated that beginning in 1997 all membership
fees will be due on January 1 of each year.  Please note that this
payment structure will be phased in throughout 1997 as membership
renewals are due.  Each member will receive a letter carefully
explaining the annual dues payment structure and the payment options.

The Membership Committee is in the process of developing a revised
membership application form.  Unfortunately, a draft version was
included in a recent mailing to ILCA members in US Region 10.  Members
who received this form are asked to discard it.  A new form will be sent
to you soon.  Adding to the confusion is the fact that both Washington
state and Western Australia are identified by the abbreviation "WA".  As
a result, the mailing was sent to the twelve members in Western
Australia along with those members in Region 10.  The Board of Directors
and staff regret any inconvenience and apologize for the confusion.

We hope this provides adequate clarification.  We appreciate your
patience and understanding and look forward to your continued
communication.

Very sincerely,

The ILCA Board of Directors