Thanks, Jan for your post below.  I have never felt that ILCA membership is
too high especially given that it includes JHL, a peer review journal.  If we
want to be seen as the professionals that we are then we have to realize that
we must invest in our profession.  Members need to get involved on some
level.  If by no other way than keeping your dues paid promptly, attend ILCA
conferences and voting when elections or bylaw changes come around.  We have
a ballot now and I hope everyone has theirs filled out and mailed in, if not,
do it this weekend and get it in the mail on Monday.

And, IBCLCs who are not members need to become members.  I have recently
become aware that some IBCLCs aren't members of ILCA and that many European
and Australian IBCLCs belong only to their local or regional affiliates.  I
want to encourage all IBCLCs everywhere to become members of ILCA.  We cannot
have a strong organization without members.  If cost is prohibited to some
members, I feel a scholarship fund should be sit up to help those members.  I
for one would gladly help with a membership for another IBCLC.  ILCA has had
to make hard decisions of late largely due to financial reasons.  I would
like to see ILCA have a place on the membership renewal for donations to a
scholarship fund for financially challenged IBCLCs.

I have for many years given regular donations to Baby Friendly and to LLLI.
Paying dues and making donations are my way of investing in the future of
breastfeeding. I'm an IBCLC because I love mothers and babies and I love my
profession.  We may not all be able to give donations, but as Jan has said we
can get involved on some level.  We are a young profession and if our
profession is going to survive and grow stronger, it's going to take an
investment from each of us beyond the time we put in while on the clock.

End of pep talk.

 <<As professionals, regardless of where we are working, or how we are
running
our business, I think it is important to be vocal, active members of our
professional organization.  Some people complain that they don't believe
their organization is doing anything for them.  But when was the last time
you volunteered to be on a committee, or run for office, or even write a
letter to the board to ask questions or voice your concerns?  If you believe
that ILCA is too expensive, then write to the board and let your voice be
heard!>>






Warm regards,
Pat Lindsey, IBCLC - Lactation Services  www.PatLC.com
Pediatrics Plus' Lactation Consultant   www.pedsplus.com

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