I find myself agreeing with both sides of this issue. As a board member of another nonprofit organization, I have seen that membership numbers are literally everything when you are dealing with legislators and government officials. I think we need to have strong professional organizations. However, the cost of ICLA membership is totally out of the question for me and many others. ICLA might do well to consider a scholarship program. Last year, as scholarship fund chairman of the nonprofit we work with, my husband suggested putting a check off box on the dues renewal form that says, "$1 Donation to the Scholarship Fund." We tried it and from a membership base of 5-6000 received over $3000! Everyone who can afford dues can afford a dollar. Melanie Young LLLL for 10 yrs, IBCLC candidate July 02, Mama to six boys *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html