Mary says,

<< It is a shame that membership in ILCA and JHL aren't more affordable. Not
 all of us work in hospitals and several hundred dollars a year in fees are
 out of reach for many of us. The mothers who contact us still deserve our
 best and are entitled to the newest most updated info available. >>

Membership in ILCA which includes a subscription to the JHL is $90/year, not
"several hundred dollars."  Now while that may not be affordable for some
people particularly if one is doing primarily pro-bono work,  it is
relatively inexpensive given membership in other professional organizations.
I pay far more than that for my membership in AWHONN, and more than that for
my subscription alone to Pediatrics.  ILCA has always tried to keep
membership fees as affordable as possible, and still be able to provide the
JHL as a classy and professional publication to it's membership.  As a former
president of the organization, I know that it costs A LOT to keep the it
running -- particularly as an international group.

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!

Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, Wheaton Illinois
Lactation Education Consultants
www.lactationeducationconsultants.com

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