Just read the very cogent article about marketing of infant formula in
Breastfeeding Abstracts.  I really appreciated Marsha Walker's concluding
paragraph that gave some suggestions for action.  I would like to mention
another useful action:  Joining (that means ponying up the money) a bfg
advocacy organization.  With  more memberships, there might be opportunity
to do lobbying.  It's easy to wring hands and complain, but writing a check
makes a committment to fund strategies for change.

 If everyone on this list who is not a member of NABA, or of ILCA would
write a check to join those organizations, maybe our profession could do
more in terms of organized advocacy.  Maybe we could hire our own patent
lawyer to consult with.  Maybe we could replace Nancy Schweers, who, God
bless her, used to walk the halls of Congress meeting with every legislator
she could get to talk to her on behalf of breastfeeding.

 Where are the ILCA memberships?   The other professions pay for the
lobbyists they send to the Capitol.  They are able to do this because they
have large paying memberships. Year after year we depend on the generosity
of dedicated volunteers who manage to absorb the cost of activism on behalf
of us all.  They do amazing work, but more is needed and it costs money.

Wouldn't Marsha Walker be delighted if 3,000 people suddenly sent her $20
for NABA to use stratigically next year?  My check is in the mail to NABA
and my ILCA membership is paid up.

Don't mourn;  ORGANIZE!

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
LactNews Press
www.lactnews.com
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