One fine day Al Pike advised:
Consolidation of AOPA, ABC & AAOP) into one organization.
AP> Although no longer that active in the mainstream of national O&P
politics. I still am interested in the views of my fellow
practitioners about the work going on to consolidate AOPA, ABC, and
the Academy into one organization.
Who then goes on to make the following analogy:
AP> Some, including myself, have likened the three organizations to our
government with its three branches for checks and balances. AOPA a
trade association represents the businesses in the industry, the
Academy (AAOP) representing the individual professionals in the
industry, and ABC setting the standards of care for the public we
serve.
If indeed your view is akin to the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial
branches of the US government, would you not likewise prefer to see the
branches remain separate?
AP> This to me is a major step being taken by the industry and I would
have thought this medium (The Internet) would be alive with
discussions.
I blush. Serious discussion of issues?
AP> From e-mails that I have received there seems to be opinions, pro
and con, on the topic. I was hoping that as this process goes
forward there would be input to the individuals writing the bylaws
of this new organization from as wide a cross-section of the
industry as possible .
You might consider asking those individuals writing you why they are not
directing their comments to those persons writing the by-laws for the
proposed new organization, where they might possibly have more impact.
AP> I understand that “Consolidation” will be presented at the AAOP
meeting, but not everyone attends the meeting to give their input or
to ask questions.
It is called decision making by the minority. But the majority will be
sure to whine, after the fact. Rather like voting in the US, eh?
AP> I think the consolidation of the three (AOPA, ABC & AAOP) into one
organization is a topic that those of us in the industry should
discuss freely through this wonderful medium for communication, and
it might even be of interest to our clients (amputees & brace
wearers).
Amen…as an amputee I am certainly interested.
AP> This consolidation could have an impact upon all of us for many
decades to come. 1917 AOPA, 1948 ABC, 1970 AOPA, 1999 ????.
Bingo.
AP> To my surprise the consolidation seems to be of little interest to
the people involved in the industry that are on the Internet. I
wonder about the rest of the industry.
As a curiosity, what purpose would consolidation serve, in the eyes of
those pushing for it? And exactly whose interests would be served?
Like most things, it depends on whose ox is being gored.
Should the trade organization have a hand in certifying prosthetists?
Does possible conflict of interest ring a bell?
With your obvious knowledge of the history of the organizations,
including the political ramifications, what is needed is an outline of
the pros and cons in clearspeak, giving those few interested persons a
point of demarcation for serious discussion. I believe you are up to the
task.
Wayne Renardson, a certified gimp
