At this moment, all over the globe World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) members are wrapping up another year of service, success, humanity and growth. Although we may be located in many different locations, the essential location -- that of purpose and mission -- is shared among all WCA members in the truest spirit of solidarity.

The WCA's Council on Women's Health (CWH) extends its warmest holiday regards to the variety of cultures that make up our extended chiropractic family. Here's to abundant, subluxation-free holidays!

While we are living in challenging times, from these challenges have emerged moments demonstrating great leadership and community. More than ever, I am proud to be a chiropractor and am excited about our leadership role in contributing to the true healing our planet is calling for. And, I am especially proud of the tremendous contributions of the WCA this past year.

It has been very exciting to be a part of the CWH's inaugural year. We'd like to offer heartfelt appreciation to: Dr. Terry Rondberg, for his great support; Dr. Chris Kent, for his vision; Barbara Bigham, for her great efforts in communicating the CWH message; Dr. Matthew McCoy for his research support; Linda Bevel ...for everything!; all contributors to this column; and to all members of the Council.

Special thanks go out to everyone who enjoys the column. We appreciate your great messages and feedback.

I'd also like to acknowledge my colleagues, Dr. Veronica Gutierrez and Dr. Leslie Bidell for their contributions.

Traditionally, the end of the year is a time to take stock, review where we've been and make plans for the future. Following is a summary of the year's accomplishments and topics, with corresponding references for easy access to information that can help D.C.s promote their practices and professional success.

1. WCA Council on Women's Health (CWH) formed, chair and vice-chair appointed -- www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/councils/women.htm

2. CWH Mission Statement and projects identified (website as above)

3. CWH website created (address listed above)

4. CWH column in The Chiropractic Journal created (see listings below)

5. Inaugural CWH meeting at the WCA International Summit, March 2001 -- www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/2001/may/may2001behrendt.htm

6. New board member, CWH secretary/treasurer appointed (reference as #5)

7. WCA presentation at United Nations Headquarters -- www.ngohealthcommittee.org/pages5.html ... or www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/2001/jun/jun2001a.htm

8. Publication of commentary, "The Role and Relationship of Chiropractic in Women's Health Issues: A Call for Papers" (3/01) in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR) -- www.jvsr.com/abstracts/4100-0008_behrendt.htm

9) WCA "Position Paper on Women's Health," published June 2001 -- www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/positions/women.htm

10) WCA highlighted in WebMd's feature article on women's health (7/01) -- www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/2001/sep/sep2001n.htm (includes link to WebMd).

*** "Chiropractic and battered women" 

*** "Going big" 

*** "WCA men promote women's health"

*** "A plane experience"

*** "The upper cervical connection" 

*** "The last chiropractor to promote women's health" 

*** "Publishing in the popular press" 

*** "An auspicious beginning"

*** "Serve more women" 

We look forward to 2002 and envision another year of growth and success.

... Please remember to tell your friends and colleagues about the great work the WCA is doing and that we'd love for them to be a part of this passionate and dynamic organization!

... The CWH column is for you, to help you be successful, so feel free to e-mail us (me: mbdcawe@aol.com or Veronica Gutierrez, D.C. at veronicapgdc@aol.com) with suggestions for topics that you would like to see next year. We'll always listen!

... Finally, for your practice, you may want to include the April '01 column as part of your year-end review. Many have told me that it was very helpful to them.

See you next year.