As one year closed and another dawned, leaders of the Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations (FSCO) looked back, shook their heads and then decidedly and unanimously looked optimistically forward.

When the board assembled in Charlotte, NC at the close of last year it enjoyed new faces, new energy and new enthusiasm. They unanimously agreed to take even more aggressive action toward advancing the non-therapeutic mission and objectives that the FSCO holds so dear.

"FSCO has enjoyed unprecedented visibility and productivity this past year," said FSCO Chairman of the Board, Dr. Dick Plummer. "We are not the largest national organization. However, what we stand for is important and is not represented by any other organization or group. Therefore, it is critical that we be as vocal and visible as possible. I am delighted that our new board supports and is encouraging even more positive action to promote our unique and distinct non-therapeutic objective."

FSCO represents the non-therapeutic practitioners of chiropractic. Its constitution states "Straight Chiropractic consists solely (emphasis added) of the philosophy, science and the art of locating, analyzing and assisting in the correction of vertebral subluxations because they are detrimental to the expression of innate intelligence."

It strongly supports the belief that all people should have their spines checked for vertebral subluxations, regardless of the presence or absence of disease, for a lifetime.

Included in its plans to promote its unique objective are numerous and varied projects starting with a leadership retreat in early Spring 2002 at which time the group will benefit from consultants and professional facilitators.

Continued visibility remains a high priority with projects to include regular articles in all major journals and periodicals, weekly e-mail reports to keep in closer contact with members and supporters, all new and updated practice building and continuing education seminars, and a national "Vertebral Subluxation Awareness Week" campaign.

Priority projects also include supporting efforts that deal with issues that concern the entire profession. This would include efforts to allow chiropractors to opt out of the MEDICARE program, efforts to reform National Board procedures, efforts to influence terminology in the ACC paradigm document, and efforts to support any legislation that threatens the ability of a chiropractor to correct the vertebral subluxation.

The FSCO also has exciting new fund-raisers planned to ensure a productive and profitable new year.

"We cannot rest on our past accomplishments," says Plummer. "We are delighted to be a part of the Leadership Consortium which met last year in Kansas City and proudly support the chiropractic stamp project, efforts to obtain a Boy Scout merit badge and anything that ensures that the chiropractic adjustment be delivered only by chiropractors (i.e., HCFA lawsuit). We are excited to be involved with recent CAM efforts and gladly participated in the World Chiropractic Alliance's phenomenally successful Summit in Washington, D.C. last year.

"The FSCO, along with the ICA, WCA, Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, Life College and others sent representatives and submitted opposition papers to the Florida Board opposing the inclusion of injectable vitamins as part of the practice of chiropractic in Florida. Yet this is not nearly enough. So much remains undone in chiropractic. So many people still remain unaware of the benefits of chiropractic."

Despite all the changes, the FSCO direction, mission and objectives are the same as they always were.