Coalition Legislative Day and WCA Summit ...

Lighting a fire for DCs

William Butler Yeats wisely observed that, "Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire." The same can be said for two of this year's most exciting and powerful events: The Chiropractic Coalition Legislative Day and the World Chiropractic Alliance International Summit.

The back‑to‑back events ‑‑ the Legislative Day on April 14 and the Summit April 15‑16 ‑‑ will educate doctors on a wide variety of topics, from effective political lobbying to the latest in chiropractic research findings, from practice management techniques to keeping 'on purpose.'

But the goal of the two Washington, DC, gatherings isn't to fill a bucket. It's to light a fire of enthusiasm and passion beneath subluxation‑based doctors of chiropractic from around the world.

"It's all too easy to slide into our everyday routines, and let practicing chiropractic become merely a chore," admitted Terry A. Rondberg, DC, president of the WCA. "That's why so many doctors burn out ... and why they need to come together with others who share their commitment to and love of chiropractic. The Summit, and the Coalition's Legislative Day, are invigorating, motivating and exciting ways to recharge your professional batteries and get back in touch with the reasons you became a chiropractor."

Chiropractic Coalition Legislative Day

The Chiropractic Coalition Legislative Day is the only annual event that brings together members of all organizations for a political action session. Held each year by the Coalition ‑‑ which was formed in 2002 by the WCA, the International Chiropractors Association and the Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations ‑‑ Legislative Day has attracted the attention of many Congressional leaders and key government officials. In 2004, several members of the Senate and House of Representatives attended and spoke to the assembled doctors. This year, the Coalition expects an even greater turnout, including:

*** Sen. Edward Kennedy, ranking member of both the Armed Services Committee and the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee;

*** Rep. Jeb Bradley of New Hampshire, who serves on the Armed Services, Budget, Veterans' Affairs and Small Business Committees;

*** Sen. George Allen of Virginia, an influential member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, as well as the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee;

*** Rep. Bob Filner of California, who introduced a bill to ensure direct access to chiropractors for veterans in the VA system;

*** Rep. Don Manzullo of Illinois, considered one of the staunchest chiropractic supporters in Congress;

*** and several other top government leaders.

Throughout the day‑long political action session, doctors are encouraged to visit personally with their own legislators, either singly or in state delegations. Complete instructions on how to make appointments and speak with lawmakers ‑‑ along with printed 'talking point' briefing sheets ‑‑ are available on the Coalition website: http://www.chiropracticcoalition.org

The session will be held at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, diagonally across the Capitol grounds from the Senate wing of the Capitol, from 9 am to 1 pm, with a lunch break from 1‑2 pm. An optional tour of the Capitol will be offered from 3‑5 pm.. At 7 o'clock in the evening, a reception, hosted by the WCA, will be held at the Marriott at Metro Center, 775 12th Street NW, with easy access to Washington's Metro rail system just outside hotel.

Registration for the Chiropractic Coalition Legislative Day is free for all chiropractors, who may participate regardless of organizational affiliation.

The WCA Summit

The WCA International Summit ‑‑ held at the Marriott at Metro Center over the following two days, April 15‑16 ‑‑ will build on the excitement generated by the Legislative Action Day. Nearly two dozen top chiropractic speakers will give a wide variety of presentations, interspersed with opportunities for social interaction with like‑minded doctors.

Each year, the Summit has "wowed" participants, many of whom say they find a unique energy and sense of camaraderie at the event.

"We don't try to be everything to everyone," Dr. Rondberg explained. "We don't want to end up having thousands of doctors milling around with nothing in common, or dozens of vendors selling stuff that has nothing to do with chiropractic. We attract doctors who simply want to continue bringing the benefits of subluxation care to as many people as possible. They want to learn how to be successful while not compromising their principles or their standards. And most of all, they want to know that they are not alone, that many other doctors share their enthusiasm and purpose. That's what they find at the WCA Summit."

For some, the annual Summit is a reunion with friends and colleagues they've known for years. For others ‑‑  particularly those who've only recently discovered their true chiropractic purpose ‑‑ it's a way to be introduced to the subluxation‑based chiropractic "family." And for still others, it's a chance to get to know and understand what subluxation‑based chiropractic is all about, rather than relying on second‑hand mis‑information.

"Whatever reason they decide to come, all doctors of chiropractic are welcome, even those who are not WCA members," Rondberg emphasized. "Our incredible line up of speakers and presenters will not only fill their bucket of knowledge, but light the fire of their passion."

The WCA International Summit will be held at the Marriott Metro Center. Registration is $399 for each doctor (a spouse or CA may accompany the registered doctor at no extra charge; additional non‑DC guests are $125 each). Registration includes a buffet lunch each day and the Friday banquet dinner. Chiropractic students may attend for $99.

Doctors and students may register for the Summit and reserve their hotel rooms by calling the WCA at 800‑347‑1011. More information is available at the World Chiropractic Alliance website: www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/summit05.