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Perry wrote: > >I prefer to use the term "coordination" to describe the workings of the >steering committee rather than UNITY by Jim's definition. Neither he nor I >seek to >reorganize the current structure of the National organizations, no matter >how >desirable that would be. We do seek cooperation on common public policy >goals >for the PD community, such as appropriating $100 million for research >authorized >by the Udall Act. Unity here would be great and it is a goal, but all we >need is enough >"coordination" 1) to give an appearance of unity to the outside and 2) to >more >efficiently prioritize and allocate our limited resources. SNIP > I favor the first of Jim's two ways > >to achieve coordination and movement toward unity: > 1) PWP band together and demand it [i.e. the Parkinson's Patience > Congress with all the national public policy organizations as >sponsors. > (or publically refusing to sponsor it). Otherwise, its a force >against unity.] > 2) One organization grows and become dominant. This may achieve unity > in the long run but now we need resources from all three >organizations. >Yes, to me Jim's hypothetic announcement of the Patient congress without >the NPF >emphasis and with a neutral administrator says what is truly needed. SNIP > >Locally in the National Captial Area, Susan Hamberger and I have initiated >planning for a jointly sponsored "party" (with APDA, NPF, maybe PAN) to >celebrate the Udall bill enactment -- a demonstration that we can (and >MUST) work together. > >Perry Cohen, Washington DC I've kept quiet about this matter, but I feel Perry Cohen has made some excellent points, and on the whole agree with him. "Unity" is probab;ly an unrealistic goal, given the territoriality and vested interests of human nature! Cooperation and coordination should NOT be unrealistic--are in fact essential. I belong to several organizations which weork effectively in coalitions with each other on common gaols without losing their identity/funding. Seems to me the PD community ought to be able to do that for us! Just my 2 cents worth-- Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter 79/8 Oxford, OH [log in to unmask] * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ask me about the CARE list for* * Parkinson's caregivers ! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *