Giving a speech is always a challenge. One fleshes out the points that one wants to present. The bulk of the speech went somewhat like this, at least I can say: this is what I meant to say not only at the convention but to all as way of introduction:

Welcome to one and all. Networking and Fun is the basic reason we have Conventions

This year - we have the Surfin’ Safari Game. Members had to find each Board Member over the weekend, to discover which picture was theirs and why. At the Banquet we pulled a name from the box for a free Convention Registration for the next (hopefully -2009 in San Diego) Convention!  Congratulations AOBTA®-Certified Practitioner Patricia Daniels from Philadelphia, PA. We fell in love with her in Boston, and we can not wait to see her again at the next convention.

We have a new ABT Form to announce: Congratulations go to Jin Shou Tuina. The Forms committee has been working with AOBTA®-Certified Instructor Jason Redinbo and the many of the fine people at North American Tang Shou Dao Association who practice Jin Shou Tuina and we are very proud to announce that they have met all of the requirements for Form recognition.

When we started doing conventions titled in the 5 elemental phases I took a deep breath of apprehension as I knew we had the power to create every aspect of each period as we named them.

As many of you may be aware our Organization has been steeped in Metal Qi over the last year or so - Both Yin and Yang in form. In picking our theme for this convention, we chose to focus on the yin aspect of Metal, and many of us have felt that effect. Within 24 hours of the closing circle at the nurturing healing event that was the Wisconsin/Earth convention; a close relative of mine was mortally wounded in an automobile accident. Twenty-four hours later I was in a Chicago hospital releasing the last of her Qi, using everything I have ever been taught about hospice and end-of-life care. Personally, I have lost seven close friends and family members in the past year. I have watched my friends, clients, and colleagues suffer similar losses repeatedly this year, culminating two weeks ago (August 13, 2007) in the loss of one of our founding members and  a forerunner of ABT work in the USA; Tina Sohn. Fortunately, we have her wonderful book to keep us learning from her for generations to come.

Healing with Metal: Prosperity, Inspiration, Presence

Just what does that mean?

I think for this convention the ”healing with” part is more for healing our practitioners, ourselves and our organization than for healing our clients; “Physician - heal thyself” is the phrase that comes flashing into mind. But how can we do that for ourselves – for our organization at this convention?

The re-visioning day was a great start of this conference, many people made many clear, sharp, shining points. The Board will take this information with them into the next strategic planning session planned for this winter.

Prosperity:

One of the things we must combat and treat within ourselves is the poverty mentality; it is absolutely mind-boggling how pervasive this frame of mind is in our profession. We all possess (and then ignore) the gems of business classes along with the shining gifts our teachers passed on in the wealth of Chinese Medical Theory information. We must start bringing out the inner shine of confidence in ourselves to practice successfully and brilliantly.  Evolve; this is a key theme you will hear over and over from me, evolve the use of this theory. Take your training and use it in your life, not just your office.

Inspiration:

For me inspiration is larger than just breath; in fact I see exhalation and inhalation as a side effect of Inspiration. I hope you will be inspired by the words of keynote speaker Candace Pert. Perhaps peptides bring a new light to the phases and pathways of Chinese Medicine and may bring about a gift to help our practitioners transform their practices. Many people in the “Metal years” of their lives spend much of their time looking for Inspiration - retired (with their flashy watches), they travel to see new places that have always eluded them, they do elder hostels and programs to learn new things, many go on to a second career or use the time to mentor (inspire) the younger generations. Let’s keep that focus and order in our own lives.

Presence: 

What is Presence but Qi?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines presence as:  presence of mind, making one’s presence felt, having a strong influence on others, and primarily the state of existing. Even in death we see this last final rigid state of Qi before heading to the western gate. Then that last exhale of the lung/poqi as it leaves the body. The whole idea of any learning event is to promote presence of mind.  That is what I do with my clients all day long - get them to be present. As President of this organization that is how I see my job with you – and I wish for you, to be present.

As the Tao flows through Metal we see the pinnacle of one’s goals and career.  To know you are truly following the Tao you must have Presence, you must 'be here now', you must not be distracted or deceived - you must know with the utmost, straightest, strongest, Zhongqi  conviction that you are indeed in the Tao.

Metal is the most “solid” of the 5 elements. It takes a lot to sway it.

            We on the Board of Directors have seen a lot of resistance over the last year. The whole certification issue has brought about a vibrant and at times volatile conversation within the organization. We have heard from many of you as a large number of members have stated their positions and views. Many have taken it as an “us–versus-them” situation. Or maybe it is just the justification of Wood fighting back against a perceived Metal axe.  For that, all we on the Board can say is “Thank You” – and remind you that this IS how the process works. We asked for your opinions, you gave them. We are elected by you to follow your directions. It can not be an ‘us-versus-them’ situation as we are all one and the same.  

Where do we go from here?

Hold your Breath – don’t get frightened – and just dive into the mucky unknown waters of the primordial think tank. Will it be a rushing stream? A stagnant pond? Rough seas ahead, or a placid costal reef? I can’t wait to find out.

We are working on many things, and what we wish the most is for you to know that. The key commodity in our life these days is information! Yet, there is a huge information gap.  How do we communicate this information? Personally, I have spent many years building relationships with many of you – and I want to encourage all to continue talking to me and the rest of the Board. We are your Board and we are here to talk to you.  We are here to find ways to increase the flow on the river of information.

National Conventions: are the number one way to communicate:  face-to-face, whether in large meetings or one-on-one over lunch, or in the hall.

            Email updates: These are evolving. Our hope is that they will serve as a way to get you important information fast. We are still playing with the format and we would like to make it a more attractive and interactive update soon.

            Website: Many changes are happening –some daily- to the website. The greatest thing about a website is that it can constantly grow (although slowly at times). We are working on increasing the rankings of the site on things like Google searches, and many changes were suggested and made by volunteers like you that will raise the rankings of our site.  If you see a typo, let us know! If you have any hints or ideas join in the conversation-- this is your site after all. We have been working on the online store: I know that seems like something not very important, because after all what do we sell but tee-shirts; however, it will allow us to automate your dues. You will receive an email letting you know your membership is lapsing soon, and you will be able to log on and pay your dues in your pajamas!  We will also be working on a posting discussion board. In the meantime I am playing with that technology on my Zaadz page. I have a profile there http://ramblinh2o.zaadz.com/. I will also use that blog and pages to continue to keep you updated on things we are working on. So log on, check in, join and play along.

            Pulse news continues to grow and will be getting a face lift soon. We may even put it on the website for you to choose which version you prefer.  We hope to dress it up a bit in the coming years and continue to keep it beating and in your mailboxes on time.

If history is any kind of teacher, one thing I am sure of is as we are surfing the waters of the San Diego convention (tentatively March of ‘09) we will be so comfortable within the QI of Water no wave will shake us. But don’t give in to Fear (let the ground under San Diego shake for you). As we move into our Water phase we will find that there is “wiggle room” for everything we need. By the time we get to the Water convention there will already be the green sprouts of Woods’ growth peeking up above the earth as the roots of our trees grow deep within the earth. So, wash up on shore, hold someone’s hand if you get a little scared, and wiggle your way from the dance floor of this convention all the way to San Diego in 09!  Thank you and enjoy the convention!

What was Revisioning day? Yeh, I think we made up that word, but it works. We have a vision of our organization and our profession but sometimes you realize that you have lost track of it, or that it has changed and you no longer recognized it, or perhaps someone just moved your cheese. Overall visions were discussed first after we got to draw them out on paper with crayons; my stick figures were quite pitiful. Everyone had great ideas and passions and they were spelled out and we broke into groups. After much work each group came up with a list of what could bring their passion into bloom and what type of fertilizer their plan needed to make it happen. Many of these ideas were put into action during the convention and many will start to sprout up as we go forth from here. All of them will be looked at carefully and expanded upon when the board goes into its next 5year strategic planning session this winter. I can not thank all of these members enough for their help and volunteering their time to find new ways to make the organization better.

AOBTA® National Board Report on the “Certification” Issue

August 30, 2007

Presented at the AOBTA Membership Meeting during the Boston Convention

Update

Some time ago, it was suggested that the AOBTA consider changing the use of the term “certified” in its “Certified Practitioner” membership title. We have invited members to respond with their comments and concerns regarding this issue. Some of you have responded with emails, phone calls and in person at meetings. Some of you have voiced your concerns at last year’s convention and some of you have submitted articles for AOBTA® Pulse. We thank you for all the input that has been offered.

Throughout this debate, there has been a passionate exchange of ideas about what is the right thing to do. When discerning the right course of action on such an issue, we all must give careful reflection to many points of view on the matter. The national board has also sought the guidance and expertise of specialists in the field of certification. At this time, we would like to clarify a few essential points and suggest a new direction.

First, the suggestion for this title change was originally put forth due to the assertion that it is not legal or ethical for the AOBTA to claim to certify practitioners without the use of a certifying exam or a certification as a certifying agency.

The national board has consulted with lawyers and certification specialists, including a consultant with National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), to clarify what is legally and ethically appropriate.  The AOBTA offers what is recognized as an “assessment-based certification,” which is both a legally and ethically accepted form of certification.

Second, it has been suggested that the AOBTA national board is advocating for a change in the title, “Certified Practitioner,” to urge more members to take the NCCAOM exam.

This is simply not true.  The members of the AOBTA national board share a diversity of viewpoints on both the NCCOAM exam and the proposal to change the “Certified Practitioner” title. Board members have been working steadily to gather information and perspectives from specialists and the membership on this issue without any bias. Our duty is to represent and consider the concerns of the membership we serve.

Third, there has been concern that the AOBTA national board is going to implement this change on its own against the wishes of the membership on this issue.

Again, this is simply not true nor is it even possible. To make a change to the title, “Certified Practitioner,” it would require an amendment to our bylaws which requires a membership vote. The membership would ultimately decide the outcome of such a proposal.

Finally, the majority of membership concern has been that if the AOBTA alters its ability and right to certify practitioners, including the use of the term “certified,” it will undermine our governance of the profession and decrease the value of an AOBTA membership.

The members of the national board recognize this to be an important and valid concern. After carefully examining the perspectives of our membership and the advice of specialists in the field of certification, we are recommending discontinuing the proposal to change the title “Certified Practitioner.” Instead,
we are recommending a new path altogether.

A New Path

Our research findings at this time are suggesting that we will best serve the growth and influence of our organization by building on our existing certification processes. It is recommended that we strengthen our certification policies and procedures to further increase its value across the country. The benefits for moving in this direction are many. It will enable us to continue setting the benchmarks for excellence in education, research, and professional practice. It will increase our legislative leverage when protecting our right to practice. It will safeguard our autonomy as an independent profession and evolve the credibility of our organization to the benefit of our members.

What our membership is looking for is a professional credential that:

- honors our educational achievements;

- serves the promotion of our professional practices in the marketplace;

- distinguishes our profession from other healing professions;

- commands the respect of other health care professionals;

- gives us legislative leverage and enables us to protect our scope of practice and our right to practice.

We believe it is absolutely critical that the members and the leaders of the AOBTA work passionately and cooperatively to create a certification program with national brand recognition. In support of this effort, the AOBTA national board members are recommending to the membership the following plan of action:

1. Keep “Certified Practitioner” and “Certified Instructor” titles in place.

1. Continue to defend the use of the word “certified” as legally and ethically defensible terminology for our organization.

1. Appoint a Certification Committee to accomplish the following:
   1. Review and refine our certification policies and procedures for practitioners, instructors and schools.
   2. Research National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) certification processes.
   3. Research the expertise of top consultants in the field of certification standards and procedures.

Respectfully submitted,

AOBTA National Board of Directors