Hello All:
Is anyone a part of a practice group that has open membership? Does
anyone know of any practice group, or similar collaborative organization, that
has an open model for their membership, different from - or in addition to -
IACP's model? It would be really helpful to see how other states or
organizations approach membership in a collaborative practice organization. It
would be particularly helpful to be able to see the by-laws and any standards
(for membership, practice, practitioners, ethical conduct etc.) that have been
developed for an organization with an open membership model.
I would also like to know about any problems or challenges that you
have experienced with open membership. I would also welcome any thoughts or
advise from any organization that has successfully travel this path toward open
membership already.
Our group (I am part of the Membership Committee) has spent significant
time over the years discussing a number of ideas - in a number of different
directions - for changing our membership requirements. Many of these ideas are
really interesting and inspiring (although sometimes contradictory). I feel
certain that many collaborative practitioners and organizations have
considered, and struggled, with many of these same ideas and concerns (the
thread about certification certainly felt familiar).
I am part of a small group, from a few different committees, that has
spent a great deal of time exploring some of these issues. Carl Michael was
kind enough to join us during one of our meetings to discuss these issues and
we very much appreciated his thoughts and his time. Even in this small group,
however, there are some strong feelings and opinions in many directions on this
topic. Additionally, any change in our membership requirements will likely
require a change in our by-laws and, therefore, a vote from not just the Board
of Directors, but also the entire membership.
Past changes to the membership requirements required a great deal of
planning and was, at times, a very sensitive and combustible issue. Because of
this, our small group hopes to move forward on this issue in an informed and
thoughtful way. Please let me know if you are part of a collaborative group
that has open membership or if you can point me in the right direction.
Thank you so much,
Pam
