Dear ICA Colleague:

The substantive issues that will shape the future of the International Chiropractors Association are my chief focus, not only in the campaign for ICA President, but as a current ICA Board member. I invite you to consider the following issues and priorities as we look to the future, knowing that I am dedicated to real progress for ICA and chiropractic, but never at the expense of our principles.

REPRESENTATION:
I believe ICA needs to be represented and to speak out with a clear and compelling voice on the issues facing our profession. This is true both in chiropractic’s own circles, as well as the outside world. My commitment is to organize such representation, at state chiropractic organization meetings, on the college campuses, in government proceedings, and above all, in the media. For the past two years, ICA has been absent too many times in deliberations and discussions where OUR PRINCIPLED STAND SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPRESENTED. This is a task that will require careful coordination, cooperation and orientation on the part of many ICA representatives, not just the President. This is my commitment to you.

LEGISLATION:
Legislation and other government policy making should be one of ICA’s top priorities. It certainly is one of mine. I will work to establish the most effective committee and grass roots infrastructure to support ICA’s legislative agenda, and to personally be there to speak for ICA wherever and whenever our message needs to be heard in the legislative process. This is my commitment to you.

COOPERATION:
I fully understand that even the ICA President is but one of 17 ICA Board members and that progress, innovation and above all, major changes and reforms depend on the trust and cooperation of those other key decision makers. I believe the President’s job is not simply to direct or announce what “I” am going to do, but to lead a far-reaching dialogue about what “we” can do as a team. ICA needs new energy, new insight, a new approach to organization and to serving and mobilizing its current members, and for outreach to new members. This can only come about by the building of a powerful, inclusive consensus and a united resolve. This will be my goal, and this is my commitment to you.

STRENGTH:
ICA needs to be strong on principle, but also strong as an organization. Membership development will be a top priority, and I believe that we can all start today to add our efforts to this important challenge. Please see the click here for an ICA membership application. Who can you call today and ask to join the ICA? I understand that membership is strength and that while we need to dramatically enhance what we provide for our members, ICA is a service organization and the most important benefit any member receives from becoming an ICA member is the support they give for ICA’s unique mission. Service and giving back to the profession are also top priorities. This is what motivated me to propose to the ICA Board of Directors a new program called the Dr. BJ Palmer Legion of Merit, a special giving program through which members agree to donate, above and beyond their regular dues, the annual sum of $1,000. This proposal was unanimously approved by the ICA Board on January 11, 2005. I can also report that Dr. Dan Murphy and I were the first two members to join BJ’s Legion. You can join this new effort to add financial strength and stability to the ICA we all love. Call ICA today at 1-800-423-4690 and ask to be sent an application for BJ’s Legion.

RESPONSIVENESS:
I pledge that I will respond to your communications and respectfully consider your issues and concerns. Listening and seeking to understand your concerns is perhaps the most important dimension of the position of ICA President. I will always keep an open door, and an open mind. This is my commitment to you.

We can and must work together. I am excited about our potential, and look forward to being your partner in progress for many years within the ICA, regardless of the outcome of the 2005 election. I sincerely appreciate your listening to these thoughts and invite you to communicate with me on any meaningful matter we are facing as an organization and as a profession.

Yours in Service,

John K. Maltby, DC, FICA