WCA governors pledge to continue working for professional harmony

The World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) International Board of Governors (IBG), meeting during the annual WCA Summit in Washington, D.C., re‑confirmed the organization's goal of working cooperatively with other chiropractic organizations whenever possible.

In a formal resolution that was enthusiastically endorsed by the Governors, the WCA stressed that it is "committed to intra‑professional cooperation in advocating for the needs of the profession, and works with and encourages an open door toward all other chiropractic organizations."

The WCA is one of the founding members of the Chiropractic Coalition, along with the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) and Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations. Numerous other chiropractic organizations from around the world have joined as affiliates with the Coalition, including the Australian World Chiropractic Alliance, The Chiropractic Association of Ireland, Chiropractic Awareness Council of Ontario, Chiropractic Fellowship of Pennsylvania, Colorado Chiropractic Wellness Alliance, Florida Chiropractic Society, Israel Doctors of Chiropractic, Michigan Chiropractic Association, Oregon Doctors of Chiropractic, Palmetto State Chiropractic Association, Peruvian Chiropractic Association, and the Clara District of the California Chiropractic Association.

The WCA Resolution is in sharp contrast to the announcement earlier this year by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), which stated it would "forego further joint legislative efforts," with the ICA, WCA and other chiropractic groups. The announcement, made by ACA Chairman of the Board James D. Edwards, D.C, also stated, "...the ACA will not accept ICA rejections [of a proposal to merge with the ACA] nor quit until that goal is ultimately achieved."

Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., WCA president, said he was proud of the Board of Governor's decision. "No one can doubt that the constant attacks and infighting hurts chiropractic," he stated. "I think the WCA has clearly shown that we are not the one putting roadblocks in the path of peace. We strongly believe that each organization can be independent and still act with respect and cooperation towards the others. There is no need for any group to try to dominate or take over the others. In fact, that kind of action -- and the arrogance that spawns it --  can only hurt our profession even more."

To further emphasize its desire to work amicably with all groups, the WCA's IBG changed the wording of policy directives it passed in 2002. During the 2002 Summit, the Governors passed two resolutions stating that the organization would intervene in state or international issues when it feels it would be in the best interests of subluxation‑based chiropractic to do so, even over the objection of one or more state or national organizations.

"We recognized the fact that there are chiropractic organizations in some U.S. states and nations that do not fairly represent the profession as a whole and have periodically taken actions harmful to subluxation‑centered chiropractors," Rondberg explained. "We felt we needed to be very clear about our intention to take whatever actions we felt were necessary to protect the unique character of chiropractic, even if it meant opposing these state or national groups. Every organization that has ever gone into a state to testify before its board on a legislative issue -- or provided information or assistance to doctors outside the U.S. -- has followed such a policy. We merely chose to put our policy into official written form."

The resolution drew intense criticism from the ACA, which demanded that the WCA rescind it. The WCA Board of Directors explained that the resolution was passed unanimously by the International Board of Governors in accordance with WCA policies and procedures and could not be repealed by the Board of Directors.

During the 2003 Summit, the Governors re‑examined the policy and, while holding steadfast in their resolve to defend subluxation‑centered chiropractic around the world, chose to reword the policy. "They did not want the WCA policy to be misinterpreted as a sign of aggression," Rondberg explained. "They felt it was important to emphasize that the only reason for intervening in any legislative issue would be if it was to protect subluxation‑centered chiropractic."

The new resolution, which supersedes the two passed in 2002, reads: "Be it resolved that the World Chiropractic Alliance may intervene in legislative issues when it feels it would be in the best interests of subluxation‑based chiropractic to do so."

Another resolution passed by the IBG focused on the WCA's efforts to seek legislative reform of the Medicare system. It reiterated a prior WCA statement that the organization supported the "spirit" of the ACA's lawsuit against the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, but felt its efforts were better spent pursuing the legislative solution.

The WCA Summit annually brings subluxation‑centered doctors from around the world together in the U.S. Capitol for a day of intense political lobbying. Numerous U.S. doctors -- either alone or with other doctors from their state -- met with their Senators and Representatives to discuss important legislative issues concerning chiropractic. The legislative day was followed by two days of varied instructional and motivational presentations by many of the profession's top speakers.

The 2004 Summit has been set for April 29‑May 1, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, on Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington.