A group of concerned industry professionals gathered at a brainstorming session during the recent Woodbury Reports Get-Together in north Idaho last week. After passionate discussion of our current industry climate, we shared a common concern and a strong desire to aid our industry through strengthening what exists in order to promote safe and effective programs. During this discussion, we found ourselves grappling with several questions for which we didn't have solid answers. We want to foster increased discussion to promote collaboration throughout our industry to have a positive impact on the future of our network. The first step is to discuss the following questions in hopes that some of the professional organizations or professionals in the network can provide some detailed answers.

Specifically, how does our industry regulate current standards of practice as stated by the various professional organizations in the network?



How do these organizations promote greater industry membership through beneficial incentives?



How do these organizations promote membership adherence to accepted standards?



What efforts are being made by these organizations to publicize standards?



Is there a common clearing house or database for gathering pertinent and significant information in order to accumulate statistics?



How is this information being used for feedback and program improvement?



How are we educating parents in what standards to expect?



How do network professional organizations screen prospective members and does that screening process include input from current members?



How can organizations receive and effectively utilize input from interested non-members and members alike?



How are network organizations working together to create unity, develop positions and implement strategies on behalf of their constituencies as well as the industry at large?



What steps are being taken to fold in programs of all sizes and financial means so that all can benefit from membership, association and networking in the various network organizations?



Is there consensus on current industry issues within your organization and if so, what is being done to promote and articulate that position?



Speaking specifically to individual members, are you aligned personally with the views or positions being taken by your organizations?




We are presenting this partially as an indication of what we hope our professional organizations are aiming for, and partially as a gauge as to how far along we are in the process of accomplishing these objectives.

We are presenting this partially as an indication of what we hope our professional organizations are aiming for, and partially as a gauge as to how far along we are in the process of accomplishing these objectives.

We would appreciate any feedback to these questions from any individual or network organization.