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I guess a lot of people agree about my idea of a coalition.  They want
to know what the next step is.  I don't know.  Her is my best shot.

My thinking is that each of the major organizations have an opportunity
to step up to bat on their own behalf, that of their membership, and the
celiac community at large.  If a spokesperson from each organization
would pledge to discuss such a concept at their next meeting and to name
someone to a committe to explore this concept--this would get the ball
rolling.

For those folks who have supported these organizations, it is up to you
to put some heat on the leadership to jump on this bandwagon.

For those who are not involved in any of the organizations, now is your
chance to see what these organizations are made of.  If they are there
solely for the status quo, so be it.  However, if they are ready to make
major meaningful contributions to getting this disease on the
map--therefore giving sufficient numbers in order to attack legislative
issues such as food labeling and having the clout to attract research
dollars and serving to educate the general public about this
disease--then this is our shot at it.

Right for now, money shouldn't be an issue--if each organization steps
up to bat and is willing to name a person to represent them in open
dialogue on these issues, it is a beginning.  Better yet, let everyone
in the celiac community read the dialogue between the appointees and
then periodically have open forums for people to post their comments, it
will keep things fair and open.

The alternative is that we speak without one voice--in a thousand
tongues and accomplish nothing.

Sally

* Visit the Celiac Web Page at www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html *