The organization of conferences, communciations networks, and other activities to support a national collaboration are more complicated and expensive than most single state associations can readily shoulder. Most state associations are not yet staffed and the work would have to be rotated amongst individuals already committed as board members to the agendas of their own state associations. Some mechanism is needed to maintain a rotation and monitor the work to be done. A formal entity with a national mission and support base facilitates fund raising from a broad range of sources. Board terms and by-laws can ensure broad representation.
Management can be more efficient and effective.
The organization will require financial support to sustain operations, coming at least partially from the state associations. A formal organization is at risk of eventually working to sustain itself for its own sake rather than the benefit of its constituents. Support for existing organizations may be eroded. After much discussion, with sentiment expressed by all for both formal and informal solutions, it was the consensus of the Committee to recommend the creation of a formal organization, but to present the alternatives discussed for consideration by the delegates. To that end, the Conference has been designed to facilitate an extended discussion of the alternatives and the initial implementation of any plan that may be determined by a vote of the delegates.