New Age, Alternative,
Metaphysical Publication
Aquarius-Atlanta.com

You have heard it said, “there's power in numbers.” I beg to differ. There's power in organized numbers. Legislators want to know how many folks utilize CAM. But since there are millions of CAM consumers - it's obvious that those numbers alone don't move legislators or we would have Freedom of Access bills in all states. More tellingly, they ask how many people we represent (i.e. folks that can vote them out of office, folks that are serious and responsible enough to be involved, folks that truly want to voice their choice in healthcare). If our numbers aren't organized enough to exert pain, then we will not demand their attention. By joining CAMA you help create the organized numbers needed to assure the necessary influence to secure Freedom of Access legislation in Georgia. Remember - there's NOT power in numbers - there's power in organized numbers.

It is true; people perish for lack of knowledge. A commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports 12,000 deaths/year from unnecessary surgeries and 27,000 deaths from errors in hospitals - results of a lack of knowledge by both consumers and practitioners. Many undergo painful and unnecessary surgeries or experience fatal reactions to medications for conditions that would have been better treated by natural, alternative means. Laws are passed to restrict your choices in CAM or intimidate practitioners. Shall those “with the knowledge” help assure that this knowledge is available to the uninformed? Should they work to protect access to these natural, alternative means? Shall they act to support education for others less informed?

It has also been said, “knowledge is power.” But it is not the knowledge that is powerful but the application of that knowledge. For with knowledge applied one can change the world. As Johann von Goethe said, “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” If you know that a Freedom of Access bill is pending but you don't write, call, fax and/or e-mail your legislators asking them to support the bill, of what good is that knowledge? If you oppose mandatory vaccination and know that your legislator supported a bill that mandates forced vaccination but you don't hold them accountable, of what good is that knowledge? If you know that massage can relieve painful heel spurs, that chiropractic can help back pain and changing your diet can help prevent cancer, of what good is that knowledge if you do not share it with others in need, work to protect the right to choose these modalities or apply that knowledge to your own life?

I would like to offer you the opportunity to be powerful - by becoming one of the organized numbers and by applying your knowledge. Join the CAMA community at www.camaweb.org and become part of an organized number. Help educate others about CAM by supporting CAMA's community outreach through membership, health fairs, lectures and seminars. Find out who your legislators are and let them know how you want them to vote. Attend CAM Day 2003 as an educator and/or supporter. Pick up these power tools and use them.

Marjorie Roberts is a Nurse, Complementary Medicine Practitioner, Registered Trainer through the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, and the founding president of CAMA, the Complementary/Alternative Medical Association. Contact CAMA at 404-284-7592 or cama@camaweb.org