One of the biggest issues I believe we face in forming a national association is funding. For the majority of our industry, this work is truly a hobby. There seems to be a common misconception that there is big money in recovery work, yet the market is usually very tight and the payoffs usually small. With that said, the primary need is in lobbyist costs, etc.
I do believe that we have, combined, the resources necessary to form an association and create the structure to support communication and collaboration, which is evident by the progress made by this forum. If we have open, effective, and productive communication and collaboration, we have the foundation that is needed to unite and be a strong voice in this country. Technically speaking, it doesn't take too much financing to support this network...database management, directories, communications, etc. Like I said, the money is in the lobbyists. I would say, however, that we might find the voice necessary to act as a lobbyist among ourselves. A lobbyist is nothing more than a voice to the issue. And I'm sure we can find eloquence and presentability somewhere in our midst, despite our rough edges. heh
Beyond all that, we have to be a group willing to be open to each other and collaborate on issues. So the only thing that will hold us back will ultimately be ourselves.
Until then, we are each representatives of our industry. We must each conciously create the image that we want to present to our communities and our society.
As long as we are united in our conversation, we are united in our cause.