Update on Unity - November 2024

Hello, NYSCA members and friends!

I am reaching out to you today via this quick note with an update on Unity and our efforts to collaborate with the New York Chiropractic Council.

As you know, both organizations have been discussing unity for over 20 years. Over the past several years, unity discussions have become revitalized and steady progress has occurred. A bi-partisan work group of NYSCA and Council representatives appointed by each organization’s President (the NYSCA/New York Chiropractic Council Unity Committee) has been meeting regularly. A Document of Consolidation and a set of By-Laws for the proposed, new consolidated organization (to be named the Chiropractic Society of the State of New York) were developed, prepared, and transmitted by the Unity Committee to each respective organization’s Board for review.

At its most recent meeting on October 25, 2024, the NYSCA Board of Directors provisionally approved these documents and adopted a motion to move forward with the Unity process.

On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, I received the following note from the Council’s leadership: 

“We would like to inform you that the New York Chiropractic Board has reviewed the documents put forth by the Unity Committee and unfortunately, we decided it is not the right time to consolidate. We have decided not to continue the process although we remain willing to work together for the future of chiropractic in New York State. The COUNCIL is affirming the commitment to continue working with the NYSCA. Our cooperation should not be affected by the decision made by the New York Chiropractic Council.

Today, there are multiple committees that could easily work together to serve the Chiropractic Profession. The Joint Legislative Task Force is one where we have history. The Convention committees could work in union. The scope bill will continue to be supported by both organizations. We have learned we need to work together even if we don’t always agree. We need to function as be one profession even if we are two separate organizations. We will work toward discovering more common ground, while each organization remains distinct.”

I was immensely disappointed to receive the above statement regarding the Council's Board decision, considering the vast support for unity across the strong majority of the chiropractic profession in New York State.  Although this is not the outcome we had hoped for and worked to achieve, I remain optimistic that we can continue to work together on common interests and perhaps even forge a different pathway to unity as a profession.

I will provide additional information and updates in the time ahead.  For now, we are grateful to all the members of the Unity Committee for their hard work.  This has been an arduous task, and they have been steadfast in their resolve to work together in the best interests of the entire profession.

As always, feel free to contact me with feedback.

With warmest and best wishes to each of you and your families for a happy, healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,
Anthony Palumbo DC
NYSCA President

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