Our mission statement for the 2010 NED Alumni International Convention is to 'Bring NEDians Together'. The Chicago convention steering team started the thought process more than a year ago and deliberated on the idea of bringing all EIGHT alumni associations under one umbrella. Although, a very daunting task, but the response was mixed initially with concerns and questions. Some NED associations were afraid that they might lose their individual identity by being part of an umbrella organization. However, everyone liked the idea to start thinking in that direction. Currently, there are NED associations in Silicon Valley(San Francisco, San Jose area), Southern California (greater Los Angeles), Houston, Chicago (includes Indiana, parts of Michigan, Iowa) , Tri-State (New York, New Jersey), New England (Connecticut), Toronto (Canada) and Alberta (Vancouver/Calgary - Canada).
Over the period of last several months, these associations started participating in long teleconferences (two to three reps from each association) to lay down the ideas of forming a North American umbrella organization. Smaller groups were formed to ponder on the name, mission, vision, aims and objectives, nature and legal status, structure-membership-governance and finances. The resulting efforts from short groups and sub-committees were discussed in detail and a document in a draft form has started shaping up. Four teleconferences have been held so far and the process will continue, until it becomes an acceptable umbrella organization with mutual understanding and consent. Hopefully, by the time of convention, the new North American Alliance structure will be announced, even if it is not registered with the governmental authorities. Further updates will be posted on the web site as available.
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