HISTORY OF CMAA ALLIANCE

... submitted by Carla Andrews

The 20s. "Don't listen to her... she's some sort of suffragette"
The Women's Auxiliary to the California Medical Association (WACMA) was formed on May 8, 1929 at Coronado with 48 charter members

First president was Mrs. Henry S. Rogers of Sonoma
Focus on medical education
Membership grew to 472

 

 

The 30s. "We even love the grouchy old fellows who do not approve of us."
First constitution adopted (1931)

Focus on medical education/legislation

First Courier printed (1934)

28 counties; 2000 members (1939)

President invited to address CMA House of Delegates

 

The '40s. "No longer would physicians' wives be pictured as carefree glamour girls."

9 councilor districts formed
Medical Benevolence began
First Fall Conference (1946)
Membership passed 3000; California became the largest auxiliary in the nation (1948)
Los Angeles became the nation's largest county auxiliary (1947)
The president's pin was designed

 

The '50s. "Modern woman must adjust to change."
Focus on nurse recruitment, blood banks, legislation
First newsletter to counties (1954)
GEMS and AMA-ERF began
Membership passed 6000

 

The '60s. "If we communicate our aims, our programs, and our accomplishments, the auxiliary will stand the test of time."

Focus on problems of aging, international health, health careers
First orientation for county/district presidents (1962)
Joined CAL-PAC (1966)
President and President-Elect invited to attend CMA Council
Committee chairs invited to sit on corresponding CMA committees
Auxiliary received office space at CMA
Membership passed 7200

 

The '70s. "Commitment Renewed-- Potential Unlimited."
Received official charter from CMA (1970) and one full-time staff person
Focus on stroke rehabilitation (Project Re-Enter), learning disabilities (Project Learn), medical malpractice
First Legislation Day (1972)
First AMA-A Leadership Confluence (1975)
Name changed to California Medical Association Auxiliary (1976)
CMERF began (1977)
CEU credits given to nurses
Physicians' crisis hot-line
50th anniversary celebrated (1979)

The '80s. "Our road to the future begins with the steps we take today."
Focus on communications, community service, health projects: Vial of Life, Child Passenger Car Seats, anti-smoking, youth suicide prevention, organ donors, Radio health Line, Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, teen pregnancy prevention, AIDS, Adopt-A-Home
President invited to sit at the CMA Council table (1980)
Complete By-laws revision (1981)
Doctors' Day celebrated
Published California Collection Cookbook (1982)
First Auxilian of the Year award (1986)
Community Health Foundation (CHF) received 501(c)(3) status (1987)
First Speak-Up (1989)
First joint CMA/CMA-A Legislative Leadership Conference (1989)
CMA voted increased financial and administrative support for CMA-A

The '90s. "Service is our purpose- Service is our goal- Service is our destiny."

Focus on adolescent health, anti-violence, legislation
Adopted 5-year goals
First independent Annual Session (1990)
Hansen Award instituted
"Roadshow" took CMA-A programs to the counties
Name changed to California Medical Association Alliance (1993)
Alliance became incorporated, attained 501(c)(6) status, became an affiliated organization to the CMA, and gained financial independence (1996)

The 1990s: "Prevention - The Pulse of the 90s" was the theme chosen by Carla Andrews for the 1990-91 year. CMA-A continued its efforts toward a Tobacco-Free California by producing a calendar using the winning posters from the 1990 Hansen Award, with proceeds benefitting CMERF. The Health Programs Committee produced a packet of poison prevention tips called "Not Everything at Grandma's is Candy". A membership packet and legislation and long range planning handbooks were also produced as training materials. This year the printing of Courier was done totally outside CMA beginning with the Winter issue, which greatly streamlined its production. The March Board and Committee meetings were held in Reno in conjunction with the CMA Annual Session. CMA-A co-sponsored an educational program on "Developmental Disabilities in Infants Born to Addicted Mothers" and registration fees were waived for auxilians attending Western Scientific Assembly programs. The second independent CMA-A Annual Session was held in San Diego and a Site Selection Committee was formed to choose future sites through 1993. The Community Health Foundation worked in coalition with the Health Programs Committee to identify two projects which would be the focus for future fund raising and statewide implementation. In preparation for a possible ballot initiative in 1992, CMA approved funding for a training video on signature gathering. Production was completed in April and intensive training sessions were held in the counties throughout the spring. A real highlight of the year occurred during the CMA Annual Session when a resolution was introduced which would have ended CMA's financial support for the Auxiliary. The support shown for the Auxiliary by members of CMA as they soundly defeated the resolution was a real shot in the arm. Our accomplishments are widely known and appreciated.

"Communicating, Caring - A Recipe for Success" was Jackie Gelderman's theme for the year 1991-92. This was carried out at Fall Leadership Conference in Pasadena and Annual Session in Burlingame. The "No More Tears Long Range Planning" workbook was introduced at Fall Leadership Conference. At Annual Session a Membership/ Treasurer Workshop was held for the first time. The March Board was held at the Disneyland Hotel where the Auxiliary co-sponsored a workshop on "Medical Malpractice and the Family". The Leadership Development Goal Committee developed a three hour version of Fall Leadership Conference called the "Roadshow" to take directly to the counties and districts. The "Roadshow" premiered in October in San Luis Obispo followed by Butte-Glenn, Shasta-Trinity, Alameda-Contra Costa, and San Diego. A Spanish version of the "Shaken Baby" PSA video was sent to 20 stations in California, as well as to several others across the nation. Approximately 100 Auxiliary members attended the Legislative Leadership Conference in Sacramento. CMA asked for Auxiliary help in collecting signatures to qualify the Affordable Basic Care initiative for the November 1992 ballot. A task force of Auxiliary members and physicians was formed to study changing the name, adding a tag line, creating new categories of membership, and studying ways of gaining and retaining members. The AMA Auxiliary will vote in June on a name change to AMA Alliance with a tag line "Physicians' Spouses Dedicated to the Health of America". A second task force was formed to look at ways to curtail the escalating costs of our publishing Courier and the CMA-A Newsletter.

1992-93, with Bobbi Bird as president, has been a year of reflection and evaluation of our organization: who we are, how we want to be perceived by others, and where we are going. The year began with an executive board and directors' retreat, where areas of concern were addressed and solutions suggested. A major effort to bridge the gap between the counties/districts and the state organization through improved communication has been carried on by the District Councilors this year. Every board member "Adopted a County" to further increase communication and support, and a flier was developed by the Communications Goal Committee promoting CMA-A's traveling resources, including the "Roadshow", now in its second year. The Health Program Committee's "Rainbow of Ideas" flier was revised and distributed. September's Fall Leadership Conference at the Claremont Hotel in Oakland followed the theme "The Path of Leadership - in Support of Self". At the conference a grassroots political workshop launched a letter writing campaign in coalition with the CMA to urge voters to vote on Proposition 166. A Mini-Internship Workshop was held and San Luis Obispo, San Diego, and Sacramento Counties have been selected as the pilot counties to hold Mini-Internships this year. In response to the 1990 CMA-A resolution on the "Media Role to Establish the Norm," a packet was developed to launch a campaign to correspond with the media against the portrayal of unhealthy or inappropriate behavior as being the norm, and in support of good, wholesome programming. At Annual Session in Costa Mesa a Mini Speak-Up will be held to consider changes proposed by the Task Force with regard to expanding membership to include "partners" and members who become divorced. A resolution from Tulare County will deal with an expanded "Friends of Medicine," and delegates will vote on the bylaws revision to change Auxiliary to Alliance, with the tag line "Dedicated to the Health of Californians".

In 1993-94 President Winnie Hays emphasized anti-violence with the appointment of the first CMA-A Anti-Violence Committee which printed and distributed domestic violence palm cards. Also, CMA-A leaders (other then the president and president-elect) began taking their expertise to the counties with the establishment of regional membership conferences.

1994-95 saw the incorporation of the CMA Alliance as a 501(c)(6) corporation under the direction of President Suzanne Jackson. In addition, a CMA House Resolution was passed for a one-time assessment of its members which would be used to fund the Alliance for three years during its transition to fiscal self-sufficiency. The Alliance co-sponsored domestic violence state legislation and was recognized for these efforts at Legislation Day. "Bravo" and "So Sorry" cards were developed to promote media accountability. Mini-Internships matching physicians with politicians and the media in order to promote greater understanding were held throughout the state.

In 1995-96 under President Monique Pineda the primary focus of the Alliance continued to be to move toward the financial independence begun during the prior term of President Suzanne Jackson. Steps were taken to assure the membership of the continued viability of the Alliance. A detailed  assessment of finances was made and measures were taken to decrease spending. The goal was to avoid a dues increase and to establish a reserve fund to be maintained for the three-year transition period. This amounted to one year of major cutbacks and downsizing followed by two years of maintaining stability. A Trade Name Licensing Contract was signed with the CMA, separate legal counsel was obtained, separate revenue interest generating accounts were established, and a part time employee was secured. Cut backs were issued at all levels and new ways of obtaining a current and more efficient system of communication such as a Web site, merchant credit card registration, 800 telephone number, and email membership directory were obtained. Not only did we reach our goals and the Alliance survive but we also gained our financial independence, the respect of the Medical Association and their Board of Trustees. We developed a TEAM to find solutions toward our independence. CALPAC membership also increased by 61 members this year. By putting our energy into education, health promotion and legislative advocacy we were able to continue with projects at all levels such as developing regional leadership conferences and distributing material on various health issues.

1996-97 President Anne Fishbein stressed the impact of  the close teamwork of the past two years in the quest for financial independence. This year found the Alliance at the end of the transition period and stronger than ever. Expenses were kept under budget enabling the reserve fund to grow. A Financial Development Committee was formed to focus on fund-raising which led to the receipt of several corporate grants. This year also saw the inaugural CMA Foundation/Alliance annual Leadership Recognition Dinner and Awards. A financial advisor was retained (a member who donated her services) who recommended an investment strategy.
Despite the stress on finances, health programs and legislative activity were able to expand.

In 1997-98 President Carolyn Foxe's theme was "Working Together...Reaching Out!", through published materials, video presentations, public forums, and hands-on projects many of which were supported through grants from the Community Health Foundation. The video "SAVE: Stop America's Violence Everywhere" promoted the state and national focus on violence prevention. While much of the hands-on work is done at the local level, the CMA-A networked around the state and nation, exhibiting at the Governor's Conference for Women attended by over 7000. We also exhibited and presented a workshop at the Healthy Schools, Healthy People Conference and were part of CMA's first Legislative Education Advocacy Program (LEAP). During Annual Session 75% of the House of Delegates joined CALPAC .

In 1998-99 President Marilyn Kezirian stressed that working in coalition with other community groups today will ensure partners with medicine tomorrow by bridging the gap to the non-medical community. An endowed fund was established by the Kezirian family in honor of Dr. Aram Peter Kezirian to establish community forums addressing medical issues and to underwrite participation by medical students, residents, and their spouses. The most significant co-partnership was with the Young Executives of America to sponsor MICRA forums. The Alliance also serves on the advisory board of the California Medical Training Center at UC Davis to assist in developing a curriculum for instruction of E.R. physicians and other health providers in high risk settings involving domestic violence. The Residency Assistance Program (R.A.P.) was formalized to offer hospitality to medical students traveling for residency program interviews.

Endowments were also established to honor 1999-2000 President Lilly Banisadre. Funding supports anti-violence and ADD/LD/ADHD awareness programs. The Pink Ribbon Committee-Bosom Buddies and Best Buddies was established to encourage yearly mammograms and PSA tests. CMA-A adopted Save Our Skin, Bullies and Targets, and the Media Literacy Project as state projects. The AMA-A Adopt-A-School project selected a California school as one of three pilot programs. A Marketing Committee was established which produced a new membership brochure and developed the Gift of Membership program. A "Road Show" on Medical Marriages was well received by the counties. The year ended with the installation of 1989-90 CMA-A Past President Ann Hansen as president of the AMA-A Alliance.

A NEW MILLENNIUM

2000-2001 President Carolyn Plested dedicated her Fall Leadership Conference to "Violence and its Tragic Consequences for the Youth of America" and  SAVE Day was observed by a majority of the counties. A Leadership Development effort had state leaders travel to all areas of the state visiting disbanded alliances. Inroads were made with some of these connections. Also, several successful fundraising events at state meetings were held to benefit the CMA-A Foundation.

In 2001-2002 President Barbara Trainor oversaw the moving of the Alliance office from San Francisco to the new CMA Headquarters building in Sacramento. Attendance at Fall Conference was greatly impacted by the events of September 11, however 65 stalwart members did attend. This year the Alliance worked on building external relationships. Emphasis was placed on continuing successful projects and maintaining previous collaborations in the areas of health, education and legislation with the Governor's Conference for Women, the Healthy Schools, Healthy People Conference, and the CMA Foundation for a Health Conference for Women 50+. The Alliance participated in a statewide Osteoporosis Education Project and provided bone density testing for attendees at Annual Session and also supported the legislative initiatives for Trauma and Emergency Services and to provide after school care. Additionally, in the hope of increasing attendance of county presidents-elect to AMA-A Confluence, CMA-A undertook a trial project to underwrite expenses not covered by local alliances or the AMA-A.

The 2002-2003 year under President Susan Bartlett marked a major shift in the focus of the CMA-A. At Annual Session, the bylaws and policies were amended to implement changes designed to have a direct, positive impact on leadership and membership at the county level. 
1)  Each county president (or the county's representative) will sit on the CMA Alliance Board of Trustees as a voting member.  2)  County presidents will meet with the Vice President of County Leadership, affording them a formalized opportunity for interaction, problem solving and sharing. 3)  The position of Member-at-Large Trustee was established to provide for representation of this membership category on the Board of Trustees since this group of members has the potential for making up a significant percentage of the CMA Alliance membership at a time when county medical societies and alliances are disbanding. 4)  The position of "Revitalization Consultant" was established to assist with leadership and/or membership development at the county level. Particularly knowledgeable members, such as CMA-A past presidents, are deemed most suitable for service in this position. Upon the request by a county alliance, the consultant, appointed by the president for a two-year term, will work with the alliance. 5)  The non-voting membership category of "Friends and Family of Medicine" was established.  To be a member in the "Friends and Family" category, a person must be sponsored for membership by a member classified as a "Voting Member" in his/her county alliance; annual sponsorship renewal is required.  6)  In the Financial Policies, the 2001-2002 trial project  reimbursing expenses for county president-elects to attend AMA Alliance Confluence, was reaffirmed and adopted.  7) A motion for "Unified Membership" at Annual Session was tabled for further study. In the area of Finance, the Alliance transitioned to a chart of accounts that tracks expenditures by both category and classification.  This ability to track specific expenditures enables the officers and chairs to better analyze and accurately project costs.  Detailed tracking, coupled with a willingness to implement some difficult cost-cutting strategies, has enabled the CMA Alliance to reduce its expenditures by 40% since the implementation of the new system.

The 2003-2004 year under President Shirley Marshall marked the 75th birthday of the CMA-A. She adopted the theme "The Power of One", accomplishing more together than apart. The Alliance promoted the project "Not Even For A Minute" to never leave a child alone in a car and collaborated with the American Psychiatric Association's "When Not To Keep A Secret" essay contest. A direct mailing realized an 1800% increase in members-at-large, 99% of whom were unified with AMA-A. The Alliance adopted a strict financial policy this year to no longer rely on drawing from the reserve account to meet budget. One difficult decision was to ask county alliances to share in the cost of sending their leaders to the AMA-A Leadership Conference (formerly known as Confluence). Because budget cuts were made, an even greater effort had to be made to maintain strong communications with the membership, using technology whenever possible.

Siggie Stillman, 2004-2005 President, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Alliance website "www.cmaa.net", which has served as an ever-growing communications tool over the years. It was a year of challenges and changes. The Strategic Directions Task Force, State Board, and Membership continued to make tough financial decisions which enabled to Alliance to finish the year in the black while also replacing some funds taken from reserves in previous years to balance the budget.

2005-06 President Patricia "Tricia" Hunstock saw a year in transition. With no permanent office staff, she served as the Alliance Administrator over three student assistants. In addition, CMA moved the office into a much smaller space which provided the opportunity to begin sorting through documents of historical significance. Membership achievements include updating the database, making a connection with Stanford University medical students, forming a new county (Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria), and initiating the Dedicated County Member Award to be given to a member selected by the county for their dedication and commitment to the Alliance. The CMA-A is also working with CMA on a template to give seminars to medical training centers. A palm card with 800 numbers was developed to enable teenagers to call for help or support. The Communications Committee became Communication/Marketing, work continued on the web page and newsletter communications, and the Strategic Directions Committee gathered information from  surveys in order to adapt to the many changes most effectively.