NFPA Conference Day Two

On this, the second day of the NFPA conference, we had Region meetings.  PACO is in Region Three accompanied by the Cleveland Association of Paralegals; South Bend, Indiana; North Carolina; Kentucky and others (the whole who's part of our region and who isn't).

We spoke on several topics ranging from certification to the individual bylaws of our organizations.  I have several new ideas to bring back to our association.  I'm very excited, and hopefully these new ideas will help you become more involved not only with the NFPA, but with our association. 

One of the topics we discussed is doing a self assessment of our association and our board to make sure we are doing what we can to make the association better for all of us.  The NFPA is thinking of doing something similar for themselves. 

Another topic of discussion was coordinator positions within the NFPA.  As far as I can tell, they are like the committee chairs that we have in PACO only they are on the national level.  If anyone would like to serve as a coordinator in the NFPA please let me know next week as the deadline is fast approaching. 

An interesting topic that came up during the meeting was should felons be allowed as members to our organization.  The PACO Bylaws clearly state: "
A Member may be expelled and Membership may thereby be terminated, pursuant to or an application for Membership or for the reinstatement of Section 2.13 of this code Membership may be rejected for the following reasons: (a) the conviction of a felony in this state, or the conviction of an equivalent offense under the laws of any other jurisdiction;"
Some associations do not have language restricting membership, or have language such as ours that say "may be" leaving the appearance of some discretion.  One question I will pose to you, should a felon be able to be a member of our organization?  I'm just curious to see what your answers would be on that?

Finally, we discussed the new exam to be offered by the NFPA, this is going to be called the CORE, it's for students and beginning paralegals.  I will have brochures at the next meeting and more information is located on the NFPA website.  I will also have brochures for PACE. 

Our Region Meetings were followed by a very nice dinner at this museum/hall in Philly where we got to see exhibits and watched a show.  We also had a fabulous dinner.  While in the area, we had a chance to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. 

Please see the post previous to this one for some pictures from Day 2.