TRAVEL AGENTS OF AMERICA

CONTRIBUTIONS/EXPENSES:

CONTRIBUTIONS/EXPENSES: There will be expenses incurred in both planning for, promoting and in conducting the event, such as portable rest rooms, parade marshals, audio equipment rental, broadcast faxing, etc. I do not apologize for asking for donations. I ask that you consider $5, $10, $20 or whatever you think is appropriate. Let me hasten to say that contributions to the March On Washington expenses are not required at all for you to participate. I also offer you the opportunity to purchase a copy of my book, "Unfair At Any Fare", which you can order from my website. A link on how to order the book is provided under 'Organized By'. But this is not about book sales. I hope that by now you can see this is about the future of an entire industry. Contributions may be made by credit card via fax or e-mail or by check to:

Travel Agents of America
C/O Uniglobe Country Place Travel
2000 Riverside Parkway, Suite 206
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: (under construction, please check back later)
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TRAVEL AGENT DIGEST:

TRAVEL AGENT DIGEST: Please consider getting connected with travel agents from all walks of life throughout America, and even several other countries such as Canada and New Zealand. They exchange helpful information on destinations, policies and procedures, and current event issues facing our industry. Check it out at www.travelhacker.net, and it's only $25.00/year. This should be in addition to, and not in lieu of any other trade association membership you are currently active in or considering joining. Believe me, it's well worth $25!!! It simply provides a way via the internet for travel agents (presently 2,000 and growing rapidly) to be connected and to communicate important news fast!
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FLEXIBILITY AND PATIENCE:

FLEXIBILITY AND PATIENCE: Please understand that this project is huge, that it is on-going at least until after October 5th, that I am one person who is also trying to own and operate a travel agency in trying times, and that better ideas on any of the issues I have addressed may certainly be out there. Please send me an e-mail at Lawton@alaskatravelexperts.com if you have any suggestions. I will do my best to get back with you. But please understand, if this event is as successful as I am hoping that it will be, we'll all be overwhelmed. So let's please exercise some of that same patience that our President has asked us to give him.
Incidentally, I will be out of town from Friday afternoon Sep 21^st to Sunday evening Sep 23^rd.
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YOUR FINAL CHANCE TO BE HEARD:

YOUR FINAL CHANCE TO BE HEARD: Under the circumstances of an industry already under duress prior to September 11^th, and now with the even greater pressures that a depressed marketplace is having on a industry weakened by constant attacks from its very suppliers for over six years, and under the circumstances of an attentive federal government already focused on the severe problems now facing another major portion of the travel industry, this might just be travel agents best and final chance to be heard on these critical issues affecting the very future of the travel agency industry. Please understand that by investing in the time and money it will require of you to travel to Washington, D. C. on October 4^th and/or 5^th, you will be investing immeasurably in your future, much more so than by spending one more day in the office. Folks, it's now or never!
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FAQ's:

What about the trade associations?
They are obviously a vital part of the travel agency industry, and it is hopeful that all of them, ASTA, ARTA, CLIA, and others will actively participate. As we all know, while we are being open and honest about things, our industry does not have the luxury of being a united industry under any one umbrella like the automobile industry and the National Automobile Dealers Association. If there were ever a time for all divisions to be set aside in our industry, including associational divisions, it is now. Let's work together for that to happen, for the benefit of all. What a sight it would be to see all the recognized excellent leaders in our industry walking arm in arm down Pennsylvania Ave leading the front row of hundreds and hundreds of travel agents exercising their first amendment rights. I believe the travel agent members of these associations as well as all other travel agents not now a member of any association will be looking for signs of unity and leadership through active participation. . Once again, it's now or never!

What if it rains?
The events of October 4^th and October 5^th will occur in Washington, rain or shine.

Is this a boycott?
No, this is not a boycott. We will not be leading or suggesting unlawful activities. We will be vocal, and we will be heard, but we will not condone nor promote any actions that are for our industry considered breaking the law. But again I say, we will be vocal.

What happens after October 5^th?
Let's wait and see just where we find ourselves after the events of October 4^th and 5^th to address this. Certainly, on-going vigilance and active involvement will still be needed.

Why October 5^th and why can't we have more lead time?
The original permit applications for a march and demonstration in Washington were filed in late August, and have just been approved. Congress is officially scheduled to adjourn from the fall session in mid October, so to delay beyond the time that Congress would be in session would be senseless. Congress may be extended in their present session due to events surrounding the September 11^th attacks, but there is no guarantee of that.