Lara...Boy it sounds like you may have your hands full with this crowd! Unfortunately, when you involve yourself in trying to start a group about a cause (you name the cause), sometimes you end up attracting people who have their own agendas and issues. I've been down that road with a couple of groups/organizations that I've been associated with or started myself, over the years. But, don't let that deter you...You're doing a very noble thing which is well worth the effort.

The important thing is that you had a GREAT turnout!!! I am sorry your speakers were a no-show, but, it sounds to me that you did just fine...Hopefully, they'll be able to make the next one. In the meantime, you got the ball rolling, and often, that's the hardest part. It would be great if the name for the group refers to Barney in some way, since he was the inspiration behind this, but I understand that that decision may not end up as entirely yours.

So far my friend, I think you are off to a promising start. Keep your chin up, and just follow this road where it goes. It is a very worthy cause, and you are doing a wonderful thing. Hang in there, and let us here at PT know if there is anything that we can do to help.

Judy