Status: Last I spoke with Lady Diver about this (beginning of December), she was still working on all of the non-profit organization paperwork. Local and State (California) were completed, and the Fed stuff had just left. Once the Fed stuff is back, the official launch countdown can begin.
Other things such as BoD and officer selection, development of by-laws, etc. have been completed.
So we are generally waiting on the Fed to acknowledge NDI and provide the correct papers and numbers.
NDI Members into DEMA: Having never been to DEMA just yet (the last one was just completed the same weekend I decided to get serious about diving) I am not sure what it takes to get in. But I do know that SSN and NDI will be represented appropriately.
I think having members attend would be a good thing, but we gotta get the club up on it's own two fins before we can address DEMA. But I will make sure we don't forget your idea.