[Blindtlk] what is Federationism

Thu May 5 22:15:22 UTC 2011

eHi, Dianne,

It made a lot of sense! I love those points! I think the * 
organized * part of the organized blind movement is very 
important to the success of the NFB.  It's one thing that one or 
two or fifty people are advocating for the rights of the blind, 
but fifty thousand...  we get things done! * Smile!

Chris Nusbaum

"A loss of sight, never a loss of vision!" (Camp Abilities motto)

--- Sent from my Braille-Note

----- Original Message -----
eFrom: "Graves, Diane" <dgraves at icrc.IN.gov
To: "'Blind Talk Mailing List'" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Date sent: Wed, 4 May 2011 11:54:08 -0400
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] what is Federationism

Hi Chris,

I am glad you are wanting to become more active in the 
organization, and am happy to share my thoughts with you.  Don't 
ever be shy about asking these questions.  That is what our list 
is all about.

To me, federationism means unity and collective action.  When I 
look at the issues of concern to the blind, things like the high 
unemployment rate, the accessibility issues, the Braille literacy 
crisis, and a whole host of other things, on my own, I feel 
overwhelmed to say the least.  Most of us wouldn't have the  
power to make any real changes in these areas alone.  However, as 
an organization, working together and helping one another we are 
doing incredible things, and have made major changes since we 
were originally founded in the 1940s.  Yes, we have much to do 
and a long way to go, but we have come a long way.  I don't 
believe these changes would have been possible without our 
organization.  We are united and helping one another to achieve 
our best.

The federation philosophy, in a nutshell, is that blindness does 
not have to define our lives.  We believe that, as long as the 
proper alternative techniques are in place and employed, we are 
just as capable and competent as anyone else of working in the 
field of our choice,  raising our families, and reaching our 
goals.

I am a Federationist because I want to make a difference, I want 
to be a part of the change.  I want to have the support of a 
family who truly understands, and to be able to support and guide 
others along the way.  I have gained so much since joining the 
organization, and seen blind people performing jobs that I would 
have thought were out of our reach.  Though I would probably 
classify myself as  a mediocre traveler, meaning that  I get 
where I need to go and do what I need to do, I have been inspired 
by others with travel skills that I had no idea where attainable.  
The NFB has inspired me to do more than I ever thought I could 
and be more than I ever expected to be.  It has been a growing 
process, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  I hope this make 
some sense.  (smile)

Diane Graves
Civil Rights Specialist
Indiana Civil Rights Commission
Alternative Dispute Resolutions Unit
317-232-2647

"It is service that measures success."
George Washington Carver

Confidentiality Notice: This E-mail transmission may contain 
confidential and/or legally privileged information intended only 
for the individual or entity(ies)
named in the E-mail address.  If you are not the intended 
recipient, be advised that any unauthorized disclosure, copying, 
distribution, or acting in reliance
upon the contents of this E-mail is strictly prohibited.  If you 
have received this E-mail transmission in error, please reply to 
sender to arrange for the return and proper delivery of the 
transmission.  Subsequently, delete the message from your system 
immediately.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org 
[mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chris Nusbaum
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 4:32 PM
To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Cc: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Blindtlk] what is Federationism

Hi, all.

Here's an interesting, maybe somewhat philosophical question for
all of you.  Sorry for those of you who don't like these topics,
you don't have to reply.  I've always been an NFB member (since I
was very little) but I was never really active in it.  Oh sure, I
followed some of the issues and had some oppinions, but I never
really was that active in the NFB itself.  Now, after I went to
the NFB's Leadership and Advocacy program, I seem to have a new
sense of support for the Federation and as I'm learning more, I
want to be more active in it.  I really am starting to understand
and strongly believe in the NFB philosophy, or at least how I
interpret it.  So I want to ask you a threefold question: what
does Federationism mean to you, what do you think the NFB
philosophy is, and why are you a Federationist? I'm not going to
tell you my opinion just yet, mainly because I don't really have
a strong one.  That's why I want to hear from you, think about
your opinions, and finally decide what I believe.  I look forward
to hearing all of your thoughts!

Chris Nusbaum

"A loss of sight, never a loss of vision!" (Camp Abilities motto)

_______________________________________________
blindtlk mailing list
blindtlk at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
for blindtlk:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/dgraves
%40icrc.in.gov

_______________________________________________
blindtlk mailing list
blindtlk at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
for blindtlk:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/dotkid.
nusbaum%40gmail.com