[Blindtlk] a great article

[Bryan Schulz]

hi,

there should be at least one more.
#16. Don't ask tough questions even when a member does something 
questionable and probably illegal.

Bryan Schulz

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Nusbaum" <dotkid.nusbaum at gmail.com>
To: "NABS list" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk list" 
<blindtlk at nfbnet.org>; "Gary Legates" <gary.legates at comcast.net>
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 3:02 PM
Subject: [Blindtlk] a great article


> Hi everyone,
>
> As I try to learn more about both organizations, I have subscribed to both 
> the Braille Monitor and the Braille Forum.  The Monitor, as you know, is 
> the Federation (NFB's)  publication and the Forum is the Council (or 
> ACB's) publication.  I found a great article in July's Forum entitled 
> "Fifteen Ways to Maximize your ACB Membership," giving fifteen tips on how 
> to take advantage of all ACB (or any organization, for that matter) has to 
> offer.  I think this could also apply to the Federation and to NABS or any 
> other special-interest division, and is some good advice.  To be accurate, 
> I added "or NFB" in parentheses to some parts of the article.  I have 
> pasted the article below.  Any thoughts on this? I promise I'm not trying 
> to force the ACB down your throats; in fact, I'm a Federationist in 
> nature, but want to learn about both.  Here is the article.
>
> 15 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR ACB (or NFB) MEMBERSHIP
>  by Kenneth Semien Sr.
>  All too often, people join organizations without taking
> advantage of the opportunity to truly know intricate details of its 
> purpose,
> mission, and operating practices.  This can very well result in a lack of
> participation and could ultimately result in a decision to forfeit what
> could have been the ideal vehicle to enhance your life, build great
> relationships and effectively share personal skills and abilities that can
> make an enormous difference.  In an effort to encourage you to explore the
> meaningful efforts of ACB, I have included the tips listed below to assist
> you in being all you can be and help you join with others whose skills
> complement yours.
>  1.  Be inquisitive and don't hesitate to ask questions.
>  2.  Become familiar with the history, mission, and purpose by
> reviewing it often enough to be able to repeat it to others.  In turn
> someone may realize that this is the organization they have been looking
> for.
>  3.  Make a personal commitment to identify ways to get involved.
>  4.  Find out who the officers are and become acquainted with
> them and their roles and responsibilities, as well as members you observe
> actively participating in events and projects associated with our
> organization.
>  5.  Make your skills and abilities known to leaders of your
> chapter, affiliate, or the president of our organization.
>  6.  Make every effort to participate in chapter, state affiliate
> and national meetings, seminars, conferences and conventions.
>  7.  Inquire about available committees you may be able to serve
> on to assist the organization in achieving its goals and objectives.  Seek
> to join committees that allow you to utilize your skills and abilities in
> the most effective and efficient manner.
>  8.  If you have access to the Internet, sign up for up-to-date
> news and announcements from all levels of our organization.  Ask a 
> president
> or member to tell you how to take advantage of this option.
>  9.  Listen to or read publications/newsletters distributed by our
> organization on all levels.  This is one of the best ways to learn about
> useful resources, access inspirational stories, scholarships, awards, and
> upcoming projects and events.
>  10.  Identify special-interest groups that meet your personal
> needs.  These groups provide you the opportunity to network with others
> sharing common interests, such as your prior or current occupation, 
> hobbies,
> health concerns and so much more.
>  11.  Obtain your own copy of the constitution and bylaws to learn
> of the agreed-upon operating practices and procedures of our organization.
>  12.  Prepare for future involvement as an officer by becoming
> familiar with officer titles and duties.
>  13.  Participate in conference calls to build your knowledge,
> such as membership focus calls, periodic Office Hours conference calls 
> with
> the ACB president, committee calls, and special-interest group calls.
>  14.  Explore the web sites of your chapter, state affiliate and
> our national organization.  You may locate information on the web site 
> that
> you didn't think of inquiring about.
>  15.  Pay your annual dues faithfully and encourage others to do
> the same.
>  The more you know and the more you become involved, the more you
> will begin to know that you have joined a phenomenal organization that is
> continuing to grow.  Have a great ACB (or NFB) adventure!
>
> Chris Nusbaum
>
> "The real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight.  The real 
> problem is the misunderstanding and lack of education that exists.  If a 
> blind person has the proper training and opportunity, blindness can be 
> reduced to a mere physical nuisance." -- Kenneth Jernigan (President of 
> the National Federation of the Blind, 1968-1986.)
>
>  Visit the I C.A.N.  Foundation online at: www.icanfoundation.info for
> information on our foundation and how it helps blind and visually
> impaired children in MD say "I can!"
>
>
> Sent from my BrailleNote
>
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