[Blindtlk] a great article

[David Andrews]

Bryan:

I for one must say that I am tired of your negativity and 
cynicism.  It is getting a bit old.

It isn't what a person asks that is the problem, but how and where!

Dave

At 03:53 PM 9/1/2011, you wrote:
>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