[Blindtlk] Resolution that didn't pass about apple

T. Joseph Carter carter.tjoseph at gmail.com
Mon Sep 5 17:03:38 UTC 2011 

The official position from Apple is that accessibility is important 
to them, and that they cannot comment on unreleased products (and 
that their employees had better not!)

The position from Apple employees is that accessibility remains their 
priority (after all, a good number of them are employed for just that 
purpose!), but they're pretty ticked at the NFB right now.  I'm sure 
the situation is not irreparable.

Apparently I'm not the only Federationist out there who has tried to 
run some damage control on the matter.  It'd be a major no-no to tell 
me who else had contacted them, so I don't know who, but others have 
apparently done so.  Of course, a few have contacted Apple to tell 
them to ignore the militant NFB yadda yadda (I wonder if those guys 
are affiliated with any organization?)

A little more thoughtfulness from us in the future and a clear effort 
to work WITH Apple to improve accessibility will undo most of the 
damage that's been done in pretty short order.

Joseph


On Mon, Sep 05, 2011 at 11:37:56AM -0500, Ray Foret Jr wrote:
>steve does have some good points.  Let me ask.  Is the situation irrepairable now?  I think that I would much rather have an official position from Apple before assuming the worst.
>
>I still say and open letter would be best.  Idaelly, I have in my mind that at leasst Dr. Maurer and Tim Cook would read such a letter.  Such a letter would include facts which, on their face would seem self contradictory; but, would, I think shed much light on the Apple debate.   In such a letter, It would be mentioned that the NFB really got it wrong with the article in June 2009; but, had the sense to correct that in December of 2009.  Also, that there were many Mac users who jumped all over the NFB for the June 2009 article and were totally unwilling to give the NFB the due credit for the December correction.  The resolutions would be the main topic though.  It would be emphasized that the second resolution failed by a considerable margin and that I felt very strongly that a positive working relationship between Apple and the NFB would be much better than a hostile one.
>
>What say y'all?
>
>Joseph, you must admit,
>Sincerely,
>The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!
>
>Now a very proud and happy Mac user!!!
>
>Skype name:
>barefootedray
>
>Facebook:
>facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1
>
>
>
>On Sep 5, 2011, at 10:47 AM, T. Joseph Carter wrote:
>
>> I know several Apple employees personally.  I cannot really say more, because Apple is a company full of secrets.  ANY communication that does not happen through official channels is subject to employees losing their jobs.  (Add that to the list of Apple as big brother.)
>>
>> There's no chance that we're going to lose the accessibility in Apple products, but the hostile relationship Peter Donahue and others want the NFB to have with Apple is now a fact of life.  Apple will continue to work on accessibility, but at least those I've talked to don't have much love for the NFB for undermining and belittling their hard work.  IMO, that's exactly what we did.
>>
>> Joseph
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Sep 04, 2011 at 09:10:18AM -0500, Ray Foret Jr wrote:
>>> Say,  How do you know for sure that the people at Apple are now unwilling to work with us?  I fear we are really going down the wrong road now.  My hope is that this situation is not irreparable.  What I intend to do with this is write and open letter to Dr. Maurer about this and include many of the points we discussed here.  Look, it seems to me that we can choose the more hostile relationship; in which case we stand a chance of loosing what accessibility to Apple we already have; or, we can choose to try to repair what we can and build a positive relationship and get working together on this.  IF we let Anger be the driving force behind what we do, we will destroy all the good work we've done so far.  I see us changing; and, frankly, I do not like it.  It seems to me that we're running the risk of loosing something very valuable as an organization.  I'm afraid that if we keep this up, we'll have happen to us what Dr. Jernigan warned us about in his banquet speech in 1997.
>>>
>>> What are we becoming when we let this happen to us?
>>>
>>>
>>> Sincerely,
>>> The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!
>>>
>>> Now a very proud and happy Mac user!!!
>>>
>>> Skype name:
>>> barefootedray
>>>
>>> Facebook:
>>> facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sep 4, 2011, at 8:00 AM, T. Joseph Carter wrote:
>>>
>>>> I can tell you that people in Apple's accessibility department have reacted negatively enough to BOTH of the resolutions that they are not the least bit inclined to work with us in the future.
>>>>
>>>> I believe the exact words, at least those I'm willing to quote here on the mailing list, were that the NFB can go to hell.  I won't say where this individual said we could stick our resolutions.
>>>>
>>>> Corporate policy remains 100% accessibility, but we have alienated Apple who is trying to do the right thing while we suck up to Google for their continued bad behavior.
>>>>
>>>> The resolutions were both seen at Apple, and they've already had an impact on Apple's willingness to work with us to further improve accessibility.  Just … not the impact anyone but Freedom Scientific was hoping for.
>>>>
>>>> But Apple is evil, so it doesn't matter.  And Google is awesome, so who cares if they do anything accessibly?  Right?  Right?
>>>>
>>>> Joseph
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Sat, Sep 03, 2011 at 06:17:46PM -0500, Ray Foret Jr wrote:
>>>>> But, Peter, I ask you.  Would you be forever in a war camp mode?  Just think of the resolution concerning Google and the ones concerning Apple.  Why the disparity?  A fair question I think.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>> The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!
>>>>>
>>>>> Now a very proud and happy Mac user!!!
>>>>>
>>>>> Skype name:
>>>>> barefootedray
>>>>>
>>>>> Facebook:
>>>>> facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Sep 3, 2011, at 3:48 PM, Peter Donahue wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Hello Ray and everyone,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The wording was fine. It's the "Let's be grateful" attitude that makes folks
>>>>>> feel otherwise.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Peter Donahue
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>> From: "Ray Foret Jr" <rforetjr at att.net>
>>>>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2011 3:23 PM
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Resolution that didn't pass about apple
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Not with me Peter.  We need to strongly encourage people, not bitch at them.
>>>>>> We need to change the wording of the resolution so that it has the desired
>>>>>> effect without being bitchy about it.  There are times we need to use a
>>>>>> hammer, and other times, a feather will do just as well.  So, we commend
>>>>>> Google for trying to be accessible but bitch at Apple even though they are
>>>>>> more accessible than Google?  Tell me, is it because Google paid us money,
>>>>>> (being a sponsor of our convention) and Apple didn't?  What kind of outfit
>>>>>> are we when we stoop to that level?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sorry for the language, but, that's the way it is.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>>> The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Now a very proud and happy Mac user!!!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Skype name:
>>>>>> barefootedray
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Facebook:
>>>>>> facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Sep 3, 2011, at 2:58 PM, Peter Donahue wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Hello Cheryl and everyone,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The wording was fine with me.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Peter Donahue
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>> From: "cheryl echevarria" <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
>>>>>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2011 12:25 PM
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Resolution that didn't pass about apple
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The issue was the wording of the Resolution, if I remember correctly, that
>>>>>>> it was to harsh, and for it to pass that we all had to agree on the
>>>>>>> wording.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> it has nothing to do with the Resolution as a whole, but the wording of
>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>> resolution couldn't be passed, it can be brought to the floor of
>>>>>>> convention
>>>>>>> next year, to be voted on again
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Leading the Way in Independent Travel!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Cheryl Echevarria
>>>>>>> http://www.echevarriatravel.com
>>>>>>> 631-456-5394
>>>>>>> reservations at echevarriatravel.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Superior Travel, located in
>>>>>>> Baldwin, NY. www.superiortravel.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Absolute Cruise & Travel,
>>>>>>> Inc.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>> From: "cheryl echevarria" <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
>>>>>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2011 12:58 PM
>>>>>>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Resolution that didn't pass about apple
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Well maybe people on this list that voted against it elaborate as to why
>>>>>>>> they voted against it.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Leading the Way in Independent Travel!
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Cheryl Echevarria
>>>>>>>> http://www.echevarriatravel.com
>>>>>>>> 631-456-5394
>>>>>>>> reservations at echevarriatravel.com
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Superior Travel, located in
>>>>>>>> Baldwin, NY. www.superiortravel.com
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Absolute Cruise & Travel,
>>>>>>>> Inc.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>>> From: "Ray Foret Jr" <rforetjr at att.net>
>>>>>>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>> Sent: Friday, September 02, 2011 4:56 PM
>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] [Bulk] Re: a great article
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Ah yes, I have a recording of the stream of that particular days'
>>>>>>>>> events. I must say, that was quite an episode.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>>>>>> The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Now a very proud and happy Mac user!!!
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Skype name:
>>>>>>>>> barefootedray
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Facebook:
>>>>>>>>> facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On Sep 2, 2011, at 3:31 PM, Marsha Drenth wrote:
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> An example of not all of us following like zombies, at the national
>>>>>>>>>> convention. A resolution about apple. Don't quite remember the
>>>>>>>>>> wordage, but
>>>>>>>>>> it did not pass. More than half of the floor voted against it. If you
>>>>>>>>>> were
>>>>>>>>>> at the convention you would know what I am talking about.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> I was one of the many who voted against the resolution. I didn't think
>>>>>>>>>> it
>>>>>>>>>> was fair, and not something the NFB needed to make an resolution for.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Others are welcome to chime in here...
>>>>>>>>>> Marsha
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>>>>> From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>>>>>>>> On
>>>>>>>>>> Behalf Of Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 10:19 PM
>>>>>>>>>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] a great article
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> hi,
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> no point in rehashing the lost funds as they have been forgiven in the
>>>>>>>>>> midwest.
>>>>>>>>>> i was the only one to push the issue and was blasted for it. it's
>>>>>>>>>> things
>>>>>>>>>> like that which make the nfb taste bitter.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Not all of us just follow in line like zombies.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> I'd like to see more examples of that.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>>>>> From: "Marsha Drenth" <marsha.drenth at gmail.com>
>>>>>>>>>> To: "'Blind Talk Mailing List'" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:14 PM
>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] a great article
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> This thread is very tiring, very frustrating and gets us no where. So
>>>>>>>>>>> if
>>>>>>>>>>> us
>>>>>>>>>>> NFB members never ask the tough questions, and look the other way.
>>>>>>>>>>> What
>>>>>>>>>>> was
>>>>>>>>>>> the illegal behavior your speaking of? I am pretty sure if there was
>>>>>>>>>>> any
>>>>>>>>>>> illegal behavior, we just as much any other person would ask the
>>>>>>>>>>> "tough"
>>>>>>>>>>> questions. Not all of us just follow in line like zombies.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> If your so anti-NFB, why do you hang out here. Your welcome to leave
>>>>>>>>>>> any
>>>>>>>>>>> time. We would rather you go away. So our list can go back to being
>>>>>>>>>>> constructive and productive. Oh wait that is right, we are all lyres,
>>>>>>>>>>> we
>>>>>>>>>>> allow illegal behavior, and follow like zombies. You can think what
>>>>>>>>>>> you
>>>>>>>>>>> want. But this skirting around subjects does nothing. We are not
>>>>>>>>>>> going to
>>>>>>>>>>> change our minds about what we think.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Marsha
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>>>>>> From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>> [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>>>>>>>>>> Behalf Of Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 7:07 PM
>>>>>>>>>>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] a great article
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> hi,
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> no, i'm not accusing anyone, the event already happened.
>>>>>>>>>>> the point is don't ask tough questions unless you have thick skin.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>>>>>> From: "T. Joseph Carter" <carter.tjoseph at gmail.com>
>>>>>>>>>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 5:49 PM
>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] a great article
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> I see, my mistake.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> You aren't taking pot shots at the ACB without facts to back it up.
>>>>>>>>>>>> You
>>>>>>>>>>>> are taking pot shots at the NFB without facts.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> It takes a lot of guts to come into an organization and start
>>>>>>>>>>>> accusing
>>>>>>>>>>>> its
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> members of vaguely illegal activities without offering any specifics
>>>>>>>>>>>> or
>>>>>>>>>>>> evidence.  But I'm sure doing so will get you all the consideration
>>>>>>>>>>>> you're
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> due.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> And with that, I think I'm about finished with the discussion.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Joseph - KF7QZC
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> On Thu, Sep 01, 2011 at 05:36:54PM -0500, Bryan Schulz wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>> hi,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> no, i'm not talking about the acb but the point still applies.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "T. Joseph Carter"
>>>>>>>>>>>>> <carter.tjoseph at gmail.com>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 5:09 PM
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] a great article
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I suggest if that helps you maximize your involvement with and
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> benefit
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> from an organization, you find another organization.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Perhaps though, we don't want to go down this road, or at least
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> not in
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> this fashion.  The ACB has in the past allowed its members to make
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> baseless, unsupported, and uncontested claims of illegal behavior
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> by the
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> NFB.  It was rather off-putting, and I'd have thought so even if I
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> were
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> not a Federationist!  Indeed, it seems always to be so, in any
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> organization, whether or not I have any affiliation with anybody.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> If there's something new and recent that needs to be discussed
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> regarding
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the ACB, we should probably do it, but in a new thread with the
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> relevant
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> details.  If it's a rehash of old wrongdoings by former officers,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> don't
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> know how useful it would be to debate today.  It's like discussing
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> questionable action taken by Janet Reno while she worked for Bill
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Clinton. Anyone personally affected would find it relevant, but
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> society
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> as a whole wouldn't be interested today.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sometimes the bad guys get away with it.  Usually when the good
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> guys
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> don't stand up to them until its too late.  But that takes me off
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> on my
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> own tangent.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Joseph - KF7QZC
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Thu, Sep 01, 2011 at 03:53:02PM -0500, Bryan Schulz 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
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 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/b.schulz%40s
>>>>>>>>>> b
>>>>>>>>>>> cglobal.net
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 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/carter.tjosep
>>>>>>>>>> h
>>>>>>>>>>> %40gmail.com
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 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/b.schulz%40sbc
>>>>>>>>>> g
>>>>>>>>>>> lobal.net
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>>>> 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/carter.tjoseph%
>>>>>>>>>> 4
>>>>>>>>>>> 0gmail.com
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>>> 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/b.schulz%40sbcglob
>>>>>>>>>>> al.net
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>> 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/marsha.drenth%40gm
>>>>>>>>>>> ail.com
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
>>>>>>>>>>> signature
>>>>>>>>>>> database 6428 (20110901) __________
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
>>>>>>>>>>> signature
>>>>>>>>>>> database 6428 (20110901) __________
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>> 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/b.schulz%40sbcglob
>>>>>>>>>> al.net
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>> 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/marsha.drenth%40gm
>>>>>>>>>> ail.com
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
>>>>>>>>>> signature
>>>>>>>>>> database 6428 (20110901) __________
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
>>>>>>>>>> signature
>>>>>>>>>> database 6429 (20110902) __________
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
>>>>>>>>>> signature
>>>>>>>>>> database 6431 (20110902) __________
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
>>>>>>>>>> signature
>>>>>>>>>> database 6431 (20110902) __________
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/rforetjr%40att.net
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cherylandmaxx%40hotmail.com
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cherylandmaxx%40hotmail.com
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/rforetjr%40att.net
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindtlk:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/rforetjr%40att.net
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindtlk:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/carter.tjoseph%40gmail.com
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindtlk:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/rforetjr%40att.net
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindtlk:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/carter.tjoseph%40gmail.com
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindtlk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/rforetjr%40att.net
>
>_______________________________________________
>blindtlk mailing list
>blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindtlk:
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/carter.tjoseph%40gmail.com

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