[Capchapohio] FW: [NFBAffiliatePresidents] Meet the Blind Month

[Betts, Katherine H.]

 Hello JW: Hope that you are doing well. I will try to come up with some ideas about this. One idea that strikes me immediately is changing the name. I understand that the idea is to help progress the NFB, but the title is a little offputting. "Meet the Blind" I feel takes away from the human aspect of the individuals who  happen to be blind who are a part of the NFB. Although being blind isa large part of our identities, it is not our whole identity. Many times "sighted people" tend to  view us by this only  marker. I feel that using this title reinforces that same behavior. Your thoughts?

-----Original Message-----
From: capchapohio-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:capchapohio-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of J.W. Smith
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2011 3:58 PM
To: 'NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List'; Capital Chapter (Columbus, Ohio) Mailing List; Anne Marble; Annette Anderson; Barabara Fohl; Barbara Pierce; Becky Booth; Beth Debus; Carol Akers; Colleen Roth; Crystal McClain; Deanna Lewis; Debra Baker; Dr. JW Smith; Eric Duffy; Paul Dressell; Richard Payne; Shelbi Hindel; Sheri Albers; Sherry Ruth; Steve Vincke; William Turner
Subject: [Capchapohio] FW: [NFBAffiliatePresidents] Meet the Blind Month
Importance: High

Any initial thoughts or idea's?

Jw


Dr. J. Webster Smith
President, National Federation of the Blind of Ohio PO Box 458 Athens, OH 45701
740-592-6326

"Changing what it means to be blind"
For more information go to nfbohio.org

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbaffiliatepresidents-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:nfbaffiliatepresidents-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Riccobono, Mark
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2011 2:50 PM
To: Affiliate Presidents Listserv (nfbaffiliatepresidents at nfbnet.org)
Cc: Kobelinski, Melissa
Subject: [NFBAffiliatePresidents] Meet the Blind Month
Importance: High


Dear Federationists:

            As you are aware, Meet the Blind Month is around the corner. As we begin to plan events, it is important to remember the purpose of this
month: to increase awareness of and support for the National Federation of the Blind. This year we will be implementing a challenge. The challenge is to come up with an innovative and unique event to promote the NFB in the local community. This challenge is meant to be fun. The top events will be voted on in the first weeks of November by anyone who wishes to participate.
Voting will take place on the Meet the Blind Month homepage<http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Meet_the_Blind_Month.asp> and over the phone. The ideal challenge event should not consist solely of passing out literature or tabling, however this does not mean these events should be excluded from the regular Meet the Blind Month activities. Please read the attached campaign guidelines document for further information about the challenge.

            There are many resources available, which can be found on the Meet the Blind Month homepage<http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Meet_the_Blind_Month.asp>. These resources include the campaign guidelines, event submission form, two sample proclamations, a link to materials available through the Independence Market, a press kit, and the Meet the Blind Month events calendar.

            It is important that all scheduled events are reported to me by e-mail, mkobelinski at nfb.org<mailto:mkobelinski at nfb.org>, or phone, (410) 659-9314, extension 2423 ahead of time to ensure the event is listed on the Meet the Blind Month events
calendar<http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Meet_the_Blind_Month_Events.asp?SnID=3369157
96>. This will allow individuals to learn of local Meet the Blind Month
activities and provide them with enough time to plan to attend.

            If you have any questions about Meet the Blind Month please contact me by e-mail, mkobelinski at nfb.org<mailto:mkobelinski at nfb.org>, or phone, (410) 659-9314, extension 2423. I know Meet the Blind Month is going to be great this year!

Melissa Kobelinski , Jernigan Institute
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (410) 659-9314 ext 2423

P.S. Your continued feedback and sharing of ideas for innovative Meet the Blind Month activities is appreciated and welcome.