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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body bgcolor=white lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Mike,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>While I am probably lumped into the “young crowd” at only 35, grin, I completely agree with your assessment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>My own observation is the younger people don’t see the need to continue the fight. Many feel entitled and reap the benefits of those who came before us, so they don’t fully understand the need to push further for equality and fair treatment. I hear so many young people say that they get to go to school and seek employment and have social lives, so they find nothing about any organization attractive, and they don’t understand why we push back so much on certain issues. I can’t tell you how many young people are the demographic confused and not understanding why we do things like start our own campaign against The Foundation Fighting Blindness’s campaign that was potentially so detrimental to blind people. Or why we pursue legal action against entities refusing to work with and accommodate blind people. Or why we encourage the use of nonvisual skills. It goes on and on. I hear this more from younger people than older folks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Our student division used to be active and thriving. Every year at state convention, we had several students show up and participate in NABS activities. Now, we were worried we would not have enough people to fill our NABS board this year, and as of now, they have no active participation from anyone outside the board in terms of other students. More non-students show up to student meetings at our convention than actual students. Our chapters see fewer and fewer students and young people joining and participating. In my chapter, anyone younger than 30 just sits there, barely contributing to discussions let alone events and activities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>The caveat is that our older generation wants to slow down, to some degree, and let us younger members take the lead. But when so few of us understand that we still have so much work to do, and that we need to take initiative and step up to the plate, it creates a problem. It’s becoming epidemic, and I’m not sure what the solution is.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>But I agree that the alternative is far worse. Those of us who get it, who understand the march is not over, we need to keep marching, carrying the banner. We may be limited, but we still need to make our voices heard. Hopefully as the younger group matures, they will realize how important a group like the Federation is and will finally stand and take their place in line.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Bridgit<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:windowtext'>From:</span></b><span style='color:windowtext'> Cash-and-Caring [mailto:cash-and-caring-bounces@nfbnet.org] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Mike Freeman via Cash-and-Caring<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 21, 2016 12:10 PM<br><b>To:</b> 'Fund-raising assistance for Chapters and Affiliates' <cash-and-caring@nfbnet.org><br><b>Cc:</b> Mike Freeman <k7uij@panix.com><br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [Cash-and-caring] IABS IDOL<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Janice et al:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>I think part of the problem is our success. In the “old days” – thirty or forty years ago – even though we had a cadre of young members – we felt ourselves to be Shakespeare’s “happy few”. We felt embattled and gloried in the fight even though we told ourselves (and, let it be said, often felt) that we would rather have just gone on with our lives peaceably as first-class citizens. Implicit in this is the fact that we *<b>knew</b>* that if we didn’t do things, they just wouldn’t get done.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Contrast this with today when, as President Riccobono has said, we are achieving unprecedented success. So what young people are joining us often feel that they are no longer needed. It’s the older members who still feel impelled to stand on the barricades.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>OTOH, part of the problem also lies in the very fact of our aging. Whether for good or ill, many young people today feel that we ancients have nothing to offer them. And, in truth, we don’t offer the same opportunities for food, drink and companionship leading to romantic encounters that would be the case were we even twenty years younger.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>But let us not delude ourselves: many, many nonprofits are feeling the same way. Too many people of all ages are taken up with social media (which I generally hate) and don’t quite see the reason for the sort of human interaction and activities that took up our time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Put another way, there are more distractions now than there were thirty or forty years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>But we have to keep trying -- the alternative is unthinkable.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Mike Freeman<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:windowtext'> Cash-and-Caring [<a href="mailto:cash-and-caring-bounces@nfbnet.org">mailto:cash-and-caring-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Janice Toothman via Cash-and-Caring<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 21, 2016 7:59 AM<br><b>To:</b> Fund-raising assistance for Chapters and Affiliates<br><b>Cc:</b> Janice Toothman<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [Cash-and-caring] IABS IDOL<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><br>Bridget,<br><br>I want to say that I share your frustration. It is often hard when a few in the Chapter/Affiliate do most of the work and the majority remain apathetic or unmotivated. <br><br>It is difficult enough coming up with ideas that will be successful and that our members will feel excited about enough to be involved with getting the project done. I think we have to keep trying because the work of the Federation is vital. It is also a way to empower individuals that may not have felt that had a say in their own future. If they can recognize that participating in fundraising,helps them build skills and confidence that will make them a more independent and effective blind person.<br><br>Janice<o:p></o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal>On 12/21/2016 10:15 AM, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Cash-and-Caring wrote:<o:p></o:p></p></div><blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Agree with all points. And I don’t share most these thoughts and feelings with my general membership. As a leader, I understand it’s my responsibility to keep encouragement flowing, morale high and remain positive. But with other leaders, sometimes a good vent is necessary, smile. But I agree that lists like this are helpful and generate a lot of great ideas. I’m frequently encouraged and excited by ideas I see on list like this. Thanks to everyone who shares and provides suggestions.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Bridgit</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>From:</b> Cash-and-Caring [<a href="mailto:cash-and-caring-bounces@nfbnet.org">mailto:cash-and-caring-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Eric Guillory via Cash-and-Caring<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 21, 2016 8:55 AM<br><b>To:</b> Fund-raising assistance for Chapters and Affiliates <a href="mailto:cash-and-caring@nfbnet.org"><cash-and-caring@nfbnet.org></a><br><b>Cc:</b> Eric Guillory <a href="mailto:eguillory@louisianacenter.org"><eguillory@louisianacenter.org></a><br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [Cash-and-caring] IABS IDOL<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>It can be discouraging. In talking with churches and other nonprofit entities, there is seemingly a general feeling that the spirit of volunteerism is down—particularly with regard to fundraising (both giving and organizing). That is why lists such as this one and the encouragement and ideas we are given by the list moderators is invaluable. Ideas and trends will come and go. Nevertheless, it is incumbent on us as individuals in positions of leadership to cultivate as much enthusiasm and excitement as possible in our membership. This can be a thankless and difficult task, but the rewards (membership and monetary) are well worth any frustration. Thanks for all the good ideas and dialog. I will be putting some of them before our affiliate and its chapters for future consideration.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Eric Guillory, Director of Youth Services</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Louisiana Center for the Blind</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>101 South Trenton Street</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ruston, LA 71270</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Voice: 800-234-4166</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Fax: 318-251-0109</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Twitter: ericguillory</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Skype: brllovingdad</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><a href="http://www.louisianacenter.org/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.louisianacenter.org</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:#1F497D'>“Together, we are changing what it means to be blind.”</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>From:</b> Cash-and-Caring [<a href="mailto:cash-and-caring-bounces@nfbnet.org">mailto:cash-and-caring-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Cash-and-Caring<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 21, 2016 8:47 AM<br><b>To:</b> 'Fund-raising assistance for Chapters and Affiliates'<br><b>Cc:</b> Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [Cash-and-caring] IABS IDOL<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Our student division used to do the exact same fundraiser, the one exception being the chapter battle. It used to be a highlight of state convention. Lots of people attended, staying late, having fun, with lots of contestant participation, and raising a good amount for the division. For a few years now, fewer and fewer people attended, including students, and it got to the point where it was not worth the effort, unfortunately. The last 4 or 5 years, only a handful of people signed up to compete, and only slightly more attended, most drifting off, away from the room where the event was. This year, no one on the student division board wanted to do it, and there did not seem to be interest from anyone else. I don’t see it coming back anytime soon.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>I know I often sound like a naysayer on this list, full of negativity, and I apologize for this. I’m actually a much more positive person, willing to boost morale. It’s just that I’ve seen this decline in interest in my chapter and affiliate for a while, from both members and non-members. What used to be successful and work, no longer does. What used to excite people and make them invest, no longer does. New ideas have been considered and tried, but we continue to see this lack of interest. So it becomes frustrating for those of us still dedicated and invested and wanting to see growth and motivation. Not so sure what the answers are any more.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Bridgit</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>From:</b> Cash-and-Caring [<a href="mailto:cash-and-caring-bounces@nfbnet.org">mailto:cash-and-caring-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Chang, Patti via Cash-and-Caring<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 21, 2016 6:54 AM<br><b>To:</b> Fund-raising assistance for Chapters and Affiliates <<a href="mailto:cash-and-caring@nfbnet.org">cash-and-caring@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> Chang, Patti <<a href="mailto:PChang@nfb.org">PChang@nfb.org</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> [Cash-and-caring] IABS IDOL<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our student chapter on Friday night of convention has a fun fundraiser patterned onIdol. It is a talent or lack of talent contest. Each person pays a $5 entry fee that gives them their first ticket to perform. Each performance costs $5 after that first one. People can choose their music. Karaoke with or without the vocals are usual but some people bring their own instruments. We have three judges, NABS rep, National rep, and a guest. The performances keep coming. There is a battle of the chapters when each chapter sings something from a theme. This year it was sports. In fact the chapter that wins that battle gets to pick the theme for the battle next year. The judges comment after each performance which can be quite fun and funny. There is also an individual winner who gets a gift card. Our students have done quite well with this. The beauty is that this fund raiser takes only three or so people to run it well. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><br><br><o:p></o:p></span></p><pre>_______________________________________________<o:p></o:p></pre><pre>Cash-and-Caring mailing list<o:p></o:p></pre><pre><a href="mailto:Cash-and-Caring@nfbnet.org">Cash-and-Caring@nfbnet.org</a><o:p></o:p></pre><pre><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/cash-and-caring_nfbnet.org">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/cash-and-caring_nfbnet.org</a><o:p></o:p></pre><pre>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Cash-and-Caring:<o:p></o:p></pre><pre><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/cash-and-caring_nfbnet.org/janice.toothman%40verizon.net">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/cash-and-caring_nfbnet.org/janice.toothman%40verizon.net</a><o:p></o:p></pre></blockquote><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>