[Colorado-Talk] NFBCO Equity

[Amy Sabo]

hello renaee,

thanks for expressing your feelings and concerns on your views on this matter. you have the right to express on how you feel and, we in the nfb of co need to respect that.

i'am also sorry that you feel the way you do since that you aren't represented in the affiliate since you live in a different part of the state. we are all part of this state in where we ever live and, we as all blind people we need to be represented in this affiliate.

thanks again for expressing your feelings and, i do hope that you consider to be a part of this organization but, i do completely understand your feelings and frustrations on this topic. we all need to be a adjoining front in this organization in all parts of the state of colorado!



hugs always,
amy sabo


________________________________________
From: Colorado-Talk <colorado-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of ReNae Anderson via Colorado-Talk <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 4:36 PM
To: 'NFB of Colorado Discussion List' <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: mother27dragon at gmail.com <mother27dragon at gmail.com>
Subject: [Colorado-Talk] NFBCO Equity

Dear fellow NFBCO members, Over the past several years, I have served as a member of the NFBCO state board.  It has come to my attention, through my chapter president, that I was removed from office during the state convention.  Not one of the officers or other state board members alerted me to this action.  I am all for change, as I feel that growth will not happen unless new leaders are voted in, to share new ideas and bring energy.  Unfortunately, a new leader was not brought in, but rotated a seasoned leader, as if often done with this affiliate.  Too often, it is rotating the same people through leadership positions, not allowing others the opportunity to grow. Last week, I was sent a text by our state affiliate president, asking if I wanted to leave my position, as she would “like to nominate one of the other presidents, outside the metro area, for the position and would like to discuss with them.”  I knew at this time that I would be voted out.  As we know, this happened, but was not replaced with a president outside of the metro area, but by one within the metro area and specifically from the Colorado Center for the Blind. Unfortunately, this leaves no representation on the state board, outside of the metro area, except for Pueblo.  There is no representation on the western slope or on the eastern plains of Colorado.  This is very concerning to me, as this affiliate is metro-centric and does not bother to outreach to the Colorado community at large. Nominations are not nominations, in this affiliate and across the entire NFB.  What is called nominations are appointments;  appointments for the officers to decide whom they want in the board.  They make it appear, through whom can yell the loudest during “voting”, but not in a diplomatic way.  This is how I was put in and this is how I was removed.  You see, when someone questions why something is done a certain way or offers suggestions that are not what the officers want, one is neatly removed to not cause problems.  Questions and suggestions are not highly favored, unless you are in the “clique” that runs the affiliate.  I am not, therefore, removed for convenience. Over the past few years, when I have questioned or offered suggestions, I was shot down, as it wasn’t a part  of the officers agenda.  Everyone’s voice should be heard, but unfortunately, it is often ignored.  Where is the equity? After COVID, I observed a drastic  decline in membership to the Mountains & Plains chapter attendance, I suggested that perhaps the other metro chapters should cut back on the number of chapter members they had joining meetings virtually, recommending that virtual options only occur during emergencies.  Pointing out that many people choose to attend the “fun” chapters, taking away from the at large chapter.  Instead of understanding, the officers suggested that maybe it was time for the at large chapter to close. If this was to happen, there would be no representation for rural/frontier regions in Colorado.  Where is the equity?   When I was unable to attend a board retreat in Denver, as I would have to travel four hours one way, as well as take off work, I requested a virtual option.  This was denied, as it they stated the sound isn’t very good with hybrid meetings.  This didn’t stop the numerous metro chapters holding hybrid chapter meetings, so why disregard a leadership retreat?  Where is the equity? In suggesting we change the convention weekend away from the Halloween weekend,  it was denied, stating it was a cheaper weekend for convention.  Families are having to choose between building memories with their families or with their NFBCO “family.”  Placing such a decision on someone makes it difficult, as building those family memories are important for parents, grandparents and other family members.  This is not a decision that someone should have to make.  Where is the equity? Last January, in a response to a FACEBOOK post from our state president, stating that she needed help in getting organized, I responded with a strategic plan, modeled after the NFB national strategic plan.  Having excellent organizational skills, I tapered the plan for our own NFBCO state board.  This plan displays accountability for all board members, having specific duties to report.  Voting board members in for their skills and talents, rather than appointed for their popularity, this would bring more organization to the board, providing responsibilities and show accountability to the entire Colorado affiliate.  After several months past, the president determined that a committee should form to flush out details of the plan.  In September, after waiting and not hearing any further  direction,  I sent the plan to the entire board and chapter presidents, wanting their input.  Everyone should have a say, when such a plan effects all of them.   When I received the text last week from the president, asking me if I wanted to remain on the state board, I knew I had sealed my fate.  I knew I would not be “nominated” again, but that someone would be appointed in my place.  I have reflected over these past few years  and am grateful for the opportunity I had to serve the people in the NFBCO.  I know when I take a stand, my view was not popular, therefore not being appreciated or taken seriously.   With this, I have lost all respect with the NFBCO state officers.  Individually, I respect each of them, however, as a group, they are not capable of making a decision on their own, lack transparency and integrity.  The board is rarely given the opportunity to make a difference, as only certain officers lead and everyone else is expected to follow.  Diverse thought is not valued and all respect and integrity is shattered for me.  Although I will remain in my chapter position until January, I will not be affiliated with he NFBCO in the future.  For those true friends, I hope we keep in touch.  It appears that when I stand for what is right, that is when I am definitely standing alone. Respectfully submitted,K. ReNae Anderson