[Colorado-Talk] NFBCO Equity

Fri Nov 7 04:59:45 UTC 2025

Dear Fellow NFBCO Members:

I am not responding to K. Renae Anderson's comments, as I do not know her
nor am I familiar with her specific situation with the State Board. I will
address the issue of transparency.

I believe that the nominating committee at the national level as well as the
Colorado affiliate have been closed committees since the inception of both.
I served on the state nominating committee in the late 70's and 80's. I was
uncomfortable with the secrecy at that time, and as I now have much more
experience in the world of advocacy, I am even more uncomfortable with this
closed committee practice today. I challenged the need for a closed
committee in the late 70's and was told to "leave it alone". I was young,
fearful and lacked confidence so I fell in line.

Let's look at some of the reasons committees elect to conduct their business
in closed sessions. Perhaps, members wish to pursue a goal or an agenda
while avoiding any need to respond to opposition or challenge from the very
people they claim to represent. They may close themselves off because they
lack the confidence to promote their candidates in the face of any
competition, especially if that competition has different ideas and
approaches as compared to those currently in power. They may close
themselves off because they derive a sense of importance from being part of
an elite group.

Of course, none of these reasons can be defended by any serious advocate for
our blind brothers and sisters. Transparency promotes trust, engagement,
cooperation, loyalty to NFB, and  above all, confidence in leadership. Lack
of transparency promotes the opposite.

If the nominating committee is not willing to allow members to listen to
their discussions, surely they could make their proposed slate of candidates
available to all, well in advance of the convention and the vote. This would
give members the opportunity to ask questions, explore ideas and consider
whether to run for office or nominate others, not on the proposed slate. The
nominating committee would have ample opportunity to talk to the rank and
file about their process and their proposed candidates.

I will make one specific comment in response to Renae. The NFBCO Board in
the 70's 80's and early 90's was comprised of representatives throughout
this great state. I am not aware of the Board composition from the early
90's through 2015 as I was not active in NFB during that time.

Respectfully,

Judy Mares-Dixon

Member of the Boulder Valley Chapter 

From: Colorado-Talk <colorado-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of ReNae
Anderson via Colorado-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 4:36 PM
To: 'NFB of Colorado Discussion List' <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: 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

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