[Community-service] Seeking ideasforthecommunityservicegroupseminar at nationalconvention
Peter Donahue
pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com
Thu Feb 20 18:33:29 UTC 2014
Hello David and everyone,
First of all we moved to San Antonio due to Mary finding work here. The
problem did not start occurring until the past 2 years.Before that time we
had little difficulty finding readers until we demanded that they not stick
their noses in to our business. Their job is to read the content of the
documents they're presented not try to run our lives.Others on these lists
have also reported similar occurrences with individuals they had read for
them.
Peter Donahue
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Mostello" <Mostelloworks at comcast.net>
To: "'Community Service Discussion List'" <community-service at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2014 10:44 AM
Subject: Re: [Community-service]Seeking
ideasforthecommunityservicegroupseminar at nationalconvention
> Why did you move to San Antonio, if you knew that you would experience the
> above problems living independently?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Community-service [mailto:community-service-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Peter Donahue
> Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2014 11:30 AM
> To: Community Service Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking
> ideasforthecommunityservicegroupseminar at national convention
>
> Good morning Darian and listers,
>
> As has been pointed out previously Mary and I have tried everything
> imaginable to find our own readers and have not encountered the terrible
> lack of response we're currently experiencing. Even when we've offered to
> pay someone to read or provide transportation our offers of compensation
> are
> often declined.
>
> To give you an idea of what we're experiencing we have about a year and a
> half worth of snail mail needing to be read. Not all of it can be read
> using
> a computerized system and the sheer volume of mail can be gone through
> more
> efficiently using a live reader.
> It's the live reader we've had extreme difficulty finding.
>
> For a while after moving here we had a neighbor who assisted us with
> our
> mail and with transportation when needed but she moved back to California.
> I
> asked my sister and other family to assist us but that's opening a very
> nasty can of worms. My sister offered to take a watch of Mary's needing
> to
> be repaired to the jeweller. When asked when she would bring it back she
> told us when she had time. Mary needed her watch and we were not going to
> put up with such noncommitment. We entrusted her with some of our property
> and she was refusing to return it to us. It took threatening to contact
> her
> local police department to make her return the watch to us.
> Mary had her watch several hours later. There have been multiple catfights
> between us and them and we're no longer willing to put up with such
> behavior. Having her read our mail is inviting her and other relatives in
> to
> our personal business. I used to have similar arguments with my mother
> when
> she was alive. We only want someone to read our mail for us not try to run
> our lives and stick their noses in to matters where it doesn't belong.
>
> Mary has had similar issues on her side of the family. To be fare however
> all of her relatives live out-of-state so getting this assistance from
> them
> is impractical.
>
> As I indicated previously we contacted various agencies and
> organizations in our area to find readers and drivers all to no avail.
> Ours
> is just one of God only knows how many other blind people that are
> experiencing this difficulty.
>
> So the blind individual is not removed from selecting the reader/driver
> of their choice the NFB could partner with agencies and organizations
> willing to provide this assistance to blind individuals. It would then be
> the responsibility of the blind individual to contact these individuals or
> organizations to find the person who can best meet their needs. The
> Cincinnatti Association for the Blind and the Clovernook Center for the
> Blind provide these services to blind individuals in the greater
> Cincinnatti
> Area. I believe the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind in Washington D.C.
> also provides this service to blind individuals in the D.C. area. I
> contacted the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind concerning this matter
> but was told that they do not provide such a service.
>
> It's obvious that we did our homework prior to posting this idea to the
> list for the group to consider. Let's keep the conversation going.
>
> Peter Donahue
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Darian Smith" <dsmithnfb at gmail.com>
> To: "Community Service Discussion List" <community-service at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 7:58 PM
> Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the community service
> group seminar at national convention
>
>
> Hi Peter,
> clearly you have some good ideas.
>
> I've always thought that it was the responsibility of the blind person to
> find readers and not the responsibility of the organization to see to it
> that the blind find readers. sure we can and do help each other find ways
> to acquire readers and show each other how to work with readers, but I've
> always understood that that was kind of the extent to that.
> I could be wrong and it could be something completely different.
>
> One other thing I would clarify for right now.
> many people call the organized effort to promote the idea of service and
> engaging the blind in community service the community service division.
> We
> are currently a group and while there is a goal of becoming a division,
> until the correct conditions are met, we are not a division of the
> federation, but we are a special interest group of the federation.
>
> hope that clarifies some things
> Darien
> On Feb 19, 2014, at 5:41 PM, Peter Donahue <pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com> wrote:
>
>> Hello Darien and everyone,
>>
>> Since you are involved with Americore could a project to provide reader
>> and driver assistance to blind individuals be a potential partnership
>> between them and the NFB? What other organizations might we partner with
>> to make this happen? The Delta-Gama Society is supposed to have as one of
>> its projects reading to the blind. My experience with them has not been
>> very positive. The individual I spoke to about getting help from them
>> could not get it through her head that scanning and reading systems
>> cannot
>> handle all items needing to be read and that some blind individuals
>> choose
>> to use live readers to deal with snail mail and other items more
>> efficiently. The conversation went down hill from there. I have not had
>> any further dealings with Delta Gama since that experience. Perhaps
>> others
>> have had more positive experiences with them. This is another possible
>> partnership between the NFB and Delta Gama the community service division
>> could help bring about.
>>
>> Since you suggested that we find others with similar needs I would
>> encourage others to share their experiences with trying to locate
>> reliable
>> readers and drivers and suggest possible partnerships we could help
>> facilitate to meet these needs.
>>
>> Peter Donahue
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mary Donahue" <braille at satx.rr.com>
>> To: "'Community Service Discussion List'" <community-service at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 7:16 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for
>> the at national convention
>>
>>
>>> Hello Darien and everyone,
>>>
>>> I second what has been said so far. I also want to add that I
>>> resigned from an employer-based Lions Club because the club did not help
>>> blind people, mainly me. The only thing they did in the manner of
>>> helping
>>> was to help us move boxes from our previous apartment to our current
>>> one.
>>> In
>>> addition, this current Lions year, I was not as involved mainly because,
>>> being past president, my heart was not in it. I know I can join another
>>> club, and I might in a few years, but I choose not to do so for the time
>>> being.
>>>
>>> In addition, as Pete said, we have put up signs for readers and
>>> drivers on the notice board of our apartment complex, and no one came
>>> forward. Reading and driving needs to be addressed on a national level,
>>> so
>>> Dr. Maurer would definitely need to get involved.
>>>
>>> Mary Donahue
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Community-service [mailto:community-service-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>> Behalf Of Darian Smith
>>> Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 6:03 PM
>>> To: Community Service Discussion List
>>> Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for
>>> thecommunityservicegroupseminar at national convention
>>>
>>> Hello all,
>>>
>>> Peter brings up a very important issue that has come up in some form or
>>> fashion from time to time.
>>> the issue is of the needs of the blind across the nation and the
>>> importance of solving these issues.
>>> Since the formation of the community service group many have suggested
>>> that we turn our attention to such things as assisting our deaf-blind
>>> members with tasks they might need in order to fully take part in,
>>> enjoy,
>>> and benefit from the work that takes place at our national conventions,
>>> or
>>> create opportunities that assist our members in completing the
>>> important
>>> daily tasks the blind need to function in society.
>>>
>>> I personally believe that when we as members of the federation believe
>>> there is an issue that needs to be solved that effects our members,
>>> that
>>> we as members of this organization should see to it that the issue is
>>> addressed. If our deaf-blind brothers and sisters need assistance, this
>>> falls on us as federationests to be sure that we assist, if we need a
>>> program to match the blind with sighted readers, we ought to band
>>> together
>>> as an organization to see that we address the issue. If one person
>>> feels
>>> it so vital that the issue be resolved then hopefully they will take up
>>> the
>>> cause and find support in seeing it through.
>>> I have long held the believe that waiting for someone else to fix an
>>> issue I have is a sure way to find the issue unsolved. however, if i
>>> work
>>> at it, at least I can be sure that someone is doing something about it.
>>>
>>> My advice would be to you Peter find people who have the same concerns
>>> as
>>> you, organize them, work on a plan and present it to whomever you feel
>>> it
>>> ought to be presented to. if it's Dr Maurer then that's who you go to.
>>>
>>> I hope this is helpful
>>>
>>> Darian
>>> On Feb 19, 2014, at 3:40 PM, Peter Donahue <pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Good evening everyone,
>>>>
>>>> What do you do if you live in a community where there is no local
>>> chapter or if there is one it's in such disarray that its existence is
>>> in
>>> limbo. ?We have such a situation in San Antonio. They have driven many
>>> members away including us. We've told them that we won't return unless
>>> there
>>> is a change in leadership. The elections were supposed to occur this
>>> month.
>>> God only knows if they took place that's how far down this chapter has
>>> gone.
>>> We've approached other blindness-related organizations in San Antonio
>>> concerning these issues but have not received favorable responses. It
>>> seems
>>> like this is something the community service division should coordinate
>>> and
>>> discuss to arrive at a workable solution.
>>>>
>>>> Peter Donahue
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Darian Smith"
>>>> <dsmithnfb at gmail.com>
>>>> To: "Community Service Discussion List" <community-service at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 3:46 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for
>>>> thecommunityservicegroupseminar at national convention
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> This might be something chapter presidents might find interesting to
>>>> talk about and see about doing. if there are chapter presidents on
>>>> this list, maybe they might consider starting a dialog on the chapter
>>>> presidents list on the matter
>>>>
>>>> On Feb 18, 2014, at 8:49 AM, Debbie <mouseless at mindspring.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I can't offer much hope for the transportation aspect, but several
>>>>> folks
>>> I know have pooled their funds, and gotten equipment which was donated
>>> to
>>> the local library, so more folks could utilize having mail read.
>>>>>
>>>>> Debbie Human
>>>>>
>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Donahue"
>>>>> <pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com>
>>>>> To: "Community Service Discussion List"
>>>>> <community-service at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 10:48 AM
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the
>>>>> communityservicegroupseminar at national convention
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Good morning everyone,
>>>>>
>>>>> Not only should we seek to participate in other community events but
>>>>> how
>>> about conducting some community service activities within the NFB. Blind
>>> people all across this nation have a need for readers and drivers. Here
>>> is
>>> an idea where the NFB and other community organizations could work
>>> together
>>> to meet this need. Mary and I have had a devil of a time trying to have
>>> our
>>> snail mail read on a regular basis and finding transportation to reach
>>> destinations not in our local transit system's service area. Even when
>>> we
>>> have offered to pay someone to read our mail or to drive us somewhere
>>> our
>>> offers have been refused. On other occasions we have been offered
>>> assistance
>>> but when we try contacting the individual who said they would read our
>>> snail
>>> mail our calls go unreturned. I'm sure there are countless stories of
>>> other
>>> blind individuals who have had a similar experience.
>>>>>
>>>>> Some of our chapters have talked about creating reader/driver pools in
>>> their communities but have yet to pull it off. Our Community Service
>>> Division could play a major role in making this a reality by working
>>> with
>>> the NFB Jernigan Institute, our local chapters and state affiliates. We
>>> should be able to partner with various volunteer organizations and
>>> individuals willing to provide these services to blind persons needing
>>> them.
>>> I hope this is discussed and acted upon so blind persons will have an
>>> easier
>>> time finding readers and drivers in the future.
>>>>>
>>>>> Peter Donahue
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: Darian
>>>>> To: Community Service Discussion List
>>>>> Sent: Monday, February 17, 2014 10:38 PM
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the
>>>>> communityservicegroup seminar at national convention
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Why specifically blind people that have had success in AmeriCorps
>>> programs in Florida?
>>>>>
>>>>> This electronic message has been brought to you by my mobile device.
>>>>>
>>>>> On Feb 17, 2014, at 6:57 PM, "Denyece Roberts, MSW, RCSW"
>>> <peace05 at comcast.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Hello, I did two years in the Americorp. Americorp main office for
>>> Florida is located in Orlando. It would be nice to have someone from
>>> their
>>> office come and speak about some success services of blind people who
>>> have
>>> attended the program in florida.
>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: Darian Smith
>>>>> To: Community Service Discussion List
>>>>> Sent: Monday, February 17, 2014 5:24 PM
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the community
>>>>> servicegroup seminar at national convention
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi all,
>>>>> The overall focus will be on celebrating 20 years of AmeriCorps,
>>>>> and
>>> the service work that the blind have themselves contributed to the
>>> success
>>> of the program and the impact the program has had on those who have
>>> served.
>>>>> We are inviting those who have served in AmeriCorps programs to
>>> share a bit about their experiences, what they've given, gained and the
>>> perceptions they believe they changed of the blind.
>>>>> This will not constitute the entirety of the seminar, but it will
>>> have a place of prominence on the agenda.
>>>>> we are looking into inviting service agencies to spend a few
>>>>> minutes
>>> talking about their programs and how attendees may involve themselves
>>> in
>>> service via what they have to offer.
>>>>> I believe we are targeting the following agencies: the red cross,
>>>>> big
>>> brothers big sisters, habitat for humanity and hands on network. we'll
>>> probably ask them to introduce themselves to the attendees and ask them
>>> to
>>> table in the back of the room should individuals have further questions
>>> regarding involvement in their local communities Hopefully we will use
>>> this
>>> opportunity to develop relationships with these agencies that we can
>>> cultivate over the coming years.
>>>>>
>>>>> Hopefully we can delve deeper into possible partnerships with
>>>>> these
>>> agencies in the future. We could even look into the possibilities
>>> this
>>> year, but that depends on the interest a committed soul or two has in
>>> seeing that it happens. Unfortunately, this can be a bit of an
>>> undertaking
>>> and such folks are proving to be in short supply at the moment.
>>>>> We have had some great help in finding the agencies and AmeriCorps
>>> alumni federationests, and this has proven to be invaluable effort and
>>> results-based action that those who have stepped up should be proud
>>> of.
>>>>> I'm thinking we are still a few presenters away from this being
>>>>> the
>>> best seminar yet.
>>>>> We also might be electing a slate of officers and board members. If
>>> this is true we will have to make some time for this and upon completion
>>> of
>>> the meeting we will have become a division of the national federation of
>>> the
>>> blind.
>>>>> we will see how those details work out because we are still a ways
>>> from convention.
>>>>> I hope this helps people help us find some great additions to the
>>> agenda
>>>>> Best,
>>>>> Darian
>>>>> On Feb 17, 2014, at 1:14 PM, Cheryl Fields
>>> <cherylelaine1957 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Ashly,
>>>>>
>>>>> Yes, I think the hands on training may work better for next year.
>>> When
>>>>> the red Cross is contacted the conversation, audio description for
>>>>> videos, could begin at that time. It may take some time to have
>>>>> them
>>>>> see the advantage in added it to their materials. I should have
>>> added
>>>>> that this is a long range goal.
>>>>> I want to hear about your experience, it may be valuable to hear
>>>>> before the contact is made. smiles
>>>>>
>>>>> Cheryl
>>>>>
>>>>> On 2/17/14, Ashley Bramlett <bookwormahb at earthlink.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Cheryl,
>>>>> It's a good idea. I agree with you it needs registeration and
>>> limit the
>>>>> size of the workshops so they can give you all hands on
>>> instruction more
>>>>> easily.
>>>>> However, not everyone is open to the commitment to do first
>>>>> aid
>>> or cpr
>>>>> training.
>>>>> Think of how busy convention gets.
>>>>>
>>>>> Time may be unavailable on either the hotel side or the
>>>>> convention
>>>>> participants side to do it.
>>>>> It may be easier to plan a shorter hands on service activity.
>>>>>
>>>>> If you do contact them, I hope red cross is open to adaptations.
>>>>> Unfortunatly, I had a bad experience attempting to volunteer in
>>> their local
>>>>> office though and volunteering did not work out. I'll write
>>>>> about
>>> later
>>>>> perhaps.
>>>>>
>>>>> If I were planning something to do at convention, I'd probably
>>> pick the
>>>>> hygene or food kits idea instead.
>>>>> I'm just thinking about the convention group and all the things
>>> going on
>>>>> there and the wide interest areas among conventioneers.
>>>>>
>>>>> Ashley
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Cheryl Fields
>>>>> Sent: Monday, February 17, 2014 3:35 PM
>>>>> To: Community Service Discussion List
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the community
>>>>> servicegroupseminar at national convention
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi Everyone!
>>>>>
>>>>> Great ideas! The cpr and first aid classes are a wonderful idea
>>> and
>>>>> may require some registration.
>>>>> Think about working with the Red cross to provide audio
>>> description
>>>>> for all of the classes they use vvideos for. I'm not sure how
>>>>> difficult it would be, most movies are audio described and most
>>> places
>>>>> update materials on a regular basis so, it's worth asking. This
>>> would
>>>>> benefit us across the country!
>>>>>
>>>>> Cheryl F.
>>>>>
>>>>> On 2/17/14, Darian <dsmithnfb at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi Serena,
>>>>> It sounds really cool!
>>>>> Tell me all about it! What's the name of the organization? How
>>> did you get
>>>>> involved? Why did you get involved?
>>>>> Darian
>>>>>
>>>>> This electronic message has been brought to you by my mobile
>>> device.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Feb 16, 2014, at 8:18 AM, Serena Nickell
>>> <scnickell1980 at gmail.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi, I recently began volunteering with an organization that
>>> helps the
>>>>> homeless. In addition to the above items we also give out
>>> small
>>>>> flashlights and batteries (usually AA and AAA).
>>>>> Serena
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Feb 16, 2014, at 10:09 AM, "Michelle Clark"
>>> <mcikeyc at aol.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi Michelle,
>>>>>
>>>>> Here is a list of the items we generally add. Also, at the
>>> bottom, I
>>>>> added a
>>>>> draft of a letter I sent out to just people on my email
>>>>> list
>>> and the
>>>>> Chapter. Hope it helps anyone who is interested in doing
>>> something like
>>>>> this.
>>>>>
>>>>> One other thing we do when we get large bottles of lotion,
>>> shampoo, ect
>>>>> is
>>>>> we hold them out and make up a gift type bag to give out
>>>>> as
>>> a special
>>>>> gift.
>>>>> My Church has a Christmas Party for a few local Women's
>>> Shelters and we
>>>>> give
>>>>> to them as well. This year, they had so much stuff left
>>>>> over
>>> they gave
>>>>> the
>>>>> rest to our Chapter!
>>>>>
>>>>> Items we include:
>>>>>
>>>>> 1. Wash cloths
>>>>> 2. Soap
>>>>> 3. Toothpaste
>>>>> 4. Toothbrushes
>>>>> 5. Lotion or petroleum jelly
>>>>> 6. Shampoo
>>>>> 7. Conditioner
>>>>> 8. Mouthwash/non-alcoholic
>>>>> In the past we have gotten a mixture of things such as:
>>>>> Toilet paper
>>>>> Mens deodorant
>>>>> Women's deodorant
>>>>> Sanitary items
>>>>> Combs
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Draft Letter:
>>>>>
>>>>> Hello,
>>>>>
>>>>> The National Harbor Chapter of the National Federation of
>>> the Blind of
>>>>> Maryland is a non-profit group of blind persons striving
>>>>> to
>>> help others
>>>>> in
>>>>> the Prince Georges County area who happen to be blind
>>>>> and
>>> low vision.
>>>>> We
>>>>> help one another through advocacy, outreach, networking,
>>>>> and
>>> sharing.
>>>>> Also,
>>>>> in the vision of our National Headquarters, we not only
>>>>> help
>>> ourselves,
>>>>> we
>>>>> help others.
>>>>>
>>>>> This, in our fourth year, we will continue in our outreach
>>> to others
>>>>> with
>>>>> a
>>>>> toiletries drive to donate Hygiene Kits to homeless
>>>>> persons.
>>> As we did
>>>>> last
>>>>> year through an array of generous donations, we were able
>>>>> to
>>> give out
>>>>> approximately 120 bags of toiletries to assist persons who
>>> are in a
>>>>> state
>>>>> of homelessness. In addition, we were able to donate
>>> additional kits to
>>>>> a
>>>>> local church that regularly visits a shelter for women and
>>> children.
>>>>>
>>>>> Since homelessness is on the rise and help is needed, our
>>> continual goal
>>>>> is
>>>>> to combine hygiene kits and distribute them to as many as
>>>>> we
>>> can. We are
>>>>> partnering with a local non-profit agency that runs
>>>>> shelters
>>> and feed
>>>>> homeless persons in Prince Georges County. They distribute
>>> these items
>>>>> when
>>>>> a person enters the shelters. We are asking your
>>>>> assistance
>>> with
>>>>> donations
>>>>> of toiletry items that will help us in this effort and
>>> please forward
>>>>> this
>>>>> message to anyone you feel will assist.
>>>>>
>>>>> In specific we are asking for any combination of:
>>>>> 1. Soap
>>>>> 2. Shampoo
>>>>> 3. Lotion
>>>>> 4. Conditioner
>>>>> 5. Toothbrushes
>>>>> 6. Toothpaste
>>>>> 7. Washcloths
>>>>> 8. Mouthwash/non-alcoholic
>>>>> 9. Socks
>>>>> 10. Grooming items
>>>>> 11. Sanitary items
>>>>> 12. Any additional small item you feel a person living
>>>>> in
>>> the state
>>>>> of
>>>>> homelessness can use
>>>>>
>>>>> If you and/or your organization are able to assist us in
>>> this effort,
>>>>> please
>>>>> let me know by contacting me directly by either email at
>>> mcikeyc at aol.com
>>>>> or
>>>>> via telephone at 301 583-8585 evenings or 202 720-1560
>>>>> days
>>> by November
>>>>> 14th. We will be compiling these items on the Saturday
>>> before
>>>>> Thanksgiving. Your contribution will be tax deductable and
>>> help in the
>>>>> lives
>>>>> of those who are in situations other than which we live.
>>>>>
>>>>> To find out more about what we do, please visit our
>>>>> National
>>> website at:
>>>>> www.nfb.org or our State website at www.nfbmd.org. You may
>>> also "like"
>>>>> us
>>>>> as
>>>>> the National Harbor Chapter on our new Face Book page.
>>>>>
>>>>> Sincerely Yours,
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Michelle Clark
>>>>> President
>>>>> National Harbor Chapter
>>>>> National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
>>>>>
>>>>> "Changing what it means to be blind in Prince Georges
>>> County!"
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Community-service
>>> [mailto:community-service-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>>>> Behalf of Catherine Michele Mitchell
>>>>> Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2014 9:35 AM
>>>>> To: Community Service Discussion List
>>>>> Cc: Community Service Discussion List
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the
>>> community
>>>>> servicegroupseminar at national convention
>>>>>
>>>>> I also really like the idea of putting some kind of kits
>>> together as a
>>>>> project at the convention.
>>>>>
>>>>> I would also like to ask those of you who do this already
>>>>> in
>>> your
>>>>> chapters
>>>>> or affiliates to please email me lists of items you
>>>>> include
>>> in whatever
>>>>> kit
>>>>> you are making. I want to add materials like this to our
>>> resource bank
>>>>> to
>>>>> help other people do these kinds of projects.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks, everyone!
>>>>>
>>>>> Michele Mitchell
>>>>> NFB Community Service Group
>>>>> Research and Resource Committee Chair
>>>>>
>>>>> Tupperware Consultant
>>>>> 781-790-3627
>>>>> www.my.tupperware.com/michmitch
>>>>>
>>>>> On Feb 15, 2014, at 5:01 PM, Cheryl Fields
>>> <cherylelaine1957 at gmail.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I love the idea of hygene kits for the homeless. Our
>>> chapter collected
>>>>> toiletries for a women's shelter last year, but we did
>>>>> not
>>> assemble
>>>>> the items. The shelter was glad to receive the gift but
>>>>> we
>>> could have
>>>>> saved them some time.
>>>>> I will suggest this when we do it again, sounds like
>>>>> fun!
>>>>>
>>>>> Providing a hands on opportunity for convention
>>>>> attendees
>>> is fantastic!
>>>>>
>>>>> Cheryl
>>>>>
>>>>> On 2/15/14, Denise Shaible <denise.shaible at att.net>
>>> wrote:
>>>>> I like the idea of emergency preparedness. I know the
>>> Red Cross has
>>>>> some
>>>>> information on that and we all need to know about
>>>>> it. I also like the
>>>>>
>>>>> idea
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> of the Red Cross providing small first aid kits. I
>>> remember buying
>>>>> one
>>>>>
>>>>> when
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I took my first aid class when I lived in Ft.
>>>>> Lauderdale, FL. I don't
>>>>>
>>>>> know
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> if they would provide them but, I'm wondering if we
>>> could assemble
>>>>> them
>>>>>
>>>>> if
>>>>>
>>>>> we know what we need to put in them and then we could
>>> give them to our
>>>>> members or whoever we wish to give them to.
>>>>>
>>>>> I really like the idea of having someone speak about
>>> programs to feed
>>>>> the
>>>>> hungry or doing a service project with a local food
>>> bank. I don't
>>>>> know
>>>>>
>>>>> why
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> we couldn't help put bags of food together. Yes, it's
>>>>> an
>>> assembly
>>>>> line
>>>>>
>>>>> job
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> but, we do it at my church and we're able to feed
>>>>> between 50 and 100
>>>>>
>>>>> persons
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> each month. It's rewarding to know we're doing
>>>>> anything
>>> to help and
>>>>> to
>>>>> promote the fact that we want to give not just get.
>>>>>
>>>>> Regards,
>>>>>
>>>>> Denise
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Michelle Clark
>>>>> Sent: Friday, February 14, 2014 10:21 AM
>>>>> To: 'Community Service Discussion List'
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the
>>> community
>>>>> servicegroupseminar at national convention
>>>>>
>>>>> Here in Maryland, my Chapter did reach out to the
>>>>> local
>>> agency and
>>>>> they
>>>>> provided emergency kits several years ago. As time
>>>>> has elapsed and
>>>>>
>>>>> budgets
>>>>>
>>>>> have shrunk, I find that is not happening anymore. I
>>>>> am
>>> thinking
>>>>> someone
>>>>> locally would have to initiate that? It would be
>>> important for us to
>>>>> get
>>>>> the information and to tie it in with serving an
>>>>> external group to get
>>>>>
>>>>> the
>>>>>
>>>>> information as well.
>>>>>
>>>>> Michelle
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Community-service
>>> [mailto:community-service-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>>> On
>>>>> Behalf Of Cheryl Fields
>>>>> Sent: Friday, February 14, 2014 11:53 AM
>>>>> To: Community Service Discussion List
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the
>>> community
>>>>> service
>>>>> groupseminar at national convention
>>>>>
>>>>> Hello,
>>>>>
>>>>> Having the Red Cross is a great idea. In addition to
>>>>> the
>>> first aid,
>>>>> ask if they provide disaster preparedness. It would be
>>> good to have
>>>>> this information available, most people are not
>>>>> prepared
>>> and if they
>>>>> need to evacuate may not know what the designated safe
>>> places are. it
>>>>> could be taken a step further and provide back packs
>>> with most items
>>>>> inside, if the budget allows for this.
>>>>>
>>>>> Another idea is to plant a sensory garden at one of
>>>>> the
>>> convention
>>>>> host hotels in Florida, since we are spending a few
>>> years there.
>>>>> Plants and other materials can be donated from local
>>> garden centers.
>>>>>
>>>>> I happen to be working on a similar event in Cleveland
>>> and another
>>>>> idea from 1 of our brainstorming sessions was a mural.
>>> Making it
>>>>> visible to the community sending a clear positive
>>> message about the
>>>>> blind. The Cleveland chapter has a on going project,
>>>>> we
>>> volunteer at
>>>>> the Cleveland food Bank re packing produce for
>>> distribution and while
>>>>> working with the food bank a community produce
>>> distribution can be
>>>>> arranged. It is rewarding and can be lots of fun!
>>>>>
>>>>> Have a great weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!
>>>>>
>>>>> CherylOn 2/14/14, Denise Shaible
>>> <denise.shaible at att.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Darian,
>>>>>
>>>>> We spoke sometime ago about having a
>>>>> Representative of the Red Cross
>>>>>
>>>>> give
>>>>>
>>>>> a
>>>>>
>>>>> presentation on first aid. Are you still
>>>>> interested in that? Please
>>>>>
>>>>> let
>>>>>
>>>>> me
>>>>>
>>>>> know and I'll start researching it. Also, if you
>>>>> know
>>> any details
>>>>> about
>>>>>
>>>>> our
>>>>>
>>>>> seminar, please send that as well. Thanks.
>>>>>
>>>>> Regards,
>>>>>
>>>>> Denise
>>>>>
>>>>> From: Darian Smith
>>>>> Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2014 10:26 AM
>>>>> To: Community Service Discussion List
>>>>> Subject: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the
>>> community service
>>>>> groupseminar at national convention
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi all,
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm looking for some great ideas for our seminar
>>>>> at National
>>>>>
>>>>> convention.
>>>>>
>>>>> any topics or presenters that could round out an
>>> already developing
>>>>> and
>>>>> exciting seminar. would be appreciated!
>>>>>
>>>>> regards,
>>>>>
>>>>> Darian
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Darian Smith
>>>>> Chairperson, Community Service Group -National
>>> Federation of The
>>>>> Blind.
>>>>> (415)215-9809
>>>>> dsmithnfb at gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>> "
>>>>> "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one
>>>>> thing
>>> I know: the
>>>>> only
>>>>>
>>>>> ones
>>>>>
>>>>> among you who will be really happy are those who
>>>>> will have sought and
>>>>>
>>>>> found
>>>>>
>>>>> how to serve"
>>>>> - Albert Schweitzer.
>>>>>
>>>>> Your unwanted vehicle can be just what the blind
>>> need to make
>>>>> possibilities reality.
>>>>> Donate your car to the National Federation of the
>>> Blind today!
>>>>> For more information, please visit:
>>> www.carshelpingtheblind.org or
>>>>> call
>>>>> 1-855-659-9314
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>> -------
>>>>>
>>>>> ----
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your
>>> account info for
>>>>> Community-service:
>>>>>
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/denise
>>>>> .shaibl
>>>>>
>>>>> e%40att.net
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your
>>> account info for
>>>>> Community-service:
>>>>>
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/mcikey
>>>>> c%40aol
>>>>>
>>>>> .com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your
>>> account info for
>>>>> Community-service:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/denise.shaibl
>>>>> e%40att.net
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your
>>> account info for
>>>>> Community-service:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/cherylelaine1
>>>>> 957%40gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your
>>>>> account info for
>>>>>
>>>>> Community-service:
>>>>>
>>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/michmitch66%4
>>>>> 0gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your
>>>>> account
>>> info for
>>>>> Community-service:
>>>>>
>>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/mcikeyc%40aol
>>>>> .com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your
>>>>> account
>>> info for
>>>>> Community-service:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/scnick
>>>>> ell1980%40gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
>>> info for
>>>>> Community-service:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/dsmith
>>>>> nfb%40gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>>
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
>>> info for
>>>>> Community-service:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/cheryl
>>>>> elaine1957%40gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
>>>>> info
>>> for
>>>>> Community-service:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/bookwo
>>>>> rmahb%40earthlink.net
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
>>>>> info
>>> for
>>>>> Community-service:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/cheryl
>>>>> elaine1957%40gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>> for Community-service:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/dsmith
>>>>> nfb%40gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Darian Smith
>>>>> Chairperson, Community Service Group -National Federation of The
>>> Blind.
>>>>> (415)215-9809
>>>>> dsmithnfb at gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "
>>>>> "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the
>>> only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have
>>> sought
>>> and found how to serve"
>>>>> - Albert Schweitzer.
>>>>>
>>>>> Your unwanted vehicle can be just what the blind need to make
>>> possibilities reality.
>>>>> Donate your car to the National Federation of the Blind today!
>>>>> For more information, please visit: www.carshelpingtheblind.org
>>>>> or call 1-855-659-9314
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>> -----
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>> for
>>> Community-service:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/peace0
>>>>> 5%40comcast.net _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Community-service:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/dsmith
>>>>> nfb%40gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>> ---------
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Community-service:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/pdonah
>>>>> ue2%40satx.rr.com
>>>>>
>>>>> ---
>>>>> This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus
>>> protection is active.
>>>>> http://www.avast.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>> -----------
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Community-service:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/mouse
>>>>>> less%40mindspring.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Community-service:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/dsmith
>>>>> nfb%40gmail.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Community-service:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/pdonahu
>>>> e2%40satx.rr.com
>>>>
>>>> ---
>>>> This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus
>>> protection is active.
>>>> http://www.avast.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Community-service mailing list
>>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Community-service:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/dsmithn
>>>> fb%40gmail.com
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Community-service mailing list
>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Community-service:
>>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/braille%40sat
>>> x.rr.com
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Community-service mailing list
>>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Community-service:
>>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40s
> atx.rr.com
>>
>>
>> ---
>> This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus
>> protection is active.
>> http://www.avast.com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Community-service mailing list
>> Community-service at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Community-service:
>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/dsmithnfb%40g
> mail.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Community-service mailing list
> Community-service at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Community-service:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40s
> atx.rr.com
>
>
> ---
> This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus
> protection is active.
> http://www.avast.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Community-service mailing list
> Community-service at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Community-service:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/mostelloworks
> %40comcast.net
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Community-service mailing list
> Community-service at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Community-service:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
More information about the Community-Service
mailing list