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Dear Federation Community:<br><br>
<br><br>
I am writing to share with you an important update and opportunity.
<br><br>
<br><br>
Our board of directors has initiated the reorganization of the National
Federation of the Blind Community Services Division. This division aims
to use and improve service as a means to show that blind people have the
talent and desire to better the world we live in by promoting equal
access and participation in related activities. This message is to share
the news with you and encourage you to get involved in the reorganization
planning if you are interested. Here is some background on division
responsibilities and current events of this division:<br><br>
<br><br>
Over the past decade, the Federation’s board of directors has been
working to clarify and create greater accountability and alignment for
entities within the national structure including divisions, groups, and
committees. National divisions are required to submit an annual report so
that the board can review and align the work of divisions to the overall
movement. This also helps to ensure that divisions are providing
meaningful input and guidance to the organized blind movement. <br><br>
<br><br>
In early 2023, I assigned two national board members to work with our
Community Services Division based upon the board’s desire to provide
stronger mentoring to this division. While this mentoring was underway,
the president and vice president of the Community Services Division
resigned. Upon review of the division reports, a recent treasury audit,
and board vacancies, the NFB Board of Directors felt that reorganizing
the division was the best next step to strengthen our work
together.<br><br>
<br><br>
Federation members who are interested in participating in the
consideration of a reorganized Community Services Division should contact
Barbara Manuel, president of the NFB of Alabama, at
<a href="mailto:nfbal.president@gmail.com">nfbal.president@gmail.com</a>
in order to be included in communications on this topic. The Community
Services listserv at NFBNET remains in place as a forum for Federation
members to dialogue about ways to improve access to community service and
build the National Federation of the Blind. <br><br>
<br><br>
Sincerely,<br><br>
<br><br>
Mark A. Riccobono, President<br>
National Federation of the Blind <br>
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<br>
(410) 659-9314 |
<a href="mailto:Officeofthepresident@nfb.org">
Officeofthepresident@nfb.org</a><br>
Mastodon: @President@nfb.social <br>
Pronouns: he, him, his<br><br>
<br><br>
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<br><br>
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and
friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every
day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br>
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