[DSM-Iowa] Expressing My Feelings.

[Mary McGee]

I'll just reply by saying that I've seen you twice, spoken to you, and
you've looked straight at me without acknowledging my speaking.  Once was by
the mailboxes and once was by the gate on the West side of the Locust
Building.  I said, "Hi, Don."  And you just kept walking.  I wondered what
the hall did I do to him?  

 

From: DSM-Iowa [mailto:dsm-iowa-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Don
Shepherd via DSM-Iowa
Sent: Thursday, August 6, 2020 12:35 PM
To: 'Des Moines Chapter List, NFB of Iowa' <dsm-iowa at nfbnet.org>
Cc: donaldshepherd7 at aol.com
Subject: Re: [DSM-Iowa] Expressing My Feelings.

 

Mary, I have not seen you for a long time even though we live in the same
complex. Sorry to hear you had covid. At my age and health I have been
trying very hard to avoid it. It has made having social events or anything
besides zoom meetings next to impossible for the chapter. There was an
attempt to have a few folks get together for the NFB convention virtual
banquet, but I was afraid to go and it turned out I had something else that
needed doing anyway. As a board member, I can assure you that you are
welcome. I enjoyed it when you were an active participant in the chapter.

 

From: DSM-Iowa <dsm-iowa-bounces at nfbnet.org
<mailto:dsm-iowa-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of Mary McGee via DSM-Iowa
Sent: Thursday, August 6, 2020 12:11 PM
To: dsm-iowa at nfbnet.org <mailto:dsm-iowa at nfbnet.org> 
Cc: Mary McGee <mmcatitude at gmail.com <mailto:mmcatitude at gmail.com> >
Subject: Re: [DSM-Iowa] Expressing My Feelings.

 

Dear Des Moines Chapter,

              The experts say the only way we can succeed in life is to
acknowledge and express our feelings, then move forward.  Therefore, I'll
express how I feel since joining the Des Moines Chapter and I'll wait for
the reaction because the same will tell me in which direction to move,
whether than be toward the chapter or away from It.  

              First, I'll provide a little history.  I've been blind all my
life, but I've struggled with it because I have some vision and Vinton
taught me early that I was "partial" rather than blind.  I attended public
school the last two years of high school and college without any
accommodation because that was before IDEA or the Rehab Act.  I attended the
Orientation Center.  I went to Drake University and practice law for over 25
years.  I participated in the Des Moines Chapter actively a few years ago,
felt I contributed to it, and enjoyed the activities and the people.  I made
a bad mistake when I supported Richard Sorey as Director of IDB and I
acknowledge that and have apologized for same.  

              Now I'm working for Wells Fargo and I feel shunned by the
chapter, even though several fine people have told me there are no hard
feelings from the past.  I've had mental health issues and those people have
told me they don't matter, that I'm OK.  I have changed my schedule since
catching COVID so that I can be available to attend meetings in future, but
I don't know whether I'm welcome or not.  There are many who will welcome
me, but I wonder about the elected officers because they're the ones who
have apparently ignored me as a new or re-joining member.  I have received
NO introductory materials from the National Office, the State Affiliate, or
the chapter.  I receive a few emails, but nothing I would call an official
welcome or briefing on what's available for me to use or add to the
organization.  There have been NO social activities.

              Isn't there a Membership Committee?  Isn't there a Fundraising
Committee?  Does Des Moines do anything aside from play Presidential
Releases, and, while these are important, I would think a local group would
want to act on them in some way rather than merely sit and listen.  

              I have some vision and I've had a mental breakdown and COVID.
I have made mistakes.  If the Des Moines Chapter wants my membership, I'll
be glad to return and participate.  If not, I will oblige.  But I'm calling
out the officers and Board Members because this lack of communication will
lead to the end of the chapter as members grow older.  Mail starts with
"Dear Federation Family".  What family?  I feel like the odd person out.  

              I'll freely admit I don't answer the phone when I'm working
forty hours a week.  But I've been home since July 15th.  I DO read emails
and I know there are chapter members who have my contact information.  

              I also have discovered through my own investigation that the
Chapter President lives in the same apartment complex as I.  Come on, Mr.
Pres., are you so overworked that you couldn't contact me at all?  What
about the Vice-President?  What about the Secretary or the Board?  I don't
remember the chapter being like this when I was active; we had social events
for new or returning members where they were given copies of the
constitution, contact information, convention information, and recording of
significant speeches, etc.  What happened?

              There you have it-my feelings converted to words.  Thank you
for your attention.

Sincerely,

Mary L. McGee

 

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