[DSM-Iowa] Expressing My Feelings.

Sat Aug 8 00:01:09 UTC 2020

Hello Mary,
I regret that you have felt unwelcome in the Chapter. I am glad you are a part of it and I have valued your past contributions. Like you, I much prefer getting together in person rather than getting together using technology. Unfortunately, I have mostly been in my apartment since the middle of March because I have other health issues that make me susceptible to the virus.  Until we had to start meeting over the computer, I was suggesting a place to have dinner after chapter meetings, just so that people who wanted to could get together and socialize. So, even though you sent the message to the list, I  do not know how to find out what your email address is. Here is my email address and number in case you would like to contact me. I would welcome your call. 
Terri Wilcox 
(734)680-6547
Trising1943 at gmail.com  

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Mary McGee via DSM-Iowa
Sent: Thursday, August 6, 2020 2:08 PM
To: 'Des Moines Chapter List, NFB of Iowa'
Cc: Mary McGee
Subject: Re: [DSM-Iowa] Expressing My Feelings.

Thank you for your prompt reply.  To be perfectly honest, this is the first contact info I have had for you. So, of course, I couldn’t reach out.  That’s why I was surprised I didn’t receive some kind of notice with officers’ contact information or something.  I didn’t know how to get on any of the websites either except nfb.org and, until I heard about this legislation, I had no knowledge of any chat or list.  I would appreciate it if you would track down whatever happened, if not for me, because you don’t want to lose members for lack of contact.  
I haven’t felt welcome at meetings, because a year ago when I attended a meeting, no one was there to greet me, and no one I knew came over to me.  Therefore, I was afraid to say anything.  I also don’t like Zoom because it burns up my iPad.  Plus, everyone talks over me if I try to timidly say anything.  Everyone else is so comfortable and I’m scared to talk because I fear I’ll say the wrong thing.  This is why I stated that I think some introduction is appropriate.  
I am 65 years old.  Perhaps that’s too old to appreciate Zoom.  I must prefer phone conversations of in-person relations like we used to have years ago.  
I check my message and I’ve not had one from you.  The only member who has ever called me is Jim.  No one else has seemed interested and that’s why I have been of the opinion that there is no “NFB Family.”  I would like to change that and I hope this is a start.  Please call or email me back.
Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Mary L. McGee

From: DSM-Iowa [mailto:dsm-iowa-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Michael Harvey via DSM-Iowa
Sent: Thursday, August 6, 2020 1:04 PM
To: Des Moines Chapter List, NFB of Iowa <dsm-iowa at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Michael Harvey <mharvey at nfbi.org>
Subject: Re: [DSM-Iowa] Expressing My Feelings.

Dear Mary, 
I am happy to speak with you about your feelings and thoughts. You are more than welcome in the chapter. I feel like I've told you that every time you have been at a meeting. Futhermore, you just mentioned you got covid 19. That's why we have not been doing anything. no one has done things other than virtually for almost the last 5 months. I have been home since late March until this week. I am more than happy to speak with you and I'm not sure what happened with your welcome information. I will look into it for you. Feel free to call me out all you want, and I am happy to answer you. It has not been safe to get out and do things socially or fundraising in person over the last few months. Please use any of contact info below and reach out. I feel like I tried to call you after a meeting, but I am happy to talk to you. 
Sincerely, 

Mike Harvey, President
National Federation of the Blind of Iowa
Des Moines Chapter
615-554-0695
Email: mharvey at nfbi.org 
Website: www.nfbi.org 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/National-Federation-Of-the-Blind-Of-Iowa-372681823082570/posts 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfb_iowa 
Des Moines Chapter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblindofiowadsm
Live the life you want.

The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa 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.

On Aug 6, 2020, at 12:11 PM, Mary McGee via DSM-Iowa <dsm-iowa at nfbnet.org> wrote:

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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