[Fabs] Planning the path of service together: community Service Group Strategic Planning call.

[Darian Smith]

a bit off-topic, but maybe some might be interested.
 
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> Fellow Federationests,
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>  The Community Service Group of the National Federation of the  Blind is looking for your input on the future of our group.
>  We are   specifically looking for thoughts/ideas  for programs, activities, initiatives, etc  the group might want to  undertake over the next several years (  call it a five-year strategic plan or road map.
>  We  are holding a conference call  Next Tuesday, May 20  at 9pm Eastern time to discuss this, and welcome all who wish to discuss further. Call-in information  and background on who we are, what we want to do, and how we want to do it can all be found below:
>  (712)432-0140. Code: 808277
>  Purpose
> The purpose of the group is to promote jointly the positive philosophy of the NFB and the benefits of community service by educating the blind about how to become involved in service, educating the sighted about the true abilities of the blind via involvement in service, and encouraging such involvement in members, chapters, and affiliates of the NFB. We acknowledge the positive effects of community service and service learning with our assertion that service is not only a path to employment and a way to educate, but also a way to learn about oneself and the issues faced in one’s community and country.
> What We Do
> We work to promote and encourage community service and service learning at the local, state, and national levels of the NFB and to advance the goal of full integration for the blind on the basis of equality. We coordinate service projects that develop confidence in blindness and the alternative techniques that the blind use, create workshops and trainings that develop competent leaders, serve as a resource for the blind and sighted alike about the service field with an emphasis on how the blind can contribute, and promote a positive philosophy of blindness through action and service.
> What We Believe
> Through these means, we aim to change the perception that the blind are passive recipients of service rather than active providers of service. In order to do this, we must challenge ourselves and others to rethink what service-related activities the blind can do with the proper basic training and understanding of the given service project and the proper non-visual techniques. We believe that taking on projects that allow us to look beyond blindness is instructive both for ourselves and the community. The group thrives with the collective efforts of all who believe in service, the NFB, and the power that comes with collective action and the belief that we can address our country’s most pressing problems alongside our sighted friends, family, and neighbors. Ultimately, we wish to participate in service not as blind people, but as citizens of our communities with the ability and desire to give back.
> Who Can Get Involved
> Our membership consists of people at all levels of service, from those who have a wealth of service experience, to those who serve from time to time, to those who are interested in serving but may feel nervous or uncertain about getting involved in projects or may not know how to get involved. We strive to meet everyone where they are in their service experience and to serve as a network and support system for those who have a common interest in serving their communities. We also actively seek and welcome partnerships and collaborations with agencies, organizations, and individuals who share our philosophy and our belief in the ability of the blind to participate in community service.
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>  if you can’t make the call for whatever reason, but would still wish to contribute your valuable suggestions/thoughts,  please send an e-mail to me at  dsmithnfb at gmail.com with the subject line “strategic plan suggestions”.
>   Many thanks for your interest and involvement. 
>  Yours in service and in the movement,
>   Darian           
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> Darian Smith
> Chairperson, Community Service Group -National Federation  of The Blind.
> (415)215-9809
> dsmithnfb at gmail.com
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
> expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
> between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want;
> blindness is not what holds you back.
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> “
>  "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.
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>   
>  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
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