[Greater-baltimore] Children and chapter gatherings

[Danielsen, Chris]

Hello everyone:

I send this e-mail out with great reluctance. I have received various complaints about the behavior of some of the children who are attending our chapter meetings and events. I have also heard reports of children and young people walking (or running) around the building unsupervised, most recently at our chapter picnic. Finally, I have had occasional reports of actual damage to our facility, although none of it is permanent to my knowledge. I refer to photographs being pulled off or knocked off of walls, plants being destroyed, etc. I have just been informed that staff here at the NfB Jernigan Institute received complaints from residents in our neighborhood because two young people were spitting on, and throwing ice at, passers-by from our outside deck during the chapter picnic. I do not know who these young people were and I am making no accusations, but needless to say this behavior is not acceptable and does not endear us to our neighbors. With all of this in mind, let me make the following observations:

1. We have always welcomed children at our chapter meetings and I hope we can continue to do so. We provide child care during chapter meetings and have tried to provide other child-friendly activities. However, if you choose to bring your children to a chapter meeting, you are ultimately responsible for them. If you cannot supervise your children, or ensure that they are supervised by using child care etc., at all times, including and especially during our breakfasts, picnic, Christmas repast, or other out-of-meeting events, please consider finding other ways for them to spend their Saturdays.

2. If you observe anyone, child or otherwise, at a chapter meeting or event whom you do not know and/or is not obviously with or being supervised by someone that you know, do not hesitate to politely introduce yourself and discreetly inquire as to that person's business at the chapter meeting or event. I say this because, during chapter meetings and events, it is possible that persons unknown to us are entering the building and making mischief. We must all take part in ensuring that our chapter meetings are safe, pleasant gatherings for everyone concerned, and that our facilities are protected from damage.

I welcome any suggestions on how we can better accommodate our younger members and guests and ensure the security of our members, guests, and facilities. Further discussion on this topic will be had at the June meeting. Thank you.

Sincerely:

Chris Danielsen, Chapter President


Christopher S. Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
200 East Wells Street
     at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Phone: 410-659-9314, ext. 2330
Fax: 410-685-5653
Cell phone: 410-262-1281
Email: cdanielsen at nfb.org<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>
www.nfb.org<http://www.nfb.org/>