[il-talk] FW: [Nfbnet-members-list] BLAST Conference: Leadership Program

[Edward Birmingham]

From: Nfbnet-members-list [mailto:nfbnet-members-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Richie Flores via Nfbnet-members-list
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 2:09 PM
To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] BLAST Conference: Leadership Program

 

Please assist me by distributing to your networks, list-servs, and contacts.
The Blind Merchant Division is very excited to launch this inovative new
mentor program.
 
Blind Entrepenurship Starts Today 
In the U.S. today, more than 70% of blind people are either unemployed or
underemployed. The National Federation of the Blind Merchants Division
responds to this important issue by emphasizing blind leaders in the
business sector. This leadership program empowers aspiring protiges to
develop the job and blindness skills necessary to reach their full career
potential in self-employment. The Business Leadership and Superior Training
Conference for Entrepenurs (BLAST), redefines blindness by demonstrating how
the blind can live the life they want!
About the BEST Leadership Program
The BEST Leadership Program addresses the many factors that contribute to
successful employment within the blind community. This program combines
vocational mentorship and leadership skills, with attendance to the largest
and most influential conference for blind business owners, BLAST.  This
program creates an encouraging, individualized experience for its
participants. Between November 2014 and the BLAST Conference of 2016, BEST
Leadership Program protégés move through five phases:
1.        Application: Interested individuals apply online or over the
phone. Program Application
<https://nfbtx.org/content/best-leadership-program-prot%C3%A9g%C3%A9-applica
tion-0>  
2.        Selection: Applicants participate in an interview with Richie
Flores, Program Coordinator; those selected for the program sign a
participation contract.
3.        Mentorship Match: Program staff will pair protiges with a
successful blind business owner, to encourage a long-standing relationship
of guidance and support.
4.        BLAST: Business Leadership and Superior Training Conference for
Entrepenurs Curriculum: To prepare for self-employment success , protégés
fulfill 25 hours of training in essential blindness and vocational
leadership skills at the Lonestar BLAST Conference-November18-20, 2014 in
Austin, Texas. Participants must arrange their own transportation to and
from the conference and work with their vocational team to provide the
Program registration which includes four meals. Program activity and room
accommidations will be provided by the BEST Leadership program for future
Entrepenurs. (visit www.blindmerchants.org <http://www.blindmerchants.org/>
for up to date information regarding the BLAST Conference)
5.        Ongoing Mentorship: Protégés who complete their program
obligations will learn of the opportunity to attend the National Convention
of the National Federation of the Blind in the coming year to reconnect with
the Blind Merchants Division.
BEST Leadership Program Protégés
NFB is currently seeking 30 protégés to join this program's first-ever
cohort. Protégés will benefit from vocational and leadership skills
training, and build meaningful career-specific mentorships with the working
blind. Candidates must be over the age of eighteen , have self-employment as
a career goal, be deemed legally blind by a physician or accredited agency,
and able to fulfill the training and required attendance to the BLAST
Conference this November 2014.
To apply, fill out the Program Application
<https://nfbtx.org/content/best-leadership-program-prot%C3%A9g%C3%A9-applica
tion-0>  at www.nfbtx.org/youthprograms and confirm your submission by
contacting Richie Flores, Project Coordinator (rflores at nfbtx.org). If you
would like assistance completing your online application, call Richie at
512-784-1878.
 
Check out our video highlighting success in the self-employment sector!
Blind Entrepenurs Succeed Today
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqKkg3yA19g> ! 
The BEST Leadership Program advocates equal access to search and apply for
jobs through NFB Newsline; (888-882-1629. For more information visit:
www.nfb.org <http://www.nfb.org/> .
 
All the Best,
Richie Flores
Vocational Enrichment Consultant
 
 

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