[nabs-l] Appreciating our roots

[Jewel S.]

But isn't it true that if we don't study history it's doomed to
repeat? At least, that's what I learned in school. I think if we
appreciate where we came from, we can better look forward to what we
might do.

I also find myself doing fundraisers more than I'd like...I don't
*mind* fundraising, but I'd rather be educating, advocating, and
assisting others. I'd rather get a group together to do a project than
raise the funds to hire someone to do it.

~Jewel

On 5/3/10, Briley Pollard <brileyp at gmail.com> wrote:
> Well articulated as always, Jedi.
> On May 3, 2010, at 12:21 PM, Jedi wrote:
>
>> Joe,
>>
>> I first want to start by telling you that I agree with some of your
>> observations.
>>
>> First, young blind people not in the Federation tend not to see its
>> benefits because there doesn't seem much worth fighting for and the NFB
>> seems not to value individual preferences. Many of the young non-NFB folks
>> I speak to tell me that they don't want to join because the NFB doesn't
>> seem to honor the fact that they prefer to use their remaining vision or
>> get more assistance than what most NFB-ers are comfortable with. These
>> young people also notice how easy it is to get what they ask for in most
>> situations. They're views on that tend to change when they meet an
>> obstacle they can't overcome alone. And yes, state-wide events seem not to
>> draw people in unless one lives in an affiliate that caters to the young
>> as well as those of middle age and older.
>>
>> I think you're right that we find ourselves in a bit of a bind so far as
>> leadership is concerned. I don't think this is necessarily true
>> nationally, but I definitely see it more on the state level. I know that
>> Dr. Maurer has also observed this issue you're talking about in terms of
>> older people not ready to give up the reigns and younger people not yet
>> able to take them. I remember hearing him talk somewhat about this issue
>> at a youth leadership seminar I attended back in 2006. I also think that
>> Dr. Maurer and National are trying to address this issue in the states by
>> some of the events you're talking about such as Youth slam. But first, I
>> want to address your observations about fundraising.
>>
>> You're right that there has become quite an emphasis on fundraising in
>> past years. It's not that that emphasis hasn't been there. It's just that
>> our fundraising techniques have changed and we require more money to
>> continue moving forward with our new programming. Back in the day, our
>> fundraising efforts included telephone solicitations, mailing campeigns,
>> greeting card sales, private wills, bequests, etc. These things still go
>> on, but I think we've really begun to understand how helpful each
>> individual member of our movement can be in getting funds, especially with
>> technologies like conveyo. The Race for Independence/The March for
>> Independence is a publicity campaign meant to bring our efforts into the
>> public mind and give a target for individual community contributors to
>> think about. For one thing, it's much easier for a non-NFB person to give
>> money if they feel there's some kind of immediate cause and the March for
>> Independence/Race for Independence provides a spotlight and an immediate
>> cause. More than that, it gives us all a great excuse to freak out the
>> local townspeople wherever we happen to convene. *Grin*
>>
>> about the places where our money goes. You're right that STEM programs
>> like Youth Slam are very focused and may not represent the career goals of
>> many students. However, these events include more than just science: there
>> are philosophy discussions, technology seminars, recreational events,
>> one-on-one mentoring opportunities, an opportunity to practice independent
>> movement, and opportunity for people my age to practice mentoring and
>> leadership skills, an opportunity to gain public attention and support,
>> and opportunity to network with other foundations and agencies, and a way
>> of giving young people contact with our movement in a seeminly less
>> threatening environment. My affiliate has gained at least three
>> participants since Youth Slam came around, and other kids are asking
>> questions about Youth Slam. The science stuff is really just the surface
>> of what we're really doing. If you haven't served at a Youth slam, you may
>> want to and you'll know what I mean. And really, it takes a lot of money
>> to put one of these on and support the staff and facilities for those who
>> participate. The Jernigan Institute is definitely worth our money.
>>
>> I also want to talk some about our leadership bind that I mentioned. I
>> think Youth Slam is one way to draw in and retain youth. The Imagination
>> grants are another way since they can be used for local seminars. My
>> affiliate just used a grant to put on a seminar for blind youth, their
>> parents, and the teachers and professionals who serve them. The seminar
>> was a great success and I think we've gotten some new leadership out of
>> it. The Affiliate Action crew has spent an aweful lot of time and
>> resources to bring many of us to Baltimore to train us in ways that our
>> affiliate leadership may not. for one thing, I've been to many training
>> seminars put on by Affiliate Action where I learned about growing
>> affiliates , teaching the philosophy, learning how to work with older
>> leadership, etc. So I feel that when I do find myself in a leadership
>> position, i'll be more than ready.
>>
>> There is one thing I'd like to address spinning off your topic a bit. I
>> think you're right that that there are a lot of affiliates and chapters
>> where participation and energy are hard to come by. I experience that
>> quite a lot and it drains my energy and enthusiasm as a local leader. I
>> find it difficult to get excited about a project if I'm practically the
>> only one doing it. I guess this takes me back to Briley and her initial
>> statements. It's much easier and more meaningful to get involved in a
>> colllective effort when one knows about its history. I know that my
>> involvement has strengthened especially since I've learned the hard core
>> parts of our history. If nothing else, I feel responsible for carrying out
>> plans set forth by people who have suffered quite a lot on my behalf.
>>
>> About the car. That one's kind of tricky. I know what you mean in that the
>> car won't necessarily get us jobs in and of itself. I also hear corbb
>> about blind people getting on the road. I think Corbb's right that we'll
>> find some way to make sure blind drivers are as safe as our sighted
>> counterparts. I know there are a few reasons why we're working with
>> Virginia Tech to build this car. It's more than just blind people doing
>> the same as the sighted do. First of all, having a car will open up a few
>> more opportunities, especially to those who do not live in an area with
>> good transit and who don't have a lot of money to aford cabs on a regular
>> basis. Yes, the car itself would represent a considerable investment, but
>> it's hard to tell just yet how much greater that investment would be
>> compared to regular taxi service.In any case, the car's technology will
>> prove that a seemingly visual environment can be adapted for non-visual
>> use; technology manufacturers will then have no more excuses not to build
>> products with everyone in mind. Finally, the general public can't imagine
>> blind people walking around. Imagine how much they're thinking will have
>> to be re-examined when blind people start driving! After all, the car has
>> raised some interesting discussion among blind people.
>>
>> I hope I'm making some sense.
>>
>> Respectfully,
>> Jedi
>>
>>
>> Original message:
>>> The trend toward intense fundraising began well before the economic
>>> crisis.
>>> And, I don't blame a nonprofit for engaging in fundraising.  Yet between
>>> 2001 and 2007, to me, there is almost a dramatic shift from grassroots
>>> advocacy to a consumer provider.  Perhaps this was owed to the immense
>>> ticket price of the building expansion, whose benefits I still do not see
>>> outweighing the costs.  It is just one more item the future leadership
>>> will
>>> need to administer with little direction as to what it is actually
>>> supposed
>>> to accomplish.  There is a very fine line between living for the money
>>> and
>>> living for your purpose.
>>
>>> My belief that the organization will fade is based on the general state
>>> of
>>> the affiliates.  We cannot assume the organization is doing well based on
>>> the Braille Monitor and yearly banquet addresses.  The decline of
>>> affiliate
>>> activity has also been observed well before the economic crisis.  You can
>>> teach a chapter how to organize itself, but if there are no funds to fuel
>>> those strategies, where exactly is that chapter expected to turn?  There
>>> is
>>> persistent pressure to raise money for what has now become an annual
>>> fundraising drive at the national convention.  I do not much care for
>>> these
>>> so-called friendly competitions among states to get the most pledges for
>>> this Race for Independence.  How about a race for the states who can
>>> bring
>>> the most people, to, convention?  The economy has only increased the rate
>>> at
>>> which affiliates are not capable of proper recruitment and education at
>>> the
>>> local level.
>>
>>> Fighting for an increase in social security caps?  That legislative item
>>> has
>>> been around for years.  Social security is a third rail issue that will
>>> not
>>> make progress in a climate where health care reform, financial reform and
>>> immigration reform already dominate the headlines.  Cars that the blind
>>> can
>>> drive?  How about giving blind people a destination to go with those
>>> cars.
>>> Without jobs, blind people won't be able to move them, let alone afford
>>> them, or do we honestly feel we will see a reasonable rate for the
>>> technology that will navigate them.
>>
>>> I don't know that I agree young people are not willing to assume roles of
>>> responsibility.  I think last summer's election is indicative of an eager
>>> group that is willing to do what they can to help their peers.  I think
>>> the
>>> bigger issue is attempting to carve out success while attempting to
>>> satisfy
>>> Baltimore, often work with uncooperative state affiliates and energize a
>>> new
>>> generation of young people who quite frankly do not necessarily see the
>>> benefits of coming around the NFB unless it is for the festivities of the
>>> annual convention.  There are always exceptions, but the older generation
>>> is
>>> too reluctant to let go of the reins, and young people are not prepared
>>> enough to take them over even if they had access.  I appreciate the
>>> benefits
>>> of the STEM program the NFB has locked on to help youth explore careers
>>> in
>>> math and science, but here's a reminder, not all youth, blind or sighted,
>>> want to go to work for NASA.  To me, this too is another reminder of a
>>> loyal
>>> finance base the NFB has worked up into a so-called innovative program.
>>
>>> Don't get me wrong.  Believe it or not, I have immense respect for the
>>> NFB.
>>> It never fails to inspire me to aim higher when I come around NFB events.
>>> Yet I fear that over the past several years my respect has mostly turned
>>> from inspiration to admiration of the way it has so seamlessly
>>> transformed
>>> itself without blatantly calling attention to itself.  This isn't civil
>>> rights anymore.  This is a shrewd combination of public relations and
>>> business practice.
>>
>>> Knowledge of the past is immensely important.  But, is it the young
>>> people
>>> that need to be reminded most, or the older generation?
>>
>>> Sincerely,
>>
>>> Joe
>>
>>> "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
>>> sleeves,
>>> some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam Ewing
>>
>>
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>>
>>
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