[nabs-l] Future of the NFB

[Darian Smith]

As to Bridget's point about groups/  divisions,
    It would seem on the surface that  some of these groups and
divisions do not further the cause of  the organization,  but don't
they represent  the fact that blind people are  a cross-section of
society?  If so, doesn't that represent the supposed "normality" of
blind people?  (I don't know  what quite  qualifies as a "normal"
member of society aside from what  wat our american society defines as
 such, even then you can argue that pretty well too.).
  just some thoughts,
 Respectfully,
  Darian

On 3/8/11, Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com> wrote:
> First, having church services during convention is not the same, persay,
> as a division that.  The faith groups are providing a service (of sorts)
> for the duration of the convention.
>
> Also, I do not mean to offend, but many do not choose, for various
> reasons, to participate in faith-based activities.  No, this is not a
> reason to eliminate faith groups, but it may not be an activity that all
> are interested in.  Just like not all are interested in the Writers
> Division or the automobile division.
>
> I agree with Joe-- we are beginning to create "havens" where blind
> people feel secure, but they have the potential to become safety nets.
> I know too many NFB members who are uber involved in the Federation, but
> they are not out in their communities living the way we claim we are
> fighting for-- as equals that can participate in the same things as our
> sighted peers.
>
> Having divisions, groups and committees is not a bad thing, but it does
> have the potential to turn us into the very thing we are against.  We
> must find balance in all things.
>
> And many of the interest-based groups do nothing to accomplish the
> over-all goals of the Federation.  The purpose of the NFB was to develop
> a collective voice that demanded equality and a better life for blind
> people.  When it comes down to it, many interest groups were not created
> for this reason, and many do not focus on this concept.  They do little,
> or nothing, to further the goals of the NFB.
>
> Bridgit
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2011 10:09:39 -0600
> From: Joshua Lester <jlester8462 at students.pccua.edu>
> To: jsorozco at gmail.com, 	National Association of Blind Students
> 	mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Future of
> the NFB
> Message-ID:
> 	<AANLkTik7Jxv8H0UfDxW9nH0kRSWfQOfkk1OvDAmXZRfD at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> It would be ridiculous to eliminate the divisions! What about the
> Communities of Faith? Do you not think that faith is important? We go to
> convention, (many of us miss church,) so the devotions will be the only
> church we get while at convention. There are some divisions that may
> need to be fixed, (or eliminated,) but some need to stay. The
> performance division, the musicians division, and others are a great
> means to connect blind performers, and musicians, and people in general.
> The friendships made during those meetings last a lifetime. I hate
> calling people out, but Sarah, and Julie have been constant friends,
> since we met in Dallas. I know that if I have a question, I can go to
> one of them, and they will help me. That's the same with this student
> division. I was having problems with a certain thing, but I was able to
> obtain help from this list. I appreciate what certain divisions do, so
> it's a ludicris thing to say, that we need to eliminate these divisions,
> they just make us stronger. My 100 dollars worth, Joshua Lester.
>
>
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-- 
Darian Smith
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"The purpose of life is a life of purpose.

— Robert Byrne