[nabs-l] Blind Majority

[Jorge Paez]

Completely agree with the constitution.


On Mar 18, 2011, at 4:50 PM, Joe Orozco wrote:

> Dear all,
> 
> I always knew that the executive positions on any NFB chapter, affiliate or
> division board had to be blind.  I did not, however, know that this majority
> rule also applies to the general membership of these organizations.  It is
> my understanding that at least 51 percent of the membership has to be blind
> and that this provision was primarily included to prevent sighted people
> from taking over the organization.  I can see how this would have made since
> in the organization's early beginnings, maybe even during the 60's, but
> seeing as how the provisions survived the 1986 ratification and is still on
> the books today, I am curious to hear what you think as the up and coming
> generation of leaders.  Is it necessary to guarantee a predominantly blind
> organization through constitutional provisions, or should we be allowed to
> bring in sighted people interested in membership to further promote our
> cause?  I have my thoughts on the subject, but I'm curious to hear your
> views.  The NFB constitution provisions read as follow:
> 
> "Section C. State affiliates shall be organizations of the blind controlled
> by the blind. No organization shall be recognized as an "organization of the
> blind controlled by the blind" unless at least a majority of its voting
> members and a majority of the voting members of each of its local chapters
> are blind."
> 
> ...
> 
> "Any organized group desiring to become a state affiliate of the National
> Federation of the Blind shall apply for affiliation by submitting to the
> president
> of the National Federation of the Blind a copy of its constitution and a
> list of the names and addresses of its elected officers. Under procedures to
> be
> established by the board of directors, action shall be taken on the
> application. If the action is affirmative, the National Federation of the
> Blind shall
> issue to the organization a charter of affiliation. Upon request of the
> national president the state affiliate shall provide to the national
> president
> the names and addresses of its members. Copies of all amendments to the
> constitution and/or bylaws of an affiliate shall be sent without delay to
> the national
> president. No organization shall be accepted as an affiliate and no
> organization shall remain an affiliate unless at least a majority of its
> voting members
> are blind. The president, vice president (or vice presidents), and at least
> a majority of the executive committee or board of directors of the state
> affiliate
> and of all of its local chapters must be blind. Affiliates must not merely
> be social organizations but must formulate programs and actively work to
> promote
> the economic and social betterment of the blind. Affiliates and their local
> chapters must comply with the provisions of the constitution of the
> Federation."
> 
> Regards,
> 
> 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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