[nabs-l] About the future of NABS and the NFB

[Kirt Manwaring]

Darian and all,
  I think sometimes we underestimate the role of vission teachers.
(call them what you want-TVIs, teachers of blind students, itinerate
teachers, whatever)  These are usually the people who give blind
students, and their parents, first impressions about blindness and
thus they have a huge influence on whatever expectations a student or
parent develops about what is possible as a blind person.  I think we
need to put a lot more energy in to sincerely dialoguing with these
teachers, especially the reasonable ones who don't agree with us (I'm
not saying all teachers who disagree with us are reasonable), to
improve our image and the way we're presented to students.  Because my
state affiliate is pretty good at this, my TVI, although she disagreed
with a lot of what the NFB does, didn't discourage me from coming to
my own opinions and getting as much firsthand experience with the
Federation as I could.  Even those blindness professionals who
disagree with us can, if we present ourselves in a civil and courteous
manner, direct students to our organization.  It happened with me.
  Warmest regards,
Kirt

On 5/19/11, Darian Smith <dsmithnfb at gmail.com> wrote:
> You know, one thing that I would like to add to this discussion  is
> the following  "what ideas would you  suggest to improve what you may
> think needs improving?"
>   I think it's  really easy for all of us to get into the  habit of
> mentioning what isn't happening. Sometimes, it's  not so much a matter
>  that no one is aware of an issue (sometimes, on the other hand,  this
> in fact may be the case), but suggestions on how to improve are also
> very valuable.   Remember, we never roll out of bed with the answers!
>   Best,
>   Darian
>
> On 5/19/11, Jorge Paez <computertechjorgepaez at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 	I don't think we're doing enough with the middleschool/elementary
>> population.
>> We need to get the message out faster,
>> to the younger kids.
>>
>>
>> On May 19, 2011, at 9:00 PM, dsmithnfb at gmail.com wrote:
>>
>>> Let's bring this conversation fourth. What do people think  about this
>>> question?
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On May 19, 2011, at 5:39 PM, "Tina Hansen" <th404 at comcast.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I wanted to know what people felt about the future of the NFB, and
>>>> whether or not we're doing anything to address how to communicate our
>>>> message in a way that will reach people through new technologies.
>>>> Thanks.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> nabs-l:
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/dsmithnfb%40gmail.com
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nabs-l:
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/computertechjorgepaez%40gmail.com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nabs-l:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/dsmithnfb%40gmail.com
>>
>
>
> --
> Darian Smith
> Skype: The_Blind_Truth
> Windows Live: Lightningrod2010 at live.com
> Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/goldengateace
>
> "The purpose of life is a life of purpose.
>
> — Robert Byrne
>
> _______________________________________________
> nabs-l mailing list
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nabs-l:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kirt.crazydude%40gmail.com
>