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

Mike Freeman k7uij at panix.com
Fri May 20 21:42:38 UTC 2011


I agree   To some extent, however, vitriol is often in the mind of the perceiver. We old-timers are used to hearing: "don't advocate NFB philosophy or I'll call you militant!.

Mike Freeman
sent from my iPhone


On May 20, 2011, at 13:12, Kirt Manwaring <kirt.crazydude at gmail.com> wrote:

> Mike,
>  Very true.  But, from my experience, a lot of that boils down to how
> we present our philosophy.  I've heard comments from some TVIS like
> "they wouldn't even listen to me", "they acted like I didn't even
> matter", "they ignored everything I said", etc.  While I'm not denying
> our philosophy places us in conflict with some TVIS (not as many as
> some people like to think), I think if we present our philosophy in a
> level-headed, civil, agreeable manner, even those who disagree with us
> will be more compelled to do so agreeably.  Making the conflict less
> vitriolic and bitter would do a lot to improve the way we're presented
> by TVIS, even many of the TVIS who don't agree with our philosophy.
> That's all I'm saying-I'm not saying we compromise the tenets we hold
> dear, I'm not saying we change our philosophy, only that we respect
> and sincerely make an effort to at least listen to the philosophies of
> others without letting emotions get in the way.
>  Warmly,
> Kirt
> 
> On 5/20/11, Darian Smith <dsmithnfb at gmail.com> wrote:
>> ... hate it when posts get cut  off...
>> Anyway, we should make the connection with TVIs, TTBs (whatever term
>> you like to use) where we can and tell our story, or so I think.  Have
>> any folks found  success in  doing so in your respective divisions?
>> 
>> what are ways people think we can do a better job as students in the
>> organization of inviting younger students to get involved? how did you
>> (if you are  a middle/high school student) decide to get involved?
>> 
>> On 5/20/11, Darian Smith <dsmithnfb at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> I think there are valid points to what both Mike and Kirt are saying.
>>> However, I would think you could make that argument for any segment of
>>> the blindness community, and I think that as members of student
>>> divisions-( the population that TVIs serve) we should  make more of an
>>> effort wherever possible to reach those j  population
>>> 
>>> On 5/19/11, Mike Freeman <k7uij at panix.com> wrote:
>>>> On the other hand, no matter how reasonably we present ourselves, our
>>>> philosophy in and of itself is such a threat to some TVIs that their ears
>>>> are closed.
>>>> 
>>>> Mike
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>>> Behalf
>>>> Of Kirt Manwaring
>>>> Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2011 6:57 PM
>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>>>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] About the future of NABS and the NFB
>>>> 
>>>> 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.
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> 
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>>>>>> 
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>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> --
>>>>> 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
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>> 
>>>> 
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>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
>>> 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
>>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> 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
>> 
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> 
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