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

Fri May 20 21:55:53 UTC 2011

Mike,
  I don't mean to be crass, but so what?  Do we have to meet vitriol
with vitriol, match them insult for insult?  I think not.  And we both
know it's not the same world it used to be-even those who disagree
with us usually take us seriously.  What's that famous aphorism from
FDR?  Speak softly and carry a big stick?
  Warmly,
Kirt

On 5/20/11, Darian Smith <dsmithnfb at gmail.com> wrote:
> there were quite a few people on the call, most of them wished to
> listen (which is just fine), while  others elected to chime in.  Some
> were affiliate presidents, some were state student division
> presidents, and some were nabs board members.
>   if some of them wish to  contribute what  discussions stood out to
> them, that would be a good thing.
>
>  One thing thatI thought stood out is  the idea of taking  the  energy
> of National/state convention and recreating that in our student
> divisions.  If you have  ever gone to a convention, you find that
> there is an  energy and excitement around  the event.  A good part of
> that is the reunion factor, while alot of it is  the exchange of
> ideas, the fellowship, the idea that we as blind people are  not alone
> and at conventionit's brought into such a strong reality.
>   We see people with canes and dogs dressed up and going to  various
> meetings, seminars, events, fundraisers and banquet - that other blind
> people with their canes and dogs  run themselves.
>  I think this  is a  wonderful example of everything that we talk
> about in practice, and  Hopefully, this should inspire us to  not just
> talk about what we believe the truth is about blindness, but practice
> it, not only around each other at convention and at chapter meetings,
> but with each other in public.  This models blindness to the public
> and to each other.
>   That's something I remember, and  my little spin on  what I took from it
>
> On 5/20/11, Kirt Manwaring <kirt.crazydude at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Chris,
>>   It's awesome you're on here.  You're a case study of why it's good
>> for students to get on board while they're young.  Just out of
>> curiosity, how were you introduced to the Federation?
>>
>> On 5/20/11, Âris Nusbaum <dotkid.nusbaum at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> I agree completely, Kirt! Great points!
>>>
>>>  Chris
>>>
>>> "A loss of sight, never a loss of vision!" (Camp Abilities motto)
>>>
>>> --- Sent from my BrailleNote
>>>
>>>  ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: Kirt Manwaring <kirt.crazydude at gmail.com
>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>> Date sent: Thu, 19 May 2011 19:57:10 -0600
>>> 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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>>>
>>>  --
>>>  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
>
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