[nabs-l] Sarah Patnaude for NABS Board Member

Sarah Patnaude patnaude.sarah at yahoo.com
Thu Jun 19 22:01:45 UTC 2014


Fellow Federationists,
       
       Four years ago, I learned a lesson that has been my driving force since. I learned that we are not inferior because of our blindness, that our blindness can be lowered to a mere inconvenience. Knowing this is one thing, acting upon it is another. Action needs to back up any philosophy. To make change, one needs to act. That is why I am running for board member of NABS.
       As a leader, I have learned that if I want to see change, I need to step up and make the change. In our constitution, it is stated that NABS is to “participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind.” In addition, the first line of the NFB pledge says “I pledge to participate actively in the National Federation of the Blind.” The theme of participation is important. Each person has an important role in keeping the movement alive, in producing the change that we desire. Although NABS has participated in NFB programs and initiatives, we can and should always strive for improvement.
 I would love to see us get more involved in advocacy and policy. For example, the TEACH Act is for us, it is for students. We know firsthand the struggles with accessibility in the classroom; we experience it every day. If we are the ones that are affected, then we have the responsibility to enact change. We have the ability to create ways for other students to not go through the challenges we are facing, shouldn’t we act upon on that? Shouldn’t we make it so the next generation of students does not have issues with accessible technology in the classroom? 
As a division, we need to strengthen our relationships with the national board, state affiliates, state student divisions, and local chapters. Having these relationships will unite the NFB and keep our movement strong. In addition, the NABS board should have a strong relationship with the members of NABS. We need to communicate with, set an example for, and encourage our members. Our passion and love for each other and for the movement is what drives us. We need to have these relationships to build the movement. 
 
I would love to have the opportunity to serve as Board Member, to stimulate change and further our movement. I would be very grateful for your vote!
 
Sincerely,
Sarah Patnaude



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