[nabs-l] Success and Why I Left the NFB

[Joe]

Dave,

That was a good point, and very true. Put your money where your mouth is and
whatnot. The only thing I would add is to find the role that's right for
you. Not everyone has to be president of this or board member of that. I,
for example, am too politically incorrect to be anyone's leader. I'm a
better force behind the throne, assuming I belong in leadership at all, but
it took me leaving the Federation to grow up and realize that. I've argued
many times that our leaders should be allowed to take a sabbatical to get
reacquainted with the reality they seek to improve, otherwise their efforts
only thrive in a vacuum.

Beth,

Angelina makes a good point that society as a whole is still trying to wrap
its mind around mental health. You would think blind people would be more
sensitive, but then, we are blind, not perfect, and every bit as judgmental
as the rest of the general public. Perhaps we would be well served to
address the topic at local chapters or state conventions, maybe establish
partnerships with organizations with expertise in that field in an effort to
normalize what seems abnormal to the uninformed bystander. I think though
the organization has always been careful about not straying too far from its
own expertise, which is blindness. There are a myriad of conditions and
circumstances that affect the membership beyond that, but as Pete pointed
out, we can't be all things to all people at all times. Mind you, that is no
excuse for us not to be more welcoming of all people. Common courtesy has
never gone out of style, and I would hope the majority of members can see
past these shallow factors.

As to a spot in the elite circle, and this point is for Juanita as well, I
suspect it's not everything it's cracked up to be. Remember the higher you
rise, the harder you fall. I certainly never saw that whole bit with Peggy
Elliott coming. Some of the best work you'll ever carry out will happen at
the local level, where you have the most access to real people who really
need your help.

Jamie,

We're on the same boat. I came into the fold late in 2001. Over the next
several years I felt a noticeable change that felt nothing like the raw
grassroots power I initially encountered. Still, change is possible.

Arielle,

Children and youth programs are vitally important. There is no greater
priority than ensuring the future success of those coming up behind us, but
the NFB is no redheaded stepchild. According to public records, the NFB has
net assets of $26 million. My point is, I think the National Office could
step up its efforts to rely more on strategic partners and less on the
membership to generate the funds needed to keep those programs alive. Up to
a point we have to realize you can't squeeze water from a stone, and while I
am drawing a very simplistic picture of development and programming for the
sake of this discussion, if we must raise more money, we have got to find a
less pervasive means of communicating that to the membership that doesn't
include a constant parade of opportunities you can increase your donation,
sign up new donors, and win a prize! There is only so much public appeal
capital we have to spend.

To my knowledge, no one has been blatantly barred from joining the NFB. Yet,
sometimes actions speak louder than words. Some people are treated in a
condescending fashion for not using the longer white canes. Other people are
ostracized for not having attended a center or, worse, for going to the
wrong one. Sadly, some of our older generation still look down on those
members who choose to get a guide dog. Now, to a degree people need to
toughen up. There are bad apples in any organization, but it took more than
several occurrences for me to notice a trend and not just a few isolated
incidents. At some point we need to find a balance.

And that brings me to perhaps the most important point that's come from this
thread.

Michael and Pete,

I criticize the NFB because I want it to succeed. The mature among you will
understand where I'm coming from. The two of you, however, are going about
it the wrong way.

In short, knock it off. ACB versus NFB is a stale argument. No one in our
generation cares half as much about the division as the old curmudgeons in
both organizations with nothing better to do. I'm hopeful that in our
lifetime we will see at least one joint convention where we can test how
much stronger we are as a united front on a few well-chosen issues. Anyone
who believes the other camp is the real enemy ought to be booted from
office, because they are a detriment to the collective good.

Michael, I especially expect better of you as an ambassador to the ACB on an
NFB forum. I don't think Kim Charlson would approve of the way you are
portraying your group. Sometimes you need to be the more gallant gentleman.
Don't let me down.

Now, hopefully, a few of you will rise to your potential as leaders, gather
what you're learning from this iscussion, and act on it as you assume office
in the various chapters, affiliates and divisions. My homework to you this
coming convention, should you care about anything a black sheep asks you to
do, is to look up some people who are the real deal. This is not a
definitive list. I won't pretend to have met all the excellent people in
leadership, and some of the best leaders you'll find in the most remote
chapters and not at the dais. The most lovable chapter president I ever met
was Andy Virden in Minnesota, may he rest in peace. Still, some of the best
mentor figures I had the privilege of meeting that are well-known to you and
accessible were Joy and Allen Harris, Ron Gardner, James Gashel, Joanne
Wilson, Gary Wunder, Pam Allen, and Curtis Chong. I've never met Steve
Jacobs and David Andrews, though their guidance is generally in the right
place. David gets on my nerves every now and then, but that's a good sign
he's probably good people. And, believe it or not, Dr. Maurer is not half
bad when he's not being an ass about how much smarter he is than the rest of
us. One on one he can be a good guy to bounce ideas and set you straight
when it's warranted. Are they always right? No. In fact I think sometimes
they ought to be separated to generate better ideas. Will they always have
the best advice? No, but remember my suggestion about dismissing the counsel
that does not contribute to your upward mobility. On the whole, this is just
a starting list of people you must meet, shake hands with, and milk them for
all the wisdom they're worth. Our collective success depends on it. We're on
the edge of transitioning to a new era, and I have high hopes for those of
you taking the helm. Whatever your definition of the successful blind
person, we need lots more of them.

Me, I think I'll start my own organization. LOL

Joe

--
Twitter: @ScribblingJoe

Visit my blog:
http://joeorozco.com/blog

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David Andrews
Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2014 3:21 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Success and Why I Left the NFB

The other side of this argument is that unless you get involved and get
political power yourself, then things won't change.  The NFB has its
strengths, and its weaknesses, and depending on the situation they are often
the same thing.

Dave

At 01:57 PM 3/30/2014, you wrote:
>Arielle,
>That was a very thoughtful and politically sensitive response.
>
>Joe,
>I am pleased to see I am not alone in making these observations furring 
>my own relationship with the NFB. while I deeply respect the 
>organization's history and truly appreciate the raw potential the 
>organization has moving forward, the passion I joined with back in high 
>school has turned to cautious cynicism. I don't think this perspective 
>is bad, though. I think the NFB desperately needs members who can see 
>past the smoke and mirrors of PR, and who are willing to discuss issues 
>of blindness and politics in a no-nonsense way that isn't always easy 
>to hear. It is a shame though when those of us less willing to toe the 
>line and pander to those with political power are treated with 
>hostility by some at the national level, and more still within our 
>local chapters.
>
>Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Mar 30, 2014, at 12:00 PM, Arielle Silverman
> <arielle71 at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Joe,
> >
> > Thanks for sharing your experiences. I have not been following the 
> > Braille Monitor that closely but I can understand what you are 
> > saying about the increased emphasis on fund-raising. I have also 
> > felt like the national convention is turning into more of a carnival 
> > with all the exhibitors and prizes being given away, and much of 
> > banquet that used to focus on philosophy and NFB spirit is now taken 
> > up with prize drawings and the like.
> > To be fair, NFB was stronger financially when we joined than it is 
> > now, and I understand that some national programs have been cut due 
> > to a decrease in revenue from what used to be steady reliable income 
> > sources. So NFB may be pushing fund-raising more, but the 
> > alternative could be a loss of programs and resources.
> > I have not heard of anyone being blatantly turned away or refused 
> > membership in an NFB chapter. If that ever happens it is truly 
> > shameful. I do think that sometimes prospective members choose not 
> > to join because they perceive hostility from the organization or 
> > judgment of their lifestyle choices. I think part of that is 
> > perception only, and part of it is reality. The NFB is stereotyped 
> > as a radical one-size-fits-all organization, and new members 
> > expecting to find that could be especially sensitive to cues of 
> > hostility. However, there probably is some real lack of acceptance 
> > among certain segments of the organization, which, again, is 
> > unfortunate. I will say that I am not the most graceful blind person 
> > and was relatively unskilled when I first joined, and I still felt 
> > completely accepted. But I know not all of us are so lucky. I would 
> > encourage prospective members who have a negative experience to try 
> > again in a different chapter or division and perhaps they will find 
> > acceptance there. But at the same time, this is something we need to be
sensitive to in the organization.
> >
> > Arielle
> >
> >> On 3/30/14, Michael Capelle <michael.capelle at frontier.com> wrote:
> >> Hello all.
> >> This is why I am not apart of any "blind movement."  I live my own 
> >> life, live my own philosophy, ETC.  I do not believe in a one size 
> >> fits all mentality, which is unfurtunately what the NFB does.
> >> Thanks.
> >> Mike
> >>
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: RJ Sandefur
> >> Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2014 11:51 AM
> >> To: jsoro620 at gmail.com ; National Association of Blind Students 
> >> mailing list
> >> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Success and Why I Left the NFB
> >>
> >> Joe, I agree with you. I had to attend both college, and Seminary 
> >> without the NFB's help, although it would have been nice to have a 
> >> mentoor. RJ
> >> ----- Original Message -----
> >> From: "Joe" <jsoro620 at gmail.com>
> >> To: "'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'"
> >> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> >> Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2014 12:25 PM
> >> Subject: [nabs-l] Success and Why I Left the NFB
> >>
> >>
> >>> 2006 was the last year I attended a national convention. While 
> >>> there I was caught up in the ra ra of the movement and felt glad 
> >>> to be in the company
> >>>
> >>> of
> >>> so many people who could relate to the challenges that awaited me 
> >>> as a recent college graduate. I left convention, finished up my 
> >>> summer as a counselor in Iowa, and set off for DC to begin my 
> >>> business with the real world. I would never take away someone's 
> >>> enthusiasm from attending a national convention or Washington 
> >>> Seminar or one of the weekend leadership seminars in Baltimore. 
> >>> They are very well-suited to boost a person's spirit, but I 
> >>> believe too many people fall through the cracks when faced with 
> >>> reality outside of those infrequent gatherings.
> >>>
> >>> To be fair, the organization is no different from any other 
> >>> nonprofit business. It needs money to sustain itself, and in turn 
> >>> it needs more members to help raise the money. Still, I found it 
> >>> rather disappointing that so much of the board meeting I tuned 
> >>> into listen to last summer was dominated by calls to raise money 
> >>> for this fund or that effort. I found it even sadder that a recent 
> >>> issue of the Braille Monitor, our monthly dose of inspiration, 
> >>> featured several articles just to the focus of generating more 
> >>> ways to drum up more financial support, but perhaps the most 
> >>> frustrating byproduct of this new NFB are the e-mails from 
> >>> so-called
> friends from whom
> >>>
> >>> I
> >>> have not heard in years but boldly ask me to contribute to their 
> >>> NFB fundraising campaigns.
> >>>
> >>> In short, at some point the NFB embraced enterprise and forgot 
> >>> about the movement. Between 2006 and 2012 I went on to help lead 
> >>> development efforts for other nonprofits outside of the blindness 
> >>> field, also national in scope.
> >>> They too made fundraising a priority, but it never felt like the 
> >>> top, or the only, priority. It gets tiresome when we focus on 
> >>> recruiting new blood and raising new money and forget about 
> >>> strengthening the members and resources we've already had.
> >>>
> >>> Nowadays I have the privilege of knowing some excellent blind 
> >>> professionals.
> >>> I think they would do well in the NFB. They are smarter than I 
> >>> ever will be and have accomplished more than I may ever achieve, 
> >>> but they shun the organization because they were turned away or 
> >>> because they were never welcomed in the first place. It's 
> >>> something I should have kept in mind when I had my brief taste of 
> >>> leadership in the organization. I had too much of
> >>>
> >>> a
> >>> mouth on me to ever be anyone's golden child, but I was reliable 
> >>> enough to get the job done. But, getting the job done should have 
> >>> really meant attracting and pulling in these men and women who 
> >>> could have made the NFB lots better, listening to new ideas, and 
> >>> most important, remaining true to the cause and not some 
> >>> multi-million-dollar institute we find ourselves incapable of 
> >>> sustaining.
> >>>
> >>> So, what does any of this have to do with the original post? I 
> >>> don't want
> >>>
> >>> it
> >>> to ever be said I was a hypocrite. The leadership may as well know 
> >>> what I think of them, but more importantly, to the college kids on 
> >>> the verge of spreading their own wings, I want you to know the NFB 
> >>> banner will only guide your way so far. Take what's great about 
> >>> the organization and leave the political drama and marketing ploys 
> >>> behind. In the end it will be your own wits and talents that will 
> >>> earn your pay check. The NFB will never give you anything new. The 
> >>> philosophy merely helps you uncover what you always had
> >>>
> >>> to
> >>> be successful. Anything could happen with the new NFB president, 
> >>> and I will be the first to retract my words if he is brave enough 
> >>> to reverse this downward spiral. You see, we no longer live in a 
> >>> world where the NFB is necessary for collective momentum. 
> >>> Technology has seen to that. Whether or not the movement sticks 
> >>> around largely depends on how badly we want it to exist.
> >>>
> >>> Is the ACB doing it any better? That's debatable, but you know 
> >>> what I've found from the people I've met on that side of the 
> >>> house? They seem happier, and that's something we can't seem to 
> >>> figure out in our camp. The few victories they celebrate they do 
> >>> with even less money. Let that be a lesson in financial management 
> >>> to you.
> >>>
> >>> I don't know what the hell I'm doing back here. I told myself I 
> >>> would never become one of those bitter former NFB members. My only 
> >>> goal was to provide different perspectives to the new generation 
> >>> of leaders coming up through the ranks. After all, if you never 
> >>> taste the real world, you have no business leading. That's like 
> >>> the teacher who teaches because they couldn't cut it, and believe 
> >>> it or not, I want to see more and more of you excel at whatever it 
> >>> is you want to do. The more of you there are, the greater our 
> >>> strength.
> >>>
> >>> Moving forward I reckon I'll keep my opinions to myself here lest 
> >>> I be the rotten apple that spoils the bunch, but in some lame 
> >>> attempt to answer the original question, my answer would be this:
> >>>
> >>> The characteristics of a successful blind person are humility to 
> >>> consume what they need to be successful, fortitude to turn away 
> >>> what will not, and wisdom to recognize the difference.
> >>>
> >>> Joe


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