[nabs-l] Local Chapters

[Darian Smith]

Hi all,
 I think that it is certainly  unfortunate  when anyone doesn’t get connected with a local chapter, especially  in  this case  a student.
 Chapters can benefit from the energy and ideas students bring, and students  benefit from the  experience  and support more experienced members  offer. 
  Tyler: it is unfortunate  that you don’t hear enough from  your state student division. have you first considered sending a message on the list  inquiring as to the details into the next meeting and expressing interest in being a part of it?
 you might want to ask about chapters near you.  I believe a chapter president from your state did post to this thread and they should be able to connect you to your   nearest chapter.
 Juanita: because last I checked i reside in the same state as you, I’m glad to help you connect with a chapter.
 Just contact me off-list and I’ll  be glad to help facilitate  contact.
 Sophie: I would definitely  look into the at-large chapter option. Last I spoke with your affiliate president, she told me one was in the works, so please do  get a hold of her.  Of course you and Tyler are welcome to be in touch if you should run into any problems. 
 Lily: As far as I’m aware there is no limit  to the number of chapters you can be a member of, or divisions (student or otherwise in the federation).   you can join as a member  and you are just as welcome as an at-large member or a member of a chapter board. 
 you obviously want to be mindful of how many hats you wear, but that’s something any of us shouldn’t be thinking  about once we branch out in the Organization  
 When you go to a new state, look up the affiliate president as your first good   resource to find a chapter or state division.   of course   we are just as happy on the NABS board to help you find a student division i if  you are looking for one. 
 I hope this is helpful.             
        
On May 8, 2014, at 9:31 AM, Lillie Pennington <lilliepennington at fuse.net> wrote:

> I am the recording secretary for my state student devision as well as an at large board position in my chapter. I think it is a shame for chapters to not respond to new member inquiries. 
> I had a question about going out of state for schools as well as cities. I know I can be in multiple chapters as a general member, what about student divisions and leadership positions? What about if you attend a school in another state but it is close to your home. I live in Cincinnati Ohio but northern Kentucky university, a school I am considering is about 20 minutes from my house.  I do not want to look like I am double dipping but I am not sure what protocol is in that situation.
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On May 7, 2014, at 8:58 PM, Darian Smith <dsmithnfb at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Hey NABS Family,
>> As you already know, the National Federation of the Blind is an  organization of the blind speaking for themselves in all matters that concern the blind.
>> We come together  to educate the public, elected representatives and ourselves about blindness and the true abilities   of blind people. 
>> The most effective way of coming together is on the local level via our  chapters. 
>> We have over 700 chapters last I heard and  chances are  that there is one near where you live or go to school.  If there isn’t a physical chapter there almost always is a at-large chapter in your state which meets via telephone.
>> ?We believe there is no real  substitute  for the in-person interaction and bonding that comes from a local in-person chapter meeting, but the most important  thing is to connect.
>> I’ve given this lon-winded introduction to ask you this question:  Are you a member of  a chapter? if so, what has your experience been? if not, what  holds you back from the involvement in a chapter that you desire.
>> interested to hear your thoughts.
>> Darian 
>> 
>> 
>> Darian Smith
>> 2nd Vice President, National Association of Blind Students
>> (415) 215-9809
>> dsmithnfb at gmail.com.
>> twitter: @goldengateace
>> 
>> www.nabslink.org
>> Follow the National Association of Blind Students on twitter: @nabslink.
>> “ A good Head and a good heart are always a formidable combination” 
>> - Nelson Mandela.  
>>> 
>>> Vehicle Donations Take the Blind Further 
>>> Donate your car to the National Federation of the Blind today!
>>> For more information, please visit: www.carshelpingtheblind.org or call 1-855-659-9314
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nabs-l:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lilliepennington%40fuse.net
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nabs-l mailing list
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nabs-l:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/dsmithnfb%40gmail.com



Darian Smith
President, National Federation of the Blind of California, San Francisco Chapter
1st Vice President, California Association of Blind Students
2nd Vice President, National Association of Blind Students
Chairperson,  Community Service Group,National Federation of the Blind.
(415)215-9809 
dsmithnfb at gmail.com
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.