[nabs-l] I'M RUNNING FOR THE NABS BOARD!

[Kathryn Webster]

Good afternoon Federation family!

Before I jump into things, I would like to briefly introduce myself.
My name is Kathryn Webster, and I am a rising junior at Wake Forest
University in North Carolina. I am pursuing a double major in
Mathematical Business and Computer Science, with a minor in
Statistics. I enjoy traveling, exercising, and hanging out with
friends.

  In under one week, we will gather together as students at the annual
Business Meeting of the National Association of Blind Students. I am
eager to gain your support as I run for the NABS Board!

As President of the North Carolina Association of Blind Students, I
have been able to work with various students across diverse
backgrounds and interests. This past year, we have revitalized our web
site, created new fund-raising initiatives, and held a second student
seminar in addition to the North Carolina State Convention.

  Prior to Washington Seminar, I worked closely with the current NABS
Board in order to gather TEACH Act testimonies because I am passionate
about advocating for equal access to education through legislative
activity. As a member of the Fund-Raising Committee, I have helped
plan the upcoming Penny Wars Fund-Raiser, as well as strategize
various ways in which we can move forward with gaining funds. One of
these ideas is grant writing, and we are hopeful that our organization
will increase funding for future initiatives. I have learned that
financial support is vital in nearly everything we do. As State
Coordinator, I successfully funded Connecticut’s first BELL Program
seven months in advance. I hope to take the skills I acquired through
this experience to increase funds for NABS’ initiatives.

  I am running for the Board of the National Association of Blind
Students because I believe in our efforts. We are the students of
today, yet the leaders of tomorrow. It is important for students to
have somewhere to turn when they are stressed with school, or rely on
a group of dedicated individuals when they need guidance but cannot
find that support. I want to be a leader of an organization that has
already helped me so much. I am passionate, hard-working, thoughtful,
and ambitious. I believe that I have the experience necessary to take
on this position.

  NABS is an exceedingly strong division with members that bring
multiple perspectives to the table. I want to continue our efforts,
while providing new ideas for the coming year.

  Communication – With Hindley Williams doing such a fabulous job with
NABS Notes each month, I am eager to continue working alongside her by
updating our web site regularly. Student division presidents should
genuinely want to update us, and I am enthusiastic about fostering
that connection and building communication among our states.
Furthermore, social media is so pertinent now, and I hope to
incorporate Twitter and Facebook into our Communications Committee.

  Fund-Raising - The fund-raising committee has compiled a list of
potential donors, and my grant-writing experience will hopefully
increase funds. I want to create a scholarship fund for those
interested in attending Washington Seminar, but cannot on account of
personal finances. I know I have been in that position, and we should
work to increase student participation since two of the huge
initiatives are highly relevant to us as students.

  Membership – We always want new members! We want to welcome everyone
into our movement, while providing them with encouragement,
friendship, and resources. Building relationships with colleges and
universities is a great way of doing just that. I helped both the
Connecticut and North Carolina student divisions compile a bulk list
of both public and private institutions in these states. By creating a
relationship with Disability Services, we can build that connection
and strengthen our national participation.

  Regardless, I cannot tackle these initiatives alone; and that is why
I’m asking for your support.
I am running for the NABS Board because I believe in our cause and
believe in blind students nationwide. I hope you will consider voting
for me next week at our Business Meeting.

Thank you!
Kathryn Webster
(203) 273-8463
kathrynwebster.nfb at gmail.com