[nabs-l] NABS board position

[annajee82 at gmail.com]

Hi NABS,

My name is Anna Givens. I currently attend the University of Colorado in Denver, studying Biology and Neuroscience. Among other things. i have been involved with the National Federation of the Blind for a few years now. I currently serve as the President of the Colorado Association of Blind Students. Since I have become President of this state wide division, I have had the pleasure of working with my team to do some rebuilding and membership strengthening and we have seen some growth just in the last few months already. We've had some exciting events and very informative seminars as well. It has been an excellent experience getting to work with students and with the affiliate in this capacity. Besides this work. I have worked with many blind students in different areas. I have set up meetings with blind students at my school to see what challenges they may be facing and find a way to help them face these things. I have talked to many students at the Colorado Center for the Blind where I graduated from a few years back. This has given me the opportunity to learn about the challenges of a wide variety  of the blind population. I have presented them with information and made efforts to get these students involved in important work of the Federation. I speak to a number of groups about current legislation, accommodating blind students, and advocacy. 
I am also particularly passionate about helping  blind people gain access to science. This is a challenge many students face and there is no reason for it. I have done some teaching to blind students in science to not only help them understand the material but also learn new non-visual techniques. I work a lot with the Colorado Center for the Blind as well. I often participate in activities teaching or working with blind children in various capacities in order for them to have positive experiences and learn blindness related skills. I go to Colorado Springs to mentor middle and high school students every month. I would say mentoring is my favorite part of my work. Watching people grow and learn and being a part of that is entirely worth all the work I do! 
I have started to expand my work to Teachers of Blind Children to make sure students are properly prepared for college and life beyond school. 
These are the main things I do specifically for blind people.  
In other areas, I am involved with programs like the Community Nutrition Network that promote and educate people on health and nutrition to prevent disease.  
I also am involved with the Chemistry and Biology Club.  One of my favorite things we do is going to middle schools to assist students in dissections or other lab procedures. I have been involved in some faculty education,  providing education on working with students with disabilities on campus. 
I enjoy participating in Help for the Homeless too, in food drives, clothing give aways and other service. Community service in general is something I find extremely important. 

Additionally, I am honored to be attending this year's national convention as an NFB of Colorado scholarship winner. Now, I am looking to expand my leadership opportunities in order to continue the work we are doing. I have been working with many members of the NABS board throughout the last few years and have participated in leadership seminars to help develop and share my leadership strategies. I would like to ask for your support in obtaining a board member position with NABS. I am excited about the opportunity and am really looking forward to working with even more students and making a difference in their lives. It is such a pleasure to know each of you, whether I've officially met you or not.  I sincerely look forward to meeting many more of you at the end of this month in Orlando. 

Please reach out to me with any questions you may have.

Thank you,

Anna E Givens





Anna E Givens