[nabs-l] An Announcement and a Thank You

[Jonathan Franks]

Chris,
You have grown so much as a leader over the past couple of years. You have done amazing work for this division and with the Federation. I personally want to thank you for your service on the naps board and look forward to witnessing the next step in your journey. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 8, 2017, at 12:24 AM, Chris Nusbaum via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear NABS Family:
> 
> 
> 
> I hope all of you are having a wonderful start to your weekend, and that
> those of you who will be joining us in Orlando are having a stress-free
> packing experience. I can't wait to reunite with so many of you in a few
> days, and to celebrate the progress NABS has made in our first 50 years.
> With your help, I know we can make our golden anniversary convention the
> best one yet for NABS!
> 
> 
> 
> As we approach our national convention, I would like to share with you an
> announcement which will have an effect on my role in the leadership of our
> organization. For the past two years, I have had the distinct honor of
> serving on the NABS Board, where I have work alongside amazing leaders like
> current President Kathryn Webster, immediate past President Sean Whalen, and
> all the wonderful Board members with whom I have served. This has been one
> of the greatest blessings of my life, and I will always treasure it.
> However, after much personal reflection and consultation with my mentors and
> friends, I am choosing not to run for reelection at this year's business
> meeting.
> 
> 
> 
> Firstly and most importantly, I am doing this because I will be starting
> college in the fall, and I feel it is crucial for me to focus primarily on
> my studies as I make this transition. It would be unfair to NABS if I were
> to suddenly shirk my responsibilities while I adjust to college life, while
> still expecting our members to consider me worthy of a Board position.
> Moreover, I have chose not to run again because I recognize that, during
> this year, I have not lived up to the standard which is and should be
> expected of a Board member. My lack of work on behalf of NABS was largely
> caused by my focus on my training at the Louisiana Center for the Blind.
> Even so, I cannot presume to ask to be trusted again with a position for
> which I have not worked. Indeed, there are many hardworking off-Board
> leaders who have generously picked up much of the work I left behind, and I
> believe they should be given the recognition they deserve. Finally, I have
> made this decision recognizing my need to focus my attention on my state's
> student division, of which I serve as President, as we prepare to go into a
> transition of leadership. For this reason, I feel it is in the best interest
> of NABS that I take a step back from national leadership at this time.
> 
> 
> 
> I would like to close by expressing my gratitude to you, the members of the
> National Association of Blind Students. Whether it has been in-person, over
> the phone or in emails, I have been able to talk with many of our members
> across the country over these past two years. Through those dialogues, I
> have discovered the rich talent, inspiring dedication, and boundless energy
> we have in this organization. Every day, you have reminded me of why we in
> the Federation do what we do, and you have inspired me to keep going even
> when the work gets tough. Please be assured that each of you holds a special
> place in my heart. Please also be assured that this is in no way a step back
> from NABS. I intend to do all that I can to support our leaders and to build
> the Federation through our student division. Our cause marches on, and I
> intend to march with it! So, thank you so much for your support of me over
> the years, and, more importantly, your support of the organization we love.
> I look forward to stepping into my new role in NABS and beyond.
> 
> 
> 
> With gratitude for your unwavering support, and excitement about the future,
> I remain,
> 
> 
> 
> Yours in the movement,
> 
> 
> 
> Chris Nusbaum
> 
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