[NABS-L] NABS Board Position

[Robert Parsons]

Good Afternoon Students, Friends, and Fellow Federationists 


What a wonderful virtual convention we are experiencing. Aside from the great work that NABS has done with the events and fundraising opportunities this week, I have to highlight the excellent work that our members are doing at attending sessions and being as lively as ever. Many of you know me as Big Rob, the Teddy Bear, or the Chickenologist. For those students and appreciated members that are just getting to know me, I have been a member of NABS for five years. During that time I have: 


1. resurrected the Virginia Association of Blind Students from inactive status to a thriving division. Establishing a strong membership, legacy, and treasury of over $1200 after I moved from the state. 

2. Helped the Michigan Association of Blind Students achieve an active membership, bringing in a national scholarship winner and facilitating a better working relationship with the rehabilitation agency to support our students in attending and engaging in events that NABS and the Federation produces. 

3. Attended four Washington seminars, including the fateful blizzard event we had a few years ago. 

4. Worked personally with the national President and our NABS president at the time in creating the Southeast Regional  Student Seminar, an event that is still highly anticipated. 

5. Worked with NABS and the student division presidents of Nebraska, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Missouri in establishing excellent programming and registration numbers for our annual Midwest regional Student Seminars. 

6.  Worked with the Outreach committee in providing your "What's On Ya Mind Wednesdays" posts on social media. 

7.  Procured and provided you all with blog posts at a monthly, and now bi-weekly, basis. 


I hope to bring experience, empathy, and laughter to NABS. With me as a board member, you are voting for someone deeply steeped in Federation philosophy. Having worked at our wonderful center, Blind, Inc., I was able to touch and spur confidence in students new to blindness and those familiar with it. my educational goal, to become a graduate rehabilitation counseling educator, is the vehicle I plan to use to improve the lives of blind people everyday, and the experience I will gain from working with NABS will forever ensure that my practice as a counselor and educator will be supported by empirical evidence that Federation philosophy works and can help all blind people live the lives they want. I implore you all to vote if you received a link for the board member vote and to do so with the confidence I know I have in each of you. I love you all and blessings to my opponent, as she is a sister in our NABS family. I look forward to speaking and connecting with you all very soon. 


Best


robert Parsons, Jr. 

Co-Chair, Outreach Committee 

Vice President, Michigan Association of Blind Students