[nagdu] National Convention--my opinion

Wed Jul 10 20:24:22 UTC 2013

Since I kicked off the thread, I would like to volunteer to head/form
a sub-committee (if the NAGDU board says it's ok) to do research on
how to improve conditions at convention without breaking the bank.

On 7/10/13, Michael Hingson <info at michaelhingson.com> wrote:
> ACB's fee is voluntary, but it only appears if you attend the GDUI
> meetings.
> I suggest that we simply have an opportunity for all on the registration or
> pre registration forms.  Fee is a donation and optional.
>
>
> Best,
>
>
> Michael Hingson
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Margo and Arrow
> Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 12:22 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] National Convention--my opinion
>
> Well, let's check the legalities.  How does A C B justify it?
>
> Let's not totally reinvent the wheel, folks.
>
> Margoa nd Arrow
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of National
> Association of Guide Dog Users
> Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 3:02 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] National Convention--my opinion
>
> Julie,
> 	Do you remember when there were pay toilets? I believe that practice
> was discontinued because it was deemed to not be in the public interest. I
> believe charging guide dog users for the privilege of using a relief area
> could be construed as a surcharge and, by definition, would be
> discriminatory. At the same time, I believe those of us who use the relief
> areas would be best served by making contributions to its upkeep. The
> challenge is that those of us who are responsible will voluntarily make
> such
> contributions while those who are not will likely not. It is much the same
> as for our meetings. Those who attend the meetings and make contributions
> as
> we pass the dog bowl understand it is our civic duty. Those who do not
> attend our meetings are those who have other ideas in this respect. This is
> not to say that there are other reasons, such as conflicts in scheduling,
> for not attending our meetings; however, the vast majority of guide dog
> users do not come to our meeting due to apathy. At a convention a few years
> ago, one person told me NAGDU had nothing to offer him. About three months
> later he called me to ask what NAGDU was going to do about an issue he was
> having. I reminded him of his "NAGDU has nothing to offer" comment, then
> help him out. He promised he would become more active. I haven't heard from
> him since!
> 	There are practical considerations we need to take into account due
> to the sheer number of dogs in one place and, I am of the opinion that we
> should all do our parts in ensuring that our hosts do not suffer losses
> because of our presence. By this, I mean that those who tend to be a little
> defiant of rules would do better by understanding that public order is best
> served when we comply with some basic codes of etiquette.
> 	If we go to someone's home and our dog relieves itself on the
> carpet, thus damaging that person's property, most of us feel it is our
> responsibility to take care of the problem. When we visit a large hotel, we
> should also take collective care to not damage the property. As I mentioned
> in an earlier post, the number of dogs requires we employ different
> practices than when we are the only guest with a service dog. If we were to
> allow 400 dogs to relieve on a small patch of grass, the urine would damage
> the landscape; therefore, we need to employ unusual circumstance of a
> relief
> area.
> 	I know this is redundant, but I say all this again in the hope it
> will get through to those who may not appreciate how 400 dogs can impact a
> property's landscape.
> 	We are working to find solutions to the problems we face during
> convention, one of which is how to accommodate for so many guide dogs. We
> have a year to brainstorm and plan how we will solve this problem. If we
> had
> an easy, economical alternative, we would be more than willing to consider
> it. Please let us know your thoughts!
>
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J.
> Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 11:01 AM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] National Convention--my opinion
>
> Isn't requiring guide dog users to pay a fee for a service or participating
> in an event against our beliefs as an organization?
>
> I've always felt that NAGDU  was opposed to charging guide dog users fees
> based on their choice to use a guide dog.  I don't know about the legality
> of doing this in this particular situation, but if the hotel did it, there
> would be a giant fuss about it.  If we wouldn't put up with it from the
> hotel, why would we impose it on ourselves?  I'm not trying to start
> anything, but it seems like a contradiction to me.
>
> Julie
>
>
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