[NAGDU] Rally Logistics and Dogs at Protests Generally

[kevan nfbco.org]

Fortunately, for us, our National Federation of the Blind is pretty experienced in demonstrations. We don’t want anyone arrested. If we can help it. That wouldn’t be good. But we’ve not done something this big with many, many dogs being handledFortunately, for us, our National Federation of the Blind is pretty experienced in demonstrations. We don’t want anyone arrested. If we can help it. That wouldn’t be good. But we’ve not done something this big with many, many dogs being handled. I do think that we should all make sure our dogs are up to, this excitement, ability not to be distracted by other dogs, ability to be able to walk in a line with other people and dogs. Some people can do it. Some dogs can do it. Some people and dogs will struggle. personally, I hope we will make this a huge huge demonstration. I would highly suggest, that if you have any concern about your dog being able to handle it. Practice! Conduct conduct a small exercise with your chapter. get a few chapter members and a few dogs, and simply walk back and forth over the course of about 30 yards or so. I know that my former dog, the Wunder, Shepherd, could’ve handled it. My new girl is a little playful, a little frolicking. A little too willing to sniff people in Doggs. I intend to begin working with her so that she will be able to handle this new situation. I will be patterning her. If I don’t think she can make it. I’ll just do it with my trusty cane. Sorry guys. This is a little jumbled. I’m dictating and walking at the same time. Lucky I’m not chewing gum as well see you guys in San Francisco. let’s think of some great slogans. i’m actually good at that. But I haven’t come up with any good ones yet. A and the ones I have come up with. Way way too silly.“Driver driver take me home so I can give my dog a bone he he he ha ha ha. Told you. we can’t get to work. If the driver is a jerk. OK. Back to the drawing board...

At Your Service,
Kevan Worley

> On Aug 22, 2024, at 2:06 PM, Heather Bird, President, NFBNYS via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I have been thinking about the potential logistics for the rally in San
> Fransisco. I have participated in several protests/sit-ins/marches with and
> without my guide dogs. In taking a look at the map it appears that the Uber
> and Lyft headquarters are very close to one another. It looks as if the
> whole rectangular area is pedestrian friendly, basically from, I think it
> was something like Berry Street, to Third, to Eighteenth, to Fourth, or
> something similar. I'm sure that NAGDU and the Legislative and Legal teams
> at the National office are all working in concert on this. I just wanted to
> mention my experience if that might be at all helpful. I have been in a
> situation where we basically circled a building, and my dog did alright, but
> two other guide dogs had difficulties, one shutting down and one just
> getting snarky board. At another event where we marched up one side of a
> street, for about five blocks, then down the other side, back and forth for
> about 90 minutes, my dog and at least five other dogs did very well. I have
> also marched in parades with my dog. Parades are a bit different though as
> you must move incredibly slowly. In one where I was helping to carry a
> banner, I just heeled my dog to keep her at a slow pace. In another where I
> was with a large group I started at the back, let my dog walk at a good clip
> up to the front of the group, when I heard the person at the front of our
> group, then I would pause, and let the group go by, and rinse, lather,
> repeat. Sit-ins are obviously much easier. I assume that we are not
> intending to engage in the type of civil disobedience where folks can be
> arrested, for blocking a street or a business, for instance. That comes with
> a whole other set of considerations, including whether or not one is willing
> to be arrested for the cause, and what to do with their guide dog if they
> are arrested. A rally, by definition though isn't one of those things which
> includes intentionally getting arrested for a cause, but I mention it
> generally speaking as our members may participate in such actions in the
> future, and it should be considered. My mother who has worked for the
> Regional Center for Independent Living and the Center for Disability Rights
> has shared that the police officers in San Fransisco when she was there with
> ADAPT and other organizations were very helpful and polite, including
> telling folks their options, for instance "If you stand there, it carries
> this penalty, and if you move over here, then it only carries this other
> penalty."
> 
> 
> 
> I know that the details will be shared as soon as they are worked out, but
> it will be helpful for handlers to determine if they and their dog are up to
> the rally, once the plan is known. I am assuming that the plan will be some
> variation on circling the two headquarters by making that rectangle
> mentioned above. That would give good optics for lots and lots of guide dog
> users parading past, would include both buildings, and would allow enough
> space for a large number of teams to work safely and with less risk of
> conflict along the route. If the plan is something else, it would be helpful
> to know. I think that It is absolutely possible to bring dozens of guide
> dogs and their handlers into a small area and move about in a coordinated
> fashion without any conflicts. However, the more spread out it is, and the
> more information that the handlers have before the action begins, the higher
> that likelihood of success is.
> 
> 
> 
> This is very exciting, and I am looking forward to it.
> 
> With Love, Hope, and Determination
> 
> Aubrey Bird
> 
> President, National Federation of the Blind of New York State Inc.
> 
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