[Ncabs] An open letter

[Alan A. Chase]

Hello, I'm Alan Chase and I'm currently a doctoral student at North
Carolina State University and a Exceptional Children Facilitator for Durham
Public Schools.  I wish to write an open letter to the members of the NFB
of NC in the likelihood that I may be nominated for the position of
President of the state affiliate.

My professional experiences and education have prepared me to be in a
position of leadership.  My work with Durham Public Schools supervising
teachers and my doctoral studies in school administration give me a strong
background and foundation in how an organization should operate and
effective ways to manage them.  My work with NCABS should indicate my
dedication, spirit, and innovative approach to our work in the Federation.

More specifically, two years ago, I embarked on the goal of improving our
student division.  I did so through three main pillars.  First, I increased
membership and participation by building collaborations and getting the
word out about NFB of NC and NCABS.  Second, I improved member retention
and recruitment by introducing regional seminars that are easier for
students to access and more personalized to what information they want to
hear.  Finally, I developed a strategic plan for NCABS to develop new
leaders in the NFB of NC by focusing on high school students so that their
would be more consistency and more time to develop these leaders.  I'd
submit to the NFB of NC membership that most of these activities have been
successful, while others are still a work in progress.

Finally, as you know, I created a summer camp six years ago called the EYE
Retreat to help students with visual impairments access higher education.
 This program has grown from 15 students in 2009 to almost 40 in 2014.  Its
annual budget has increased from a few thousand to almost $7,500.00 in
2014.  This experience will surely help me to ensure that the NFB of NC
continues to grow its BELL program and find more creative ways to be an
active affiliate.

A vote for me is a vote for the future of youth in our affiliate.

Thanks for your consideration.  Alan

-- 
Alan A. Chase, M.Ed.
Exceptional Children Program Facilitator, Durham Public Schools
Program Coordinator, Envisioning Youth Empowerment Retreat
President, North Carolina Association of Blind Students
Secretary, Governor Morehead School Alumni Association