[NFB-Arkansas] Our next chapter

[Cindy Scott-Huisman]

As we approach our upcoming state convention in Conway, April 17 and 18, I’ve been reflecting on the strength and potential of our Arkansas affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind.
 
While we look ahead, my focus is simple; building bridges, strengthening our chapters, and creating a culture where members feel valued, heard, and empowered to participate. I have confidence in our ability to foster openness, transparency, and collaboration. When we communicate clearly and work together, we build trust. When we encourage one another’s strengths, we build momentum.
 
I believe leadership matters—not just in what we accomplish, but in how we treat one another along the way. The most important goal of the NFB is to build the Federation. That kind of growth happens best when we lead with empathy, kindness, and a genuine respect for each other’s contributions.
 
Each of us brings different gifts. Some excel in outreach, fundraising, or social media. Others bring strengths in advocacy, mentorship, or organizing. No one person has to do everything. Just as every part of the body serves a different function, every member plays an important role in moving our mission forward. When we support each other in our strengths, we become stronger together. We are not walking alone. We are marching together.
 
In my professional work as a consultant in accessible audio description, I’ve learned the importance of thinking beyond my own experience, recognizing that blindness is not one-size-fits-all. Our affiliate is the same. We are strongest when we consider the full range of perspectives within our community.
 
What makes this organization powerful is not any one individual; it is the people who believe in its mission: that blind people can live the lives we want, with independence, opportunity, and full participation in society. That mission belongs to all of us, and it grows stronger when every voice is welcomed and every member has a place at the table.
 
Since early in 2020, during my own journey with sight-loss, my commitment to this movement has deepened. I have worked to build nonvisual skills, strengthen my independence, and stay open to learning new techniques and perspectives. Along the way, I’ve gained not only practical skills, but also connections, experiences, and a desire to share what I learn with others. I trust that growth—both personal and collective—is at the heart of what we do. Our role is to create an environment where every blind person has the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive.
 
I am someone who loves when we say “yes” to ideas that help us grow. Ideas that expand our reach, strengthen our advocacy, and build opportunities for blind people across Arkansas. There are blind individuals throughout our state who have not yet connected with us, and reaching them must remain a priority. Growth requires openness, creativity, and a willingness to listen.
 
We are moving into this next chapter, and I am hopeful and energized about what we can accomplish together. I look forward to working alongside each of you to build a more unified, welcoming, and forward-moving affiliate. An affiliate in which collaboration replaces division, and where every member knows they belong.
 
Together, we can continue to build the National Federation of the Blind in Arkansas and carry its mission forward with purpose, respect, and shared vision.
 
With kindest regards,
Cindy Scott-Huisman
Central Chapter Board President,
National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas 
Life is short and dictation is faster — please pardon any errors.

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