[Nfb-editors] State Publications & Style Guides

[Everett Gavel]

Mike Wrote: 
"I dare say many affiliates are lucky to even *have* a newsletter (NFB of
Washington does not), let alone follow a style guide. (grin)" 


Hello Mike, and all,

Mike, that's probably a spot for some deep, philosophical discussion.
Regarding the points of this 70%-and-larger unemployment rate among the
blind, and people supposedly wanting jobs.  Yet we can't even get people to
step up and take on the responsibility of such a thing as the publications
you point out are still nonexistent in some states. 

We are blessed here in Ohio.  Ohio has had a great statewide publication
(The Buckeye Bulletin, quarterly at the moment).  It was well-established
when I came here more than a decade ago. I actually have nothing to do with
putting it out, but I definitely benefit from it.  ;-)

As I dream of this organization one day having 50 state affiliates for the
DAN, my friend, I too dream a lesser dream of having statewide publications
across the board.  Even if only to up the level of professionalism and
education a bit. Such publications are an avenue for education and
inspiration on multiple levels.  It's a shame every state doesn't yet have
their own publication to help in such ways. 

Back to the philosophical thing for a moment, though.  Will we ever put a
significant dent in that 70% unemployment number?  Possibly not, when people
can't even get motivated properly, who've been allowed for too long, to be
lazy if they choose laziness. It'd depress me if I let it.  You can bring a
horse to water but you can't make it drink, right?  Well, we can bring a
blind person to a job opportunity, but... or, we can share the benefits of
such regional publications with a state's residents, but... 

I do like the idea of following some sort of a Style guide though, even if
it's an in-house guide.  Because that's just one more step where we can help
prepare some who may get involved, with the real, working world. Helping a
bit more in another small-step way.  ;-)


Strive On!
Everett
NFB of Greater Summit County (Northeast Ohio)