[Nfb-editors] NFB logos/divisions

[Marion Gwizdala]

Dear all,
    I seem to recall that several years ago there was a company that had a 
logo that was some sort of humanoid, like Whozit, and a marketing campaign 
that added elements to it, similar to what Bridgit is discussing. It seems 
to me the company put a team baseball cap on it, dressed it in cultural 
clothing, and we found it in various settings, like the Eiffel Tower, at the 
Washington Monument, and the like. The campaign ran for a couple of years, 
so it must have been pretty successful! Something similar to this would 
certainly show that blind people are just like sighted people with all the 
interests of others. How about a "Where's Whozit?" campaign?

Fraternally yours,
Marion




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
To: <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2011 7:46 PM
Subject: [Nfb-editors] NFB logos/divisions


> Mike,
>
> I understand what you say, and I can see your point to a certain extent,
> but I disagree that divisions having the logo with incorporated elements
> would become confusing and only create a "hodgepodge" of divisions.
> Again, it is still the NFB logo, which would not change itself, but an
> added element would just identify what division/group a communication
> was from.
>
> Ultimately I don't think it is a huge deal either way.
>
> I agree about the NFB being "one movement," but divisions have sprouted,
> and many of them work to further goals that either do nothing to promote
> equality (I mean in a political sense) or direct their goals in a
> different direction.  In theory, I think the divisions can be good, but
> the truth is that they do not bring in the attendance desired, and the
> philosophy begins to water down with many members brought in through
> divisions.
>
> This is just life and I understand this, but I have seen a broad
> spectrum of views on NFB philosophy in different divisions, and often it
> is not up to par with Federation philosophy.  I do not blame the leaders
> of divisions for this, but I do think divisions need to ensure that a
> positive and progressive philosophy is being instilled, and that it is
> clear that each division is an extension of the Federation, and that NFB
> standards and rules will apply.
>
> It is sad to me when I see Federation news or philosophy posted on a
> division email list only to be met with people ranting about how it is
> off topic or does not belong on this list.  In my opinion, anything
> pertaining to the Federation and blindness is appropriate for any
> division and its email list.
>
> While the divisions work to draw people in because of a particular
> interest, I don't think many of these people have any interest in the
> Federation as a whole.  This also goes for chapters and affiliates.  We
> need to work to bring a more unified voice to the organization.
>
> When people join a chapter or affiliate or division, they must
> understand that they are joining the Federation.  It is important they
> have a clear idea of the goals and mission of the NFB.  It's like when
> you get married- you're not just marrying that person, but the family.
> I know a lot of NFB division members who do not consider themselves
> Federationist, and in my opinion, this is very flawed.
>
> Not everyone understands that the Federation is a political group, and
> its first priority is to pursue equal opportunities for the blind.  Not
> everyone cares about this either.  We've discussed this before, but I
> would rather have a smaller group who is dedicated to this goal, than
> have a large membership, but who mostly cares nothing for furthering
> these efforts.
>
> Now, having said all that, divisions do have the potential to draw
> members in who might not otherwise be interested.  I'm not sure, though,
> how some divisions can express the political action as the most
> important goal.  I admit I have mixed feelings on the existence of most
> divisions.  If it were the other way around where people joined the
> Federation than later became involved in interest groups, it may work
> better.  But usually it is the other way around, and sadly, not enough
> of these people have a heart for the priorities of the NFB.
>
> I do find that the parents of blind children, student and guide dog
> divisions are essential.  These groups work towards sub-goals as the
> Federation obviously can not direct its attention towards every aspect
> vital to the life of blind people.  These groups are able to focus on
> one area and cultivate action within that topic.  For the most part, I
> believe these divisions are maintaining Federation goals and philosophy,
> though of course, they are not perfect.
>
> This is where I think affiliates and chapters are failing.  I think it
> is their responsibility to draw the brunt of membership in and instill
> that philosophy.  This is not the best analogy, but we don't have kids
> skip grammar school before jumping into college where they can choose
> what major they want.  To me, the chapters are like grammar school- they
> work to bring in fresh members, and try to instill a positive
> philosophy.  Then we have more members who understand what we do and
> why.
>
> Perhaps this makes no sense, most likely.  *grin*  I think my point is
> that divisions are great for those of us who get what the Federation is
> about, and we just enjoy the company of others who share our interest.
> We need to pump chapters up and get them to understand this direction.
>
> Here is my issue.  We can work to correct society's thinking about
> blindness, but if blind people don't believe it, it doesn't really
> matter what society thinks.  We have to change what it means to be blind
> for the blind before we can truly change the minds of the non-blind.
>
> I think the chapters are the foundation of this organization, and more
> new people should be brought in through chapters and not divisions.
>
> Okay, I'm rambling and lost my point long ago.  *smile*
>
> Bridgit
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 19 May 2011 14:31:35 -0500
> From: Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
> To: <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [Nfb-editors] NFB logo
> Message-ID: <BLU0-SMTP7370076CA4C6F714A7A834C48E0 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
>
> Mike,
>
> Trust me, I understand the importance and concept of logos.  Through
> various campus activities, I've worked with public relations teams, and
> I now am interning with a PR group.  One thing that is stressed over and
> over is the importance of branding and maintaining it.
>
> Technically, yes, it would be changing the logo to add something like a
> guide dog, but this is why it would be presented before the board before
> implementing.
>
> However, since it is not a complete logo face lift, it is not changing
> the brand of the NFB.  It is still simple and still NFB, it just gives a
> specific brand to a division.  Where is the problem in that?
>
> Our organization has many, many groups and it makes sense that these
> groups would have the opportunity to incorporate something specific to
> their group to bring distinction as to what NFB group it was.  The
> Whosit would still be the Whosit, which is the official NFB logo, but
> then a group can be specific with a design element so that it would be
> the NFB guide dog group, or the NFB Texas affiliate, or the NFB student
> division, etc.With so many interest groups, some which communicate
> frequently outside the organization, it would be beneficial to bring
> more specificity to these groups.
>
> And now that I recall, I remember during the newsletter committee
> meeting last year in Dallas, an employee of national said they can
> create specific logos for NFB groups if divisions/groups wanted.  Very,
> very interesting, but I'm being told here that this is not an option. Do
> explain.
>
> And as for the websites, of course a volunteer organization must
> consider the cost, but there are ways of developing websites that are
> cost-effective.  We have a lot of people in the organization who better
> understand this stuff and could assist in gathering info.  Something
> like the design of a website is just as crucial in terms of branding as
> the logo is.  When people visit a NFB website, they should automatically
> know it is NFB by its look and design.
>
> Creating a template for a home page of NFB websites would not be a huge
> undertaking, and individual web masters could incorporate the design the
> best way they know how.  This would bring uniformity to the organization
> that currently doesn't exist.  There are other volunteer-based
> organizations that manage to develop this uniformity to make the
> branding cohesive.
>
> National has all the funds and best people working to maintain what
> little branding exist, but it is equally important any other NFB related
> groups follow national's format.  Perhaps national needs to look at
> sharing and helping with some of the cost for changes that would provide
> uniformity.  Perhaps affiliates and national divisions need to look at
> the cost of redesigning websites and fundraise to meet this need.
> However it is handled, I guarantee you, it is important for the NFB to
> have one look.  The logo alone does not accomplish this.
>
> If we ever want immediate recognition as the Federation, we need to
> understand as a collective the importance of adopting whatever
> precedence national sets so we have uniformity.
>
> And any affiliates and divisions who have websites are obviously already
> paying for it so to change the design would not require the same cost as
> starting a website.  And if national provides a template, that does not
> mean websites have to use the same programming national does in order to
> make any change.  They should be able to work within the context of
> whatever website format they use to adopt changes that reflect
> national's website.
>
> Anyway, I'm only trying to think of ways to strengthen this
> organization.  I know some think I'm a loose canon who wants to change
> the organization and does not prescribe to NFB standards, but the reason
> I joined the Federation is because the core beliefs resonated with me,
> and the mindset I already had after losing my vision was the mindset of
> the Federation.  I had nothing in common with most organizations,
> agencies and people who were blind.  Then I discovered the NFB and found
> a collective who felt the way I did about blindness.
>
> I'm very motivated and dedicated, and I only wish to help improve
> wherever we can.  No person or entity has all the answers and does
> everything right all the time, we work to stretch and strengthen.  That
> is all I want- to make this organization bigger than it has ever been,
> and succeed in ways that are fruitful.
>
> Any critique is not made lightly with malice intended to defame and
> undermine.  Regardless of what upper echelons think, I've been loyal to
> this group, and I have fought tooth and nail for this organization.
> Success can only come when we work together and not become elitist.  Not
> just anyone should be able to jump into leadership positions, but we
> also need to be open-minded when it comes to how we present the
> organization.  Trying new things, expressing different perspectives is
> not equal to changing the philosophy and mission of the Federation.  No
> matter what I may think about the direction or presentation, I
> whole-heartedly believe in the philosophy of this group.  I know I am
> not winning popularity contest, and I'm very opinionated, but my passion
> is driven by my motivation to make this organization better.
>
> Bridgit
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 18:17:39 -0700
> From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
> To: "'Correspondence Committee Mailing List'" <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] NFB logo
> Message-ID: <00a901cc15c2$8c5e70e0$a51b52a0$@panix.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Bridgit:
>
> That still changes the logo. The thing about logos is the KISS rule
> applies
> - Keep it Simple Stupid!
>
> As for website uniformity, we are an organization of volunteers; only
> the national office and a fortunate few affiliates have staff. For the
> rest of us, we do website programming as best we can. Enforcing website
> uniformity would require all to have common tools and people with common
> programming skills and common templates. Either that or everything would
> have to be done at HQ and I shudder at the bureaucracy that would
> foster. (grin)
>
> Mike
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 19 May 2011 18:15:36 -0700
> From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
> To: "'Correspondence Committee Mailing List'" <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] NFB logo
> Message-ID: <00a501cc168b$6d828fc0$4887af40$@panix.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Bridgit:
>
> I'm afraid we may have to agree to disagree. I believe that separate
> logos for separate divisions places too much importance on divisions at
> the expense of the NFB as a whole. In my view, the great strength of NFB
> is that we are *one* movement -- not a hodge-podge of groups with
> separate interests. To my way of thinking, the only reason for divisions
> is that that the NFB as a whole cannot specialize sufficiently to
> adequately confront the many incarnations of the problems re blindness
> that we face.
>
> I'll go further: I believe that taking "NFB" out of division names was
> an aggregious error and should be corrected posthaste.
>
> The upshot of this conviction is that while divisions should have
> separate letterheads, there should be only one logo -- that of Whozit
> since that one's been trademarked by NFB.
>
> Incidentally, Hazel tenBroek, wife of the NFB's first president,
> adamantly opposed divisions as fragmenting the Movement. Given the
> seeming desire for customized logos, I wonder if she might not have been
> right?
>
> Mike
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On Behalf Of Bridgit Pollpeter
> Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2011 12:32 PM
> To: nfb-editors at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [Nfb-editors] NFB logo
>
> Mike,
>
> Trust me, I understand the importance and concept of logos.  Through
> various campus activities, I've worked with public relations teams, and
> I now am interning with a PR group.  One thing that is stressed over and
> over is the importance of branding and maintaining it.
>
> Technically, yes, it would be changing the logo to add something like a
> guide dog, but this is why it would be presented before the board before
> implementing.
>
> However, since it is not a complete logo face lift, it is not changing
> the brand of the NFB.  It is still simple and still NFB, it just gives a
> specific brand to a division.  Where is the problem in that?
>
> Our organization has many, many groups and it makes sense that these
> groups would have the opportunity to incorporate something specific to
> their group to bring distinction as to what NFB group it was.  The
> Whosit would still be the Whosit, which is the official NFB logo, but
> then a group can be specific with a design element so that it would be
> the NFB guide dog group, or the NFB Texas affiliate, or the NFB student
> division, etc.With so many interest groups, some which communicate
> frequently outside the organization, it would be beneficial to bring
> more specificity to these groups.
>
> And now that I recall, I remember during the newsletter committee
> meeting last year in Dallas, an employee of national said they can
> create specific logos for NFB groups if divisions/groups wanted.  Very,
> very interesting, but I'm being told here that this is not an option. Do
> explain.
>
> And as for the websites, of course a volunteer organization must
> consider the cost, but there are ways of developing websites that are
> cost-effective.  We have a lot of people in the organization who better
> understand this stuff and could assist in gathering info.  Something
> like the design of a website is just as crucial in terms of branding as
> the logo is.  When people visit a NFB website, they should automatically
> know it is NFB by its look and design.
>
> Creating a template for a home page of NFB websites would not be a huge
> undertaking, and individual web masters could incorporate the design the
> best way they know how.  This would bring uniformity to the organization
> that currently doesn't exist.  There are other volunteer-based
> organizations that manage to develop this uniformity to make the
> branding cohesive.
>
> National has all the funds and best people working to maintain what
> little branding exist, but it is equally important any other NFB related
> groups follow national's format.  Perhaps national needs to look at
> sharing and helping with some of the cost for changes that would provide
> uniformity.  Perhaps affiliates and national divisions need to look at
> the cost of redesigning websites and fundraise to meet this need.
> However it is handled, I guarantee you, it is important for the NFB to
> have one look.  The logo alone does not accomplish this.
>
> If we ever want immediate recognition as the Federation, we need to
> understand as a collective the importance of adopting whatever
> precedence national sets so we have uniformity.
>
> And any affiliates and divisions who have websites are obviously already
> paying for it so to change the design would not require the same cost as
> starting a website.  And if national provides a template, that does not
> mean websites have to use the same programming national does in order to
> make any change.  They should be able to work within the context of
> whatever website format they use to adopt changes that reflect
> national's website.
>
> Anyway, I'm only trying to think of ways to strengthen this
> organization.  I know some think I'm a loose canon who wants to change
> the organization and does not prescribe to NFB standards, but the reason
> I joined the Federation is because the core beliefs resonated with me,
> and the mindset I already had after losing my vision was the mindset of
> the Federation.  I had nothing in common with most organizations,
> agencies and people who were blind.  Then I discovered the NFB and found
> a collective who felt the way I did about blindness.
>
> I'm very motivated and dedicated, and I only wish to help improve
> wherever we can.  No person or entity has all the answers and does
> everything right all the time, we work to stretch and strengthen.  That
> is all I want- to make this organization bigger than it has ever been,
> and succeed in ways that are fruitful.
>
> Any critique is not made lightly with malice intended to defame and
> undermine.  Regardless of what upper echelons think, I've been loyal to
> this group, and I have fought tooth and nail for this organization.
> Success can only come when we work together and not become elitist.  Not
> just anyone should be able to jump into leadership positions, but we
> also need to be open-minded when it comes to how we present the
> organization.  Trying new things, expressing different perspectives is
> not equal to changing the philosophy and mission of the Federation.  No
> matter what I may think about the direction or presentation, I
> whole-heartedly believe in the philosophy of this group.  I know I am
> not winning popularity contest, and I'm very opinionated, but my passion
> is driven by my motivation to make this organization better.
>
> Bridgit
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 18:17:39 -0700
> From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
> To: "'Correspondence Committee Mailing List'" <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] NFB logo
> Message-ID: <00a901cc15c2$8c5e70e0$a51b52a0$@panix.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Bridgit:
>
> That still changes the logo. The thing about logos is the KISS rule
> applies
> - Keep it Simple Stupid!
>
> As for website uniformity, we are an organization of volunteers; only
> the national office and a fortunate few affiliates have staff. For the
> rest of us, we do website programming as best we can. Enforcing website
> uniformity would require all to have common tools and people with common
> programming skills and common templates. Either that or everything would
> have to be done at HQ and I shudder at the bureaucracy that would
> foster. (grin)
>
> Mike
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfb-editors mailing list
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> ix.c
> om
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Fri, 20 May 2011 09:46:31 EDT
> From: LoriStay at aol.com
> To: nfb-editors at nfbnet.org
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] NFB logo/divisions
> Message-ID: <bfde.749cf865.3b07cab7 at aol.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
>
> I'm in favor of divisions.   originally I wanted to "have a place to
> hang
> my hat" which is why I helped found the Writers' Division.   We have
> gotten
> members who might otherwise have felt NFB didn't address their
> interests.
> But once in, the people become Federationists as they see what NFB
> stands
> for.   Can't complain about that.
> Lori
>
> In a message dated 5/19/11 9:17:36 PM, k7uij at panix.com writes:
>
>
>> Bridgit:
>>
>> I'm afraid we may have to agree to disagree. I believe that separate
>> logos for separate divisions places too much importance on divisions
>> at the expense of the NFB as a whole. In my view, the great strength
>> of NFB is that we are *one* movement -- not a hodge-podge of groups
>> with separate interests. To my way of thinking, the only reason for
>> divisions is that that
>> the NFB as a whole cannot specialize sufficiently to adequately
> confront
>> the
>> many incarnations of the problems re blindness that we face.
>>
>> I'll go further: I believe that taking "NFB" out of division names was
>
>> an aggregious error and should be corrected posthaste.
>>
>> The upshot of this conviction is that while divisions should have
>> separate letterheads, there should be only one logo -- that of Whozit
>> since that one's been trademarked by NFB.
>>
>> Incidentally, Hazel tenBroek, wife of the NFB's first president,
>> adamantly opposed divisions as fragmenting the Movement. Given the
>> seeming desire for customized logos, I wonder if she might not have
>> been right?
>>
>> Mike
>>
>>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Fri, 20 May 2011 07:54:49 -0700
> From: "Wunder, Gary" <gwunder at nfb.org>
> To: Correspondence Committee Mailing List <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] NFB logo/divisions
> Message-ID:
>
> <5D835FCE86C94346B617F04A46A43140082C151233 at VA3DIAXVS651.RED001.local>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> I too favor divisions both because they can help get us new people and
> because they help us focus on issues which are too specific to apply to
> a diverse audience. People who have never used a computer aren't going
> to understand what we're talking about when we wrestle with how to
> efficiently address the graphical user interface or the Windows coding
> standards which, when violated, make an application unusable.
>
> I do believe there are times when our divisions fail to make a
> significant effort to bring people into the wider movement. One of the
> criticisms of the Voice of the Diabetic was that it's readers got a lot
> of first-hand information about diabetes and blindness, but didn't get
> much information about the national Federation of the blind and the
> wider movement they should participate in if our goal is really to move
> from where we are to first class membership in society. I see as
> exemplary what Marion Gwizdala has done in taking every opportunity to
> emphasize the unity of his division with the rest of the movement.
> Similarly, I think Kevan Worley has worked hard to spread the message to
> state vendor organizations that they have an obligation that goes beyond
> the things that involve their specific businesses.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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