NFBH AC RESOLUTION 2009-1: FUNDING FOR NEWSLINE IN HAWAII

WHEREAS NFB Newsline provides FREE, non-visual, customizable access to over 250 local and national newspapers, over a dozen periodicals, TV listings for hundreds of channels, and local channel information from groups and organizations via multiple media (phone, web, e-mail, and/or downloadable MP3);

and WHEREAS NFB Newsline is the most universal and visible service provided through the National Federation of the Blind that can be used by the general population of blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages whether or not they are members of the National Federation of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, and/or NFBH's Divisions or Chapters;

and WHEREAS maintaining and promoting NFB Newsline not only helps print-disabled individuals in a number of key areas, but also helps the image and reputation, in the eyes of the general public, of the National Federation of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, and NFBH's Divisions and Chapters;

and WHEREAS we are in tough economic times in which traditional funding sources for services like NFB Newsline are declining just as demand for access to timely, accurate information (for job searches, health care, and so on) is increasing;

and WHEREAS NFB Newsline is provided state-by-state (currently 48) based on each state's NFB Affiliate's ability to pay the associated service and telecom charges with or without the help of outside funding sources (such as state agencies, non-profit organizations, and so on);

THEREFORE be it resolved on this Saturday, May 16, 2009, that the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii's Anuenue Chapter, being assembled at a regular meeting, do STRONGLY urge and implore the Officers and Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii's board to make its HIGHEST priority the continuation of NFB Newsline in Hawaii by actively searching for funding from organizations, agencies, groups, individuals, and so on;

and be it further resolved that we STRONGLY urge and implore the Officers and Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii's board to guarantee funding for NFB Newsline in Hawaii from the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii's general funds for the next five (5) years should such outside funding not appear immediately or should such outside funding be intermittant.