[NFBC-At-Large] FW: Learn about our new Blind Survivors Group

Tue Oct 26 19:56:51 UTC 2021

Subject: Learn about our new Blind Survivors Group

New Survivors Group: Meet Co-Chairs, Join Mailing List, Attend Upcoming Call, and Get Involved!

During 2021, the National Federation of the Blind has been deeply examining its structures for supporting the community of Federation members and friends. In January, President Riccobono appointed a survivor-led taskforce comprised of six Federation members, who led a number of important initiatives during the first half of this year, including making a series of recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding future efforts. One recommendation was to transition the taskforce into an ongoing group for survivors that is consistent with other groups under the Federation. After speaking with Federationists interested is serving as co-leads for this group, the President appointed the leaders earlier this month and they have been preparing for the introduction of the group. This is an important next step as the organization continues to enhance its work to ensure that all members can participate fully in building our movement.

Read below for information about the leaders of the Survivors Group and activities that will be coming. Also, please expect further announcements from the Board of Directors regarding additional improvement efforts being undertaken. 

Our Survivors Group: Purpose and Co-Chairs

The purpose of the Survivors Group is to create an intentional space for blind survivors of sexual misconduct and other forms of trauma and/or abuse, along with their allies, to share support and resources leveraging the positive philosophy of the Federation. The group will serve as a knowledge base and authentic voice for continuing to inform safety and support efforts within the organized blind movement. Meet our co-chairs, Kathryn and Danielle.

Kathryn Webster

I am a white, cisgender woman who currently resides in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and am pursuing my master's degree in business administration at Harvard Business School, having previously worked at Deloitte Consulting in Washington, DC implementing strategic transformation for federal agencies, notably rolling out improvements to the sexual assault/harassment process within the US Navy and other military branches. Living with ADHD and losing vision as a young adult, I constantly strive to grow in adaptability, trauma-informed response protocol, and empathy-driven solutions. Serving as treasurer of BLIND, Inc., one of the NFB-affiliated training centers, I have a deep passion for optimizing the lived experiences of those around me as individuals reach their full potential. In graduate school, I co-chair the annual joint MBA DEI summit, promoting allyship, inclusion, and the escalation of marginalized voices for future business leaders. As a survivor myself, I prioritize advocacy for others, leading with my heart, and living with purpose above all else.

Danielle Montour

I am a First Nations and white cisgender woman living in Lubbock, Texas. I work at the American Printing House as a tech support specialist, while being a perpetual student of inclusive design. Growing up with too many questions and not enough information, I have a love of digital accessibility, especially when it relates to self-image and access to culture. I volunteer as a sex and consent educator, and I am particularly passionate about exploring where marginalized folks fit into these evolving conversations. I belong at the intersections of queerness, neurodivergence, and mental illness. I am both a Retinoblastoma and trauma survivor, always unlearning and relearning how to truly live.

Upcoming Zoom Call

Please come say hello! We want to make introductions, get to know you, and talk about how this group can best support fellow survivors. Join us on Sunday, November 7, at 4:00 p.m. eastern, or Wednesday, November 10, at 8:00 p.m. eastern.

Zoom Link for both meetings is: https://zoom.us/j/2023132945 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23358&qid=6227558> .

Mailing List

There is now a survivors NFBNet mailing list to join. Survivors at nfbnet.org <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23373&qid=6227558>  is a hidden list serv, which means the list of members is available only to the list administrators, Danielle, Kathryn, and NFB’s list administrator, David Andrews. If you'd like to subscribe, you can send a blank email to survivors-subscribe at nfbnet.org <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23371&qid=6227558> , or visit http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/survivors_nfbnet.org <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23360&qid=6227558>  and fill out the form.

Keep In Touch

To share concerns, ask questions, or voice an interest in helping with our efforts, please email survivors at nfb.org <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23372&qid=6227558>  or call 410-659-9314, extension 2238. Please note that both Danielle and Kathryn have access to these communication channels.

About National Federation of the Blind Groups

Groups are officially coordinated efforts to bring members of the National Federation of the Blind together around a shared interest. The chairperson serves as a coordinator and is responsible for sharing the work of the group with the leadership of the organization. Learn more about our groups <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23362&qid=6227558> .

 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23363&qid=6227558> 

 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23364&qid=6227558> 

 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23365&qid=6227558> 

 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23366&qid=6227558> 

 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23367&qid=6227558> 

 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23368&qid=6227558> 

National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD 21230 | 410-659-9314 

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