[Nfbf-l] Stipend for Convention

[Marion & Martin]

Dan & Board,
    I find it very interesting that, with only about two weeks left before convention, the board has made a decision to not support a Chapter's eforts to send members to convention. Though you mention that, as NAGDU President,  I could ask NAGDU or national for monies to attend convention, this is not an option for Tom Goldman or Merry Schoch.
    In adition, I also find it interesting that the Board has taken care of itself first by authorizing to give itself $900 per person well in advance enough to make arrangements while forcing Chapters to wait for word on your support. I think it is important for the membership to know that I have figured that one person can attend national convention, including air fare, hotel room, banquet, and registration for  about $830 and, if a room is shared between two people, for under $1100 or $550 per person! It is my understanding that, with the exception of three Board members who will be sharing rooms with their families, each of the other Board members will have another Board member as a room mate.
    I feel it is fiscally irresponsible and borders on a breach of trust for the Board to vote to pay itself such an amount while not supporting the Chapters' efforts to get their members to the convention, the supreme voice of the organized blind movement. The treasury belongs to the stakeholder members and it is my opinion that they should be concerned at the lack of transparency and accountability that is being exhibited by those we have elected to manage our affairs and entrusted with our treasury!

Marion Gwizdala, President
East Hillsborough Chapter
National Federation of the Blind

        


----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dan Hicks 
  To: Marion & Martin ; Sherrill O'Brien ; minichiellog at comcast.net ; Kathy Davis ; Joe Minichiello ; Gloria Hicks ; Dwight Sayer ; Betty McNally ; NFBF List 
  Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 8:24 PM
  Subject: Re: Stipend for Convention


  Hello Marion, 

  The NFBF Board voted not to provide a blanket stipend for chapters this year. Chapter Presidents -- or individuals -- are free to contact me if they are attending the NFB Convention and have a financial need. As president, I can always approve individual grants on a case-by-case basis. 

  As NAGDU president, you may be able to get funding from the national office or from NAGDU itself. I don't know how the organization handles such things; I'm just offering this as a suggestion. 

  Dan


  "If you are going to walk on thin ice,  
   you might as well dance."
                          - Inuit Proverb
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Marion & Martin 
    To: Sherrill O'Brien ; minichiellog at comcast.net ; Kathy Davis ; Joe Minichiello ; Gloria Hicks ; Dwight Sayer ; Dan Hicks ; Betty McNally ; NFBF List 
    Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 2:34 PM
    Subject: Stipend for Convention


    Dear NFBF Board of Directors,
        I understand that the NFBF Board met via teleconference last night. One of the items of business that we were told by President Hicks was on the agenda to be discussed was the amount of the stipend to be provided to Chapters to assist members planning to attend the National Convention in Detroit. I would like to know what the decision was in regard to this. Furthermore, in the interest of transparency, can you share with the membership what amount each member of the Board of Directors will receive for this purpose?

    Marion Gwizdala, President
    East Hillsborough Chapter
    National Federation of the blind