[Nfbk] FW: [Nfbnet-members-list] Planning the path of service together: community Service Group Strategic Planning call.

Wed May 14 10:15:01 UTC 2014

Is there anyone from NFBGL who can attend this call and report back with
some of the ideas discussed that we could implement in our own chapter? 

Thanks!

Melanie

From: Nfbnet-members-list [mailto:nfbnet-members-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Darian Smith (by way of David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com>)
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 7:54 PM
To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Planning the path of service together:
community Service Group Strategic Planning call.

Fellow Federationests,

 The Community Service Group of the National Federation of the  Blind is
looking for your input on the future of our group.
 We are   specifically looking for thoughts/ideas  for programs, activities,
initiatives, etc  the group might want to  undertake over the next several
years (  call it a five-year strategic plan or road map.
 We  are holding a conference call  Next Tuesday, May 20  at 9pm Eastern
time to discuss this, and welcome all who wish to discuss further. Call-in
information  and background on who we are, what we want to do, and how we
want to do it can all be found below:
 (712)432-0140. Code: 808277
 Purpose
The purpose of the group is to promote jointly the positive philosophy of
the NFB and the benefits of community service by educating the blind about
how to become involved in service, educating the sighted about the true
abilities of the blind via involvement in service, and encouraging such
involvement in members, chapters, and affiliates of the NFB. We acknowledge
the positive effects of community service and service learning with our
assertion that service is not only a path to employment and a way to
educate, but also a way to learn about oneself and the issues faced in one's
community and country.
What We Do
We work to promote and encourage community service and service learning at
the local, state, and national levels of the NFB and to advance the goal of
full integration for the blind on the basis of equality. We coordinate
service projects that develop confidence in blindness and the alternative
techniques that the blind use, create workshops and trainings that develop
competent leaders, serve as a resource for the blind and sighted alike about
the service field with an emphasis on how the blind can contribute, and
promote a positive philosophy of blindness through action and service.
What We Believe
Through these means, we aim to change the perception that the blind are
passive recipients of service rather than active providers of service. In
order to do this, we must challenge ourselves and others to rethink what
service-related activities the blind can do with the proper basic training
and understanding of the given service project and the proper non-visual
techniques. We believe that taking on projects that allow us to look beyond
blindness is instructive both for ourselves and the community. The group
thrives with the collective efforts of all who believe in service, the NFB,
and the power that comes with collective action and the belief that we can
address our country's most pressing problems alongside our sighted friends,
family, and neighbors. Ultimately, we wish to participate in service not as
blind people, but as citizens of our communities with the ability and desire
to give back.
Who Can Get Involved
Our membership consists of people at all levels of service, from those who
have a wealth of service experience, to those who serve from time to time,
to those who are interested in serving but may feel nervous or uncertain
about getting involved in projects or may not know how to get involved. We
strive to meet everyone where they are in their service experience and to
serve as a network and support system for those who have a common interest
in serving their communities. We also actively seek and welcome partnerships
and collaborations with agencies, organizations, and individuals who share
our philosophy and our belief in the ability of the blind to participate in
community service.

 if you can't make the call for whatever reason, but would still wish to
contribute your valuable suggestions/thoughts,  please send an e-mail to me
at  dsmithnfb at gmail.com <mailto:dsmithnfb at gmail.com>  with the subject line
"strategic plan suggestions".
  Many thanks for your interest and involvement. 
 Yours in service and in the movement,
  Darian           

Darian Smith
Chairperson, Community Service Group -National Federation  of The Blind.
(415)215-9809
dsmithnfb at gmail.com <mailto:dsmithnfb at gmail.com> 
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

"
 "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only
ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and
found how to serve"
 - Albert Schweitzer.

 Your  unwanted vehicle can be  just what the blind need to make
possibilities reality.    

Donate your car to the National Federation of the Blind today!
For more information, please visit: www.carshelpingtheblind.org
<http://www.carshelpingtheblind.org/>  or call 1-855-659-9314

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