[NFBK] Final call for Resolutions for the Affiliate Convention

[Lonnie Swafford]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Lonnie Swafford <lonnie.t.swafford at gmail.com>
> Date: September 9, 2025 at 18:36:33 EDT
> To: members at nfbgl.org, NFB of Kentucky Internet Mailing List <nfbk at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Resolutions for the Affiliate Convention
> 
> 
> Greetings Everyone,
> 
>  
> 
> Please find below information about resolutions that can be reviewed when considering what initiatives and actions you would like the affiliate to adopt at our upcoming convention in October. This information is from the National office as and can be used as your guide. I’ve also included at the end, some questions that we’ve used in prior years to help draft resolutions. As always, the resolutions committee is here to assist as needed. Please submit your completed resolutions to Lonnie Swafford, committee chairperson via email at: Lonnie.swafford at nfbky.org, no later than October 9.
> 
> Resolutions may be concerned with any number of topics. Each resolution should be succinctly stated and focused on a limited goal. Always phrase resolutions in a positive setting. Criticisms should be constructive. Members may construct resolutions from a wide variety of subjects.
> 
> Consider the policies and programs of agencies such as the National Library Service, the accessibility of mainstream technology, the rights of subsets of our membership, like blind parents, etc. Here are some questions you can ask when thinking about a resolution: 
> 
> Are blind people getting the services we need?
> What policies and practices should be reformed? 
> Subject matter for resolutions should not be limited to agencies for the blind. Many aspects of community life have an impact on blind people: 
> 
> Can blind people cast a truly secret ballot?
> Do blind people have access to public information?
> Can we fill out forms independently on state and federal websites?
> Do blind people have access to public transportation?
> Are blind people exempted from earning a minimum wage?
> As you can see, there are many subjects for resolutions. You’ll want to pay careful attention to resolutions adopted by the national Convention. Some may be especially relevant to Kentucky. These should be redrafted specifically to address local conditions.
> 
> Be sure to pay attention to details listed here. Before writing a resolution, do your research. Be sure to state the facts about a problem correctly. Don’t overlook the small details—the correct name of the national, state agency, or department, and who can legally assume jurisdiction for the solution that you propose. For instance, some actions can only be taken by Congress or a state’s governor, while others must be corrected by legislation.
> 
> There are two parts to a resolution: the “whereas” clauses and the “resolve” clauses. In the “whereas” clauses, you outline the background and scope of the problem. In the “resolve” clauses, you outline the solution, or take a position on what actions must be performed. By long standing practice, we do not write resolutions directed at ourselves.
> 
> A resolution constitutes a state affiliate’s position on a given issue. Resolutions collectively make up the record of the policies we want to promote. Our organization is dynamic because anyone can write a resolution for the committee to consider. This practice allows more ideas and more creative solutions. If you conclude your state affiliate’s convention without passing any resolutions, you are missing the opportunity to let the members and the public know the thinking and plans of the organization. Resolutions are great mechanisms for raising expectations so that blind people can live the lives we want and to ensure that blindness does not hold us back.
> 
> Lonnie & Ashley Swafford
> 5109 Bannon Crossings Drive
> Louisville, KY 40218
> H: (502) 491-1992
> M: (502) 609-2394
>  
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