[NFBMI-Talk] Our Thanks...

[Robert Earl Parsons]

Good morning, Federation Friends

As we continue to step into the holiday season, the executive officers and board of directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan extend its appreciation for all who were able to engage in the great work done at our annual state convention in Grand Rapids from November 4-6. Whether you were supporting our general session and business meeting via Zoom, working a table at our exhibit hall, or singing your hearts out at our White Cane Karaoke; the weekend was a bright welcome back to exciting programming and efforts to further support blind people in Michigan achieving their dreams. Though we had many key members help in making this year's convention successful, we are always looking for new members and leaders who want to participate actively in our efforts.
Over the next few weeks there will be affiliate-wide announcements for members who are interested in attending our annual Washington Seminar. Every year, members of all 52 affiliates of the National Federation of the Blind arrive at our nation's capital, where we work in tandem to advocate for issues that affect blind Americans nationwide. This groundbreaking work is part of the core of our identity as a Federationist. Using the skill of advocacy has secured many blind Americans, you, or someone you may know included some of the rights we are afforded today. Important legislation like the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act of 2014 all come from different collective groups advocating for access and rights they feel people with disabilities deserve. The National Federation of the Blind deviates from this mentality.  As the largest organized movement of blind people advocating for their needs, our Washington Seminar is an event where different teams of blind people work to advocate for legislation that further supports the rights and access for blind people, specifically. Some of our legislative priorities have included the Medical Devices Nonvisual Accessibility Act (MDAA) and the Access Technology Affordability Act (ATAA).
So, what is this advocating thing? How does it work? Is that all there is to being a Federationist? I know these questions are abundant in our new members' minds and for members that may have joined chapters or divisions during the pandemic. A great way for chapter and division members to get involved in our work is by joining a statewide committee. State affiliates create committees to provide support for different aspects of our organization. Some committees are year-long, while others are seasonal or may be related to a specific event. When you join a statewide committee, it is likely you are working with members of other chapters, divisions or even affiliates to advance the work of the affiliate. This work has a mutual benefit for a local chapter or division because joining a committee provides you with information from the affiliate that can help your local area. Many chapter members adopt state programs locally to huge success. For example, at our 2019 state convention in Grand Rapids, the Michigan Association of Blind Students held their "Michigan's Got Talent," event and fundraiser, which was adopted from a state committee program. The event helped the students raise $5000 and led to the division establishing the "Larry Posont" award as a support to our state scholarship committee. In the next week, a description of the state committees will be included in our "Meet the Board," post to this list. Please take some time to review that email because it will provide guidance on what our duties as affiliate officers and board members are. We hope this information helps with the exciting work we will be starting soon. For more information about these items feel free to reach out at (269) 216-8640. I'm so grateful to serve you all and can already imagine the possibilities. Let's go build the Federation!

With Love, Hope and Determination

Robert E. Parsons, Jr., M.A., CRC, CVRT, LLPC
President| National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
Doctoral Student| Counselor Education and Supervision
Western Michigan University '25
Pronouns: He, Him, His
P: (269) 216-8640