[Nfbmo] The rally

[Debbie Wunder]

check with folks at your church to see if anyone could volunteer to drive, offer to buy their meals and pay all there gas. This is spring break for many college kids, and they need money, offer to pay them plus cover their meal and gas. If  you have a sighted member in your chapter offer the same. If possible rent a large van and ask everyone to kick in a certain amount, and maybe your chapter could help with a small amount. 

I once hired a man through the Missouri employment agency, he was great. As a result of that we have a chapter in Rolla, because he drove me several time from Springfield to Rolla during the organizing time. Sometimes we forget to think outside the box, and as a whole it seems that we have forgotten public transit, when it is possible to use. 



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Gary Wunder 
  To: nfbmo list 
  Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 9:18 PM
  Subject: The rally


  Good evening folks.  We had a brief meeting of the Board of Directors this evening and talked about the rally at services for independent living at 1405 Hathman in Columbia on Tuesday.  My information is now that the rally is for 11:30 rather than 11:45.  

  After our talk this evening, it seems to me that one of our difficulties is rounding up transportation.  It's good to see that some things never change.  The question is how we can get our heads around this problem and perhaps come up with some different solutions.  Remember that some cities are covered by public transportation.  If the schedule doesn't quite fit with what we would like, perhaps the state affiliate should consider renting some rooms here for people who either need to come in early or leave the next day.  Some of us can certainly make our homes available.

  As we discuss this issue, we should not limit ourselves to speaking only with Federationists. All of us know blind people who, for whatever reason, choose not to affiliate with us or with anyone else.  Talk with them.  Something they value is at stake here.  This is not the time to be petty or draw lines where, on this issue, none exist.  Don't just assume that bulk e-mails like the one I'm sending will do the trick.  Write to people individually.  Call them personally.  Make sure they understand this issue and are afforded some opportunity to come if they wish. Don't assume someone else has already called--better that they get three calls than none at all.

  Lastly, talk with friends and family members who care about this issue. They, like us, can call, can write, and can come to the rally if they wish. Here's to batting about some good ideas. Please share yours.

  Gary