[Nfbmo] advocacy

[Debbie Wunder]

Very well said Matt, thank you!

Also I would like to say that our Missouri convention is open to all, and we 
welcome all. Rehab Services for the Blind has been one of the best in rehab, 
have they ever made mistakes? Yes, of course, fut. over all they have been 
great, and want the best for blind Missourians. We have worked in the NFB 
well with them for many years, and will continue to do so.

Often as blind people we do not have high expectations of ourselves, but 
very high expectations of our agencies. Often we become very spoiled in the 
give me, and not so giving of ourselves.

We are not so different than other people in that sometimes the road we 
start to travel is not the road for us. You need then to turn around and try 
something new. But we also must remember when we enter into a contract with 
a state agency we also have the responsibility to try our very best to make 
our Endeavour work, not wasting state tax dollars.

All to often I see college students, or even people trained in other area's 
finish the training, and then decide it is not for them before even 
attempting to find employment.

Matt, thank you for your insight, your words of wisdom, and your tinastity 
to take on life.

Debbie
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Matt Sievert" <matt.sievert at gmail.com>
To: "NFB of Missouri Mailing List" <nfbmo at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2013 1:11 AM
Subject: [Nfbmo] advocacy


> Group,
>
> I am an outsider looking in.
>
> I am legally blind, but not a member of the NFB. I observe, and comment,
> and I make decisions based on what I witness.
>
> I see it in the Michigan and the Missouri NFB news lists. People who 
> refuse
> to move forward. No matter what adversity has taken place.
>
> If you want to be successful in your endeavors, you must move on. You will
> experience awful events, and unfair experiences.
> It is up to you to be your primary advocate, and move on.
>
> Gather people who think the same as you and form a force to be reckoned
> with, but keep that force united, and strong. Do not show weakness or
> unprofessionalism. The act of forrming a group, you will be noticed for
> both your mission and your conduct.
>
> if you want the support of the general public for your causes. Then it is
> essential to put forth your best.
>
> All these correspondences, are archived, and searchable by using the 
> Google
> search engine.
>
> The Michigan NFB state convention is open to the public, i am unaware of
> the Missouri state convention. Anyone can attend the Michigan convention 
> as
> long as they register. With that you become a public forum where others
> will attend to seek more information about your group and if they want to
> support your cause.
>
> Being blind sucks, and people stereotype, discriminate, and do all kinds 
> of
> ugly stuff we can't even see.  it is our job to make the best of it and
> surpass the challenges. And put forth a face of the blind that says
> "welcome", we are happy people. Professionals, going to work every day, 
> and
> going about our lives, just like you. You might drive a car, or fly a
> plane, but we are not all that different. That is the number one message 
> we
> need to project when the public sees us.
>
> You stop and you take the extra time to show them the cane, or the
> monocular, or tell them how much you can see. You help as small as it 
> might
> be, for them to understand you, and make them relax.
>
> People watch, and they talk, and word will spread. Your actions although
> not said to your face are visible to everyone who sees you on a daily
> basis. From getting a donut at the coffee shop, or walking down the
> sidewalk in the snow. People know who you are, and when you interact with
> them, you want them to have a positive or at least neutral opinion of you.
>
> Be nice, your cane is not a weapon, it is a symbol of your independence,
> and a welcome sign to motorist who will better understand why you are not
> acknowledging their hand gestures.
>
> Thank you for your time, and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
>
> Matt Sievert
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