[Nfbmo] advocacy

[Gary Wunder]

Matt, I love your post. Blindness is not easy--the world for the vast
majority of its people is not easy, but we value life and strive to really
live that life. Thank you for a fantastic message.



-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbmo [mailto:nfbmo-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Matt Sievert
Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2013 1:11 AM
To: NFB of Missouri Mailing List
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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