[Nfbmo] advocacy

[Pauline Murphy]

Maybe I missed something along the road.  I enjoy Matt's post as well. Why 
isn't he a member of the NFB somewhere? He sounds like a member.  What a 
loss for us. I'm certain Matt could make a difference where ever he lives!
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary Wunder" <gwunder at earthlink.net>
To: "'NFB of Missouri Mailing List'" <nfbmo at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2013 2:21 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbmo] advocacy


> 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
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbmo mailing list
> Nfbmo at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmo_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> Nfbmo:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmo_nfbnet.org/gwunder%40earthlink.net
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbmo mailing list
> Nfbmo at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmo_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> Nfbmo:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmo_nfbnet.org/paulinemm%40att.net