[Nfbmo] {Spam?} Why I Am A Federationist

[Rita Lynch]

Why I Am A Federationist

 

It was in February of 1982 when I got a call from Barbara Cheadle who informed me that there was going to be a meeting of blind persons here in Jefferson City. She didn’t give me a chance to ask many questions; she just said that if I needed a ride or child care, they could help with that. Evidently the Jefferson City Chapter was less than a year old at that time.  I did go to that meeting and met several blind persons and among these were Ed and Gail Bryant, Bill Neal, Jan Haas, the local chapter president and other Federationists like John and Barbara Cheadle. I heard President Wunder talk but didn’t get to meet him at that time. They sparked my interest so I decided to go to the March monthly meeting and there paid my dues. They discussed the upcoming state convention to be held in Springfield and encouraged us who had just joined to attend. I felt I wanted to learn a bit more about this group of blind persons so did attend with another blind friend. You see, I did not know of any other younger blind persons like I was at that time. That was 35 years ago. At that convention, I met lots of Federationists. Billie Weaver was so gracious and informative. I met John and Rhoda Dower and Joan Davis and many others. We sat at the banquet table with the newly weds, Gene and Carol Coulter and June Holman was also there they answered all the questions I had. This is where I decided that I wanted to be a part of this group. I tell folks that I was fairly shy at that time, and that might be hard to believe but they will confirm that it is true. The Federation brought me out of that. It taught me so much and gave me the encouragement to live the life I really wanted. I was elected chapter president in January of 1983 and have been busy in the Federation since that time. When our youngest of three, Larry went to school, I began job searching and didn’t give up till I got a job. With moral support and encouragement, I started college and got my BS in Sociology and worked over 22 years for Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. I am now happily retired and enjoying it. The Federation has been a huge part of my success and I’ve made many dear friends. When I meet blind persons I share with them how the Federation has helped me and encourage them to become familiar with the NFB.