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Fellow Federationests,<br><br>
<br>
The Community Service Group of the National Federation of the
Blind is looking for your input on the future of our group.<br>
We are specifically looking for thoughts/ideas
for programs, activities, initiatives, etc the group might want
to undertake over the next several years ( call it a
five-year strategic plan or road map.<br>
We are holding a conference call Next Tuesday, May
20 at 9pm Eastern time to discuss this, and welcome all who wish to
discuss further. Call-in information and background on who we are,
what we want to do, and how we want to do it can all be found below:<br>
(712)432-0140. Code: 808277<br>
<b>Purpose<br>
</b>The purpose of the group is to promote jointly the positive
philosophy of the NFB and the benefits of community service by educating
the blind about how to become involved in service, educating the sighted
about the true abilities of the blind via involvement in service, and
encouraging such involvement in members, chapters, and affiliates of the
NFB. We acknowledge the positive effects of community service and service
learning with our assertion that service is not only a path to employment
and a way to educate, but also a way to learn about oneself and the
issues faced in one’s community and country.<br>
<b>What We Do<br>
</b>We work to promote and encourage community service and service
learning at the local, state, and national levels of the NFB and to
advance the goal of full integration for the blind on the basis of
equality. We coordinate service projects that develop confidence in
blindness and the alternative techniques that the blind use, create
workshops and trainings that develop competent leaders, serve as a
resource for the blind and sighted alike about the service field with an
emphasis on how the blind can contribute, and promote a positive
philosophy of blindness through action and service.<br>
<b>What We Believe<br>
</b>Through these means, we aim to change the perception that the blind
are passive recipients of service rather than active providers of
service. In order to do this, we must challenge ourselves and others to
rethink what service-related activities the blind can do with the proper
basic training and understanding of the given service project and the
proper non-visual techniques. We believe that taking on projects that
allow us to look beyond blindness is instructive both for ourselves and
the community. The group thrives with the collective efforts of all who
believe in service, the NFB, and the power that comes with collective
action and the belief that we can address our country’s most pressing
problems alongside our sighted friends, family, and neighbors.
Ultimately, we wish to participate in service not as blind people, but as
citizens of our communities with the ability and desire to give
back.<br>
<b>Who Can Get Involved<br>
</b>Our membership consists of people at all levels of service, from
those who have a wealth of service experience, to those who serve from
time to time, to those who are interested in serving but may feel nervous
or uncertain about getting involved in projects or may not know how to
get involved. We strive to meet everyone where they are in their service
experience and to serve as a network and support system for those who
have a common interest in serving their communities. We also actively
seek and welcome partnerships and collaborations with agencies,
organizations, and individuals who share our philosophy and our belief in
the ability of the blind to participate in community service.<br><br>
if you can’t make the call for whatever reason, but would still
wish to contribute your valuable suggestions/thoughts, please send
an e-mail to me at
<a href="mailto:dsmithnfb@gmail.com">dsmithnfb@gmail.com</a> with the
subject line “strategic plan suggestions”.<br>
Many thanks for your interest and involvement. <br>
Yours in service and in the movement,<br>
Darian
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
Darian Smith<br>
Chairperson, Community Service Group -National Federation of The
Blind.<br>
(415)215-9809<br>
<a href="mailto:dsmithnfb@gmail.com">dsmithnfb@gmail.com</a><br>
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the<br>
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise
the<br>
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create
obstacles<br>
between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want;<br>
blindness is not what holds you back.<br><br>
<br>
<font face="Verdana">“<br>
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know:
the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have
sought and found how to serve”<br>
- Albert Schweitzer.<br><br>
<br>
<br>
</font> Your unwanted vehicle can be just what the blind
need to make possibilities reality. <br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">Donate your car to the National
Federation of the Blind today!<br>
For more information, please visit:
<a href="http://www.carshelpingtheblind.org/">
www.carshelpingtheblind.org</a> or call
1-855-659-9314</blockquote><br><br>
<br><br>
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