[NFBofSC] Call to Action: Opinions Wanted Regarding Communities of Faith Division

[Elizabeth Rouse]

Dear Federation family,



Please note that the following message is conveyed as the opinion of a
group of affiliate members who got together to have a discussion when a
topic arose. These words are a culmination of ideas belonging to this group
of both division members and supporters. This message does not necessarily
communicate the thoughts and/or feelings of the Communities of Faith
Division.



As many of you know, the NFB of South Carolina in Communities of Faith
Division was formed in January of 2022.  The purpose of the division, in
short, is to share information and knowledge about all faiths, including
our own, and to learn by sharing our thoughts in a safe space.    This
purpose, as evident in the attached Constitution, has never been to sway or
recruit people to other faiths, rather to create an open environment where
we can ask questions of each other in an effort to increase our knowledge
surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Through understanding comes
acceptance after all.



Sadly, there have been mistruths circulated that suggest reasons other than
those stated above are why this division was created.  Let’s face it.  The
vast majority of South Carolina is of Christian faith.  Sometimes it can be
threatening to hear different ideas than those we are used to or most
comfortable with.  Open discussions give us a chance to realize how similar
we truly are.  Many of us in this division have enjoyed learning about
topics such as the NFB Judaism Group, our division members’ personal faith
journeys, our experiences in our faith communities as blind worshipers,
etc.  We are interested in building this division to be a great resource
for all members and to gain respect for each person’s faith and their faith
choices; however, we find it immensely discouraging to hear that some
members of our affiliate do not seem to be willing to give our attempt at
educating and learning from one another a chance.



Therefore, we would like for anyone who has questions or concerns about the
division as it currently exists to join us for our next meeting on February
22, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. (Zoom info below.) We would much rather have
affiliate members join us to ask questions and get clarification than to
disparage the division without first attending a meeting to see for
yourself what we are all about.



Please consider yourself invited to share your thoughts and ideas,
regardless of division membership status.


NFB of SC Zoom



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Sincerely,

Anna Price

David Bundy

Elizabeth Rouse

Janice Bright

Kristopher Crawley

Melinda Jones

Shannon Cook

Steve Cook
-- 
Elizabeth Rouse
She/her/hers
Treasurer | National Association of Blind Students (NABS)
Co-Chair | NABS Fundraising Committee
Board Member | Performing Arts Division
Secretary/Treasurer | NFB of SC Communities of Faith Division
Elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com
(563) 210-1854
“If you can see yourself as an artist, and you can see that your life is
your own creation, then why not create the most beautiful story for
yourself?” - Miguel Ruiz
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