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

[Elizabeth Rouse]

Good morning,

Please remember that you are welcome at tonight's meeting, beginning at 6
PM.
Thank you,
Elizabeth


On Wed, Feb 15, 2023 at 12:00 PM Elizabeth Rouse <
elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
>
>
>
> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09
>
>
>
> Meeting ID: 803 254 3777
>
> Passcode: 124578
>
> One tap mobile
>
> +19292056099,,8032543777# US (New York)
>
> +13017158592,,8032543777# US (Germantown)
>
>
>
> Dial by your location
>
>         +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
>
>
>
> 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
>
-- 
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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