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<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">The NFB--Recruitment and Membership</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">by Allen Harris</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">************</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">During my years in the Federation, people have asked, "Can I recruit new members into our Federation?" My response is always, "only if you will." Each of us in the NFB can recruit new members and can work with our members to strengthen their interest and participation in our organization. In fact, it is our responsibility to share our organization with anyone who may be interested and who may add to our collective strength.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">I would like each of us to consider three points when thinking about recruiting new members and supporting them as they become part of our organization: </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">1. </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">All of us can be effective recruiters of new members, and we should use our personal characteristics and strengths to be successful. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">2. </FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Recruitment need not be a daunting task. We should think of recruiting new members as the ongoing opportunity to find one person at a time. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">3. </FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">We should remember that we have a common characteristic; we are blind. We should regard each person as someone who can benefit from and contribute to the success of the NFB.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">I believe the success we have recruiting new members begins with an individual commitment to building our organization; recruitment is not reserved for a few leaders. Each of us knows other blind people or will meet them over time, and we should regard every blind person we know as a potential member. Each of us possesses certain strengths and characteristics that make us good recruiters. In fact my style may not be successful with one prospective member while you quite naturally work effectively with that person. So get started and work to develop your ability to help bring new people into the Federation.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">It is important to approach recruitment as a one-at-a-time process. Though outreach campaigns can be effective, there is no substitute for very personal efforts to work with prospective members and help them learn about our organization. If each of us finds one person, each-one-bring-one, we will continue to bring new people into our organization. They in turn will bring talent to our efforts. Each time you meet a blind person or for that matter any person who you know is not a member of the NFB, begin to plan for his or her participation--the next chapter meeting, a fundraising opportunity, a public outreach event, and so on. If you are able to get a person to participate in an activity sponsored by the NFB, be sure to follow up to plan the next opportunity. If each of us takes on this responsibility one person at a time, we will change lives, increase our membership, and strengthen our organization.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Finally, it is important to remember that we all have blindness in common, and we should not limit our recruitment of new members to a certain few. The NFB is a diverse group of individuals who happen to be blind, and any attitude that restricts our efforts to bring new people into the movement is not consistent with our commitment to every blind person. We want to see everyone who is blind, without regard for his or her place in society, to benefit from and have the chance to contribute to our Federation. This has been and must continue to be a characteristic of the NFB that has made us strong, diverse, and representative in our work on blindness issues. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">It is also important to remember that, while everyone should be seen as a prospective member, you should be able to recognize when it is time to move on. In other words, invest time and energy in individuals who show signs of interest and willingness to participate. When it is clear to me that my efforts to bring a person into the NFB have not been successful, I must move on. Joanne Wilson was one of those who helped me understand that our future depends on finding members who want to build the NFB and not to trouble about those who indicate that they would not or could not participate effectively. She told me, "There are more where they came from." We all have limits on our time and energy, so it is important to use these resources well.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Think carefully about how to recruit new members effectively, and develop a strategy that works for you. You may not find my approach to new members one with which you are comfortable, but you can develop an approach that is uniquely yours. Each of us is responsible for building our membership, and finding and developing new members one at a time will help us grow and become more effective at our work. Being inclusive in our recruitment efforts will insure our continued ability to be representative in our work and to benefit from the broadest range of ideas and possibilities. For me, the NFB is an easy gift to share with others because our success on behalf of blind people is extraordinary. I find it a joy to approach prospective members since everyone can benefit from and contribute to our strength as a movement.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">************</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">How to Share the Federation Message with Other Blind People</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Most of us are active in the Federation today because NFB members reached out to us, befriended us, answered our questions, and said just the right thing that made us want to be a part of the organization. And, though we want in turn to reach out to other blind people, sometimes we find it difficult to know just what to say to someone who has reservations about the organization or even about blindness itself. Below are some suggestions for ways we can respond to the common questions and reservations we encounter as we extend a hand to other blind people.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">************</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">1. What does the NFB do?</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Our goal is to achieve full integration of blind people into all aspects of society. We work to make this happen through public education, legislation, programs for children, mentorship, scholarships for students, senior outreach, professional groups, and much more.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">We are the civil rights movement of blind people.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">We are a nationwide group of blind people who come together to provide support, encouragement, and practical advice to one another.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">************</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">2. I’m not a joiner.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">I know what you mean; I have never considered myself a joiner either. But the NFB helped me personally, and that’s what brought me into the organization. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Our organization has room for all levels of involvement. You can even just join a listserv or come to an occasional meeting if that’s all you can do. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">By virtue of being blind, you are already part of a group. As group members we work together to see that all blind people have the chance to live their lives with dignity.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">************</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">3. I don’t get involved in politics.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">You can do many things in the organization, and you don’t have to participate in every activity. Holding an office is not the only way to get involved in the organization. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">The NFB doesn’t affiliate with political parties. We work to pass only legislation that will expand opportunities for blind people. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">************</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">4. I’m not blind.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Most people in the NFB are not totally blind; you'll fit right in.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Our focus is not on how much vision you do or don’t have. We focus on helping blind people figure out ways to get things done efficiently. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">We encourage people to use any tool that can help them get the job done as efficiently and easily as possible, whether it is a magnifier, a screen reader, a CCTV, or a cane.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">************</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">5. The NFB is radical.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">In the NFB we believe that blind people can lead fulfilling, productive lives. Does this sound radical?</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Because of society’s negative attitudes about blindness, many people might think that believing blindness isn't a tragedy is radical; but we are working together to change society's attitudes about blindness so that someday our belief in the capabilities of blind people won’t be considered particularly radical.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">************</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">6. The NFB opposes dog guides.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">We are not opposed to dog guides. We want blind people to use the tools that work best for them.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">A number of our national leaders and members are dog guide users.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">We even have a dog guide division so that you can meet other dog guide users.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">We have filed many lawsuits to protect the rights of dog guide users.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">All blind people are welcome in our organization.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">************</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">7. The NFB opposes audible traffic signals.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">We are not opposed to audible traffic signals in situations in which they are necessary; we just believe that blind people should have the chance to travel anywhere and not be limited to crossing only those streets with audible signals.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">You don’t have to agree with every policy of the organization. If you want to improve the lives of blind people, you belong with us.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">************</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">8. I can’t get to meetings.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">We want you to be a part of us, and we will be happy to help figure something out. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">If no meeting is close to you, you can start attending a meeting a little further away. Often members of a chapter help find a way to get someone to the meeting by finding a driver or asking another member to help the new person get there.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">You can also get involved through listservs. A number of email lists are sponsored by the NFB in which you can talk to people and exchange ideas. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">************</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">9. How do I join?</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">attend local chapter meetings</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">attend state convention</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">attend national convention and Washington Seminar</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">read the</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><I></I></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><I> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Braille Monitor</FONT></I></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">************</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Other Useful Tips</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Recruitment is an all-the-time, everywhere commitment. Don't let blind people or their family members pass you by.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Make sure you get contact information so that you can follow up.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Try to become a friend.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Listen to their concerns about blindness, and go out of your way to help them.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Don't scare them away by coming on too strong. Remember, you probably wouldn't appreciate a stranger’s telling you that you are doing everything in your life wrong.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Find out their interests and introduce them to other Federationists who share those interests.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Don't get bogged down trying to explain the nuances of our philosophy. Remember that coming to terms with blindness is a slow process.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman">Go out of your way to make them feel welcome in the organization.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=5 FACE="Arial">Richard Payne, President</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=5 FACE="Arial">National Federation of the Blind of Ohio</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=5 FACE="Arial">937-396-5573or 937/829/3368</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><A HREF="mailto:Rchpay7@gmail.com"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U></U></SPAN><U><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#0563C1" SIZE=5 FACE="Arial">Rchpay7@gmail.com</FONT></SPAN></U><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=5 FACE="Arial">The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
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