[NFBSF] Would like to evaluate for membership

Tue Jan 5 21:54:52 UTC 2021

Hey Nicole,

I’m jumping in to help if I can. I have been a member of the National Federation of the Blind since 1972, (no old jokes please 😊). I also have had opportunities to interact with and attend some ACB meetings as well as several ACB national conventions while working for organizations such as Guide Dogs for the Blind and Aira.

In short, there is a significant difference between the philosophies and structures of the two organizations. The NFB was founded in 1940 and the ACB split off from the NFB in 1961, if my dates are correct. The split came when some NFB members decided that the federation was being too hard on “agencies serving the blind”. If you read much about the history of the organized blind movement you can easily see that so-called blindness agencies have often been our biggest obstacle to inclusion and equal citizenship in the world.

The split created an organization, the ACB, which has probably national no more than a quarter the membership of the NFB. I will not say that only one organization has done good work, but by far the NFB has been the strongest advocate within the governments, state, local and national, and it has continued to promulgate a philosophy that says that blind people have the same right to live in the world as is afforded to others. As our description of the NFB says, blindness is not what holds us back.

If you are still doing research I urge you to get the book Walking Alone, Marching Together which gives the history of the first 50 years of the NFB primarily through the actual speeches and recordings of events of the NFB. I am sure Jim Barber, Lisa Irving or others up there can get you a copy. I live in Southern California, but if you can’t get the book or want to correspond off line please let me know.

Like others, I applaud your desire to advocate and to get involved. I also hope that you will choose the NFB. It is an extremely vibrant, active and relevant organization. I hope we hear more from you.

Best Regards,

Michael Hingson

The Michael Hingson Group, INC.

"Speaking with Vision"

Michael Hingson, President

(415) 827-4084

mike at michaelhingson.com <mailto:mike at michaelhingson.com> 

To order Michael Hingson's new book, Running With Roselle, and check on Michael Hingson's speaking availability for your next event please visit:

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From: NFBSF On Behalf Of Nicole Greely via NFBSF
Sent: Tuesday, January 5, 2021 1:28 PM
To: NFB of San Francisco, California List <nfbsf at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Nicole Greely <nicolecgreely at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFBSF] Would like to evaluate for membership

Hello:

Thanks for the clarification.  .  What is the primary difference between the organizations?  I am looking to join at least one organization, that is associated with servicing/ advocating for people with visual impairment / handicaps, or disabilities.  I accrued my visual impairment later in life, and am finally ready to become an active member of the community, in some capacity or another.    I Thank you in advance for your time and I   look forward to your reply.

.     Best,

Nicole Greely Tilos

Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986>  for Windows 10

From: Christina Daniels via NFBSF <mailto:nfbsf at nfbnet.org> 
Sent: Tuesday, January 5, 2021 1:11 PM
To: NFB of San Francisco, California List <mailto:nfbsf at nfbnet.org> 
Cc: Christina Daniels <mailto:ms.christina.daniels at gmail.com> 
Subject: Re: [NFBSF] Would like to evaluate for membership

Hi Alan,

I've reached out to Nicole privately to clarify this. Thank you for your response. 

Christina 

-----Original Message-----

From: NFBSF <nfbsf-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbsf-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of Alan Wheeler via NFBSF

Sent: January 05, 2021 1:06 PM

To: NFB of San Francisco, California List <nfbsf at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbsf at nfbnet.org> >

Cc: Alan Wheeler <blindsticks at gmail.com <mailto:blindsticks at gmail.com> >

Subject: Re: [NFBSF] Would like to evaluate for membership

Just so you are aware, tis is not an ACB list, but rather an NFB list. If you're looking for a local ACB (known as the California Council of the Blind) this is not the list for it.

"If you want to practice anything, practice knowing you can do whatever you set your complete mind to." Victor Wooten "The Music Lesson"

My blog: http://doingitdeeper.blogspot.com/

Sent from my iPad

> On Jan 5, 2021, at 1:02 PM, Nicole Greely via NFBSF <nfbsf at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbsf at nfbnet.org> > wrote:

> 

> 

> Hello:

>  

> I have been on your mailing list, for quite some time, and feel this is the year to potentially make the plunge, towards membership, in the SF branch, of the ACB, but   I have never been a member of any branch of  the ACB.  I have been a   member of the Lion’s Club, and a student of the Lion’s Center, and have taken classes at the  Center, since progressive visual acuity began, and has progressed. 

> .    What are the necessary qualifications, for membership?  Please advise me of expectations and anything else that may be helpful, such as the specifics of     Member responsibilities.  Lastly, ,what are the dues/ or the cost to join?  I am eager to hear back, and to learn more about the responsibilities and expectations of membership.

>  

> Many thanks,

> Nicole Greely Tilos.

>  

> Sent from Mail for Windows 10

>  

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