[NFBV-Potomac-Announce] Bittersweet Announcement

[Christine Grassman]

	To my extended family:
For that is, indeed, what you all are to me, even those distant cousins I haven’t seen in a while, or even those of you on our contact list that I have yet to meet, but certainly hope to some day.
I have been struggling with something for some time, and finally, after serious contemplation and recognizing the limits of my time and those of reality, I have made the decision not to seek reelection. 


It has been my honor and privilege to serve as the Potomac Chapter President for the past three years. I am so grateful to have gotten to know so many of you so well, and this chapter represented a community for me during a time that was very difficult in all of our lives. 
 Though I will no longer be your President, I hope that during and after my tenure, everyone continues to feel included and valued at every chapter function. Further, I will continue to serve and be a part of this community; for instance, I would be thrilled to continue to play a part in bringing people together, improving audio pedestrian signals, and advocating for accessibility at every level. I know that this chapter has great potential to thrive, and I hope anyone who enters its meetings knows that speaking your mind, no matter who you are, can only make it stronger. Often when we leave our comfort zones, we find ourselves stumbling uncertainly; but only by moving at all can we expect to move forward. I am proud of my service and grateful for your courage, drive, dynamism and resilience. Never doubt that no matter who you are, you have something to offer. Maybe you've just lost your sight, and feel disoriented and uncertain; maybe you haven't been involved in a while, and you feel rusty; maybe, you're a seasoned Federationist reflecting on some recent mishap. Whatever the issue, it feels more insurmountable than it will tomorrow; and, more still than it will when you unite to confront it on terms of mutual respect, universal dignity, and bottomless curiosity. Curiosity regarding how you can take your next step, curiosity concerning what the person next to you, virtually or in-person, has to offer. I look forward to watching this unfold, and although I must say goodbye to the chapter, this doesn't mean I'm saying goodbye to you. Part of good leadership is knowing when the time to move on has come. This chapter has made me better, and I believe in you, the members, in your ability to make the chapter better. 


Christine Faltz Grassman, Esq.