[nfbwatlk] For those who may not know

Wed Oct 29 20:10:25 UTC 2008

Hi Bob and Listers,

Thanks for posting your intention here prior to this weekend's
convention. I wasn't surprised by the announcement, though was a bit
taken aback by some of your statements.  I must say, judging by your
sentiments, I might be out of touch with the organization, in  which
case I may be voted off the board.  But I have some observations that
deserve consideration as well.

I too have engaged some other Federationists in discussions about the
past, present and future of this affiliate with different perceptions
than yours'.  Many Federationists from around the country have told me
on more than one occasion that they wished they had the leadership in
their states that we have here in Mike.  You imply that it is because of
Mike that our fund raising has lagged, that our membership efforts are
lacking and that somehow we are floundering.  I for one don't believe
Mike is to blame at all. I have heard Mike on numerous occasions
exhorting all of us to work with him to do the things needed to build
and strengthen the organization.  In membership recruitment, he has
asked for volunteers to go to various parts of the state, and no one has
really stepped up to the plate.  As other chapter presidents can attest,
it takes more than one individual to run an organization. 

As a former state president, I and others have been criticized for not
putting more pressure on Mike to do more about membership, about
fundraising, and other activities.  But, as I told Noel at one point.
The President isn't the only actor in the affiliate, and he can't do it
all, nor should he be expected to do so.  Mike's leadership in
legislative affairs, public appearances at advisory committee meetings,
his prolific writing on the numerous lists of the NFB all qualify him
for the leadership position as our President here in Washington State.

I for one, will support Mike for President again this year, and hope to
convince others to do so as well.  I don't begrudge your run for
President, and hope that it at least motivates folks to think about the
future of this organization.  Bob, you have been, are and will continue
to be a friend.  I wish you well, and, I hope you continue to be active
at the state level as well as in your local chapter.

/s/ 

Bennett Prows

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Robert Sellers
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 1:40 AM
To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfbwatlk] For those who may not know

Hi Listers,

This is to inform members of this list serve and those who will be
attending
the 2008 NFBW convention. That, at this convention,  I'm a candidate for
the
office of President for the National Federation of the Blind of
Washington.

Mike is aware of it, I called Mike several weeks ago and informed of my
intentions. I informed him I did not think it was proper  to broadside
him
and he appreciated the information.  

It is not an idle fantasy of mine just to be President. During the
National
convention, some members, myself included,  of the NFBW got into a
discussion  concerning what has and has not been happening in our state
affiliate.   For example, a few years ago our affiliate had twenty to
thirty
thousand dollars in the treasury, since that time the money has been
dwindling away and yet no serious discussions has occurred on major fund
rasing. The same could be said on aspects concerning increasing
membershipand other aspects regarding the organization.  As the
discussion
continued, the obvious question came up; "Who is available and willing
to
run for President.". I guess the answer to that question is in this
post.
Simply put, it is my pledge, that under my leadership, I will put forth
the
effort and energy, that it takes to have a strong affiliate. I can't do
all
the work myself,  it will take an involved Board of Directors and  an
active
membership.

A few words about accomplishments here in Clark County under my
leadership.
A few years ago the Clark County Chapter of the NFBW got involved with
the
Washington State School for the Blind. We assisted in the school
establishing an internet radio station, a store, which involves student
operation,  that sells products for the blind and a book club for the
students. Don Mitchel deserves much of the credit for the status of the
book
club. Because of his faithfulness,  diligence and efforts in , the book
club
will be performing the play "Christmas Carol" over the internet radio.
The
kids will be reading  their parts in Braille!!! Also, our membership has
grown about 80 percent this past year.

This involvement with WSSB has changed some attitudes, at the school,
about
the NFB. As it was quoted to me "You know, the NFB   isn't the devils
I've
heard people talk about.".   

 As President of the NFBW, in brief, these are the objectives that I
want to
bring to the NFBW Board for us  to work towards. 

1. To have the Board of Directors develop a long range strategy, goals
and
objectives for the organization. 

2.  To  engage in fund raising projects that will increase revenue in
the
State's treasury and assist  with local chapters in fund raising.

3.   To increase membership in current chapters and to pursue creating
new
local chapters.   

4.   To reach out to the blind youth and increase the involvement of the
younger blind in the state affiliate.  

 5.  To create a communication tool, possibly a newsletter. 

I'm sure there are other objectives that the Board and the members may
want
to be considered. I'm open to any suggestions that can move our
affiliate
forward.

I would sincerely appreciate your support and vote. If you have any
questions or need clarification on this post, you are welcome to contact
me.
My phone contacts are:

HM: 360.896.5249

Cell: 360.798.6498

Respectfully,

Robert Sellers, President

Clark county Chapter

National Federation of the Blind of Washington

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