[nfbwatlk] For those who may not know

Wed Oct 29 22:10:13 UTC 2008

Hi,

Mike has always done a fantastic job as president.

Since I am not going to the convention, Mike has my vote.

Thank you, 

Gloria Whipple
Corresponding Secretary
Inland Empire chapter
nfb of WA
Cell phone: 509-475-4993

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Prows, Bennett (HHS/OCR)
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 1:10 PM
To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] For those who may not know

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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