[nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

Mon Jul 13 18:36:08 UTC 2009

I wasn't at the convention, but I ordered one of the canes and really it! 

Gloria Whipple
Corresponding Secretary
nfb of Wa
Inland Empire chapter
cell phone: 509-475-4993

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Kay Burrows
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 10:04 AM
To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

At the beginning of the convention I did notice what seemed like a bit more
"caning" of my ankles and I think it was because so many people were using
the new free NFB canes instead of the state issued folding canes and I felt
they were not used to using them in a crowded space. It did not seem to take
very much time until the "caning improved.  It was great to see so many
people using the modern NFB canes instead of some of the beat up and damaged
folding canes.  What a great program that is.

KB

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Frye, Dan
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 5:57 AM
To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

List Colleagues:

Convention 2009 for me was a good one. It was great to catch up with many of
our friends from Washington State. The program agenda, during both the
pre-plenary session days and the formal sessions, seemed particularly packed
this year. I think the feeling of intensity can be partially attributed to
the abbreviated convention schedule. For my part, I missed having the
business session on the last day so that farewells to people could have been
made in a more relaxed atmosphere.
It was virtually impossible to say goodbye to everybody with the convention
adjourning right after the banquet. President Maurer's banquet address (at
least its primary topic) strongly resonated with me this year and the detail
in the Presidential Report showed what an engaged 2009 we had as an
organization. In view of the economy, I think all were surprised with our
lift in convention attendance, 2,809 people.
I don't know that I found the circular architecture of the hotel
significantly more challenging than other years, but I tend at almost every
convention to simply orient myself by asking questions and heading out to
particular meetings with time to spare. The relatively smaller size of the
hotel made it feel more crowded, though, particularly in and around the
elevators. I'll always remember with fond amusement the presentation from
Representative Conyers (spelling uncertain). I think he was genuinely good
hearted. The presentations on the influence of Braille (provided in some
instances and not in others) were touching and meaningful. The March this
year occurred on a beautiful morning for a stroll; I wish that the speaker
system could have been better, though, since during the march itself I felt
some disconnected from the chanting encouragement of march leaders. During
the rally itself, I could hear the program fine. The pedestrian-friendly
aspect of the March along Detroit's River Walk was great. Martha Reeves's
absence was a small disappointment. Washington State can take much pride
with Michael Freeman's election to the National Board to fill out the
unexpired term of Sam Gleese who resigned from the board last fall; Mike
will add a thoughtful dimension to the board's deliberations. Busy, though,
is the phrase that summarizes the convention for me. I found myself in
meetings or events from 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. almost every day. I presented
the Social Security seminar on Tuesday evening, delivered an address to the
Affiliate Action Back to Basics seminar on Sunday evening, and helped to
introduce the new NFB diabetes publication at the Diabetes Action Network
meeting on Sunday afternoon. Despite these obligations, I enjoyed dinners
with my good friends Gary and Denise Mackenstadt and sampled Detroit's Greek
food with Noel Nightingale and Elizabeth and Jeff from Canada. It was good
to get a chance to become better acquainted with Elizabeth and Jeff.
Technology added a new wrinkle to convention; a Tweet-Up for those on
Twitter was held early in the conference, and we're tracking how much
Twitter traffic attributable to convention-related events occurred. Finally,
I participated in two academic studies this year, one evaluating the new
NUBS Braille system and one looking at effective marketing techniques that
appeal especially to blind people. NFB convention is an excellent place for
this type of meaningful research to take place. These are my rambling
personal reflections on this year's convention.

I'll now be turning my attention to more formally summarizing this entire
affair for the Convention round-up that will be published in the
August/September issue of the Braille Monitor. If you had a unique
experienced, can share a touching incident that broadly characterizes the
convention for many, or have other reflections to offer, please pass them
along for potential inclusion. Small anecdotes helps to give the round-up
texture and color. A brief recap of the program items presented is always
helpful, but personal commentary makes the piece.

With Kind Regards,

Dan Frye    

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
Sent: Sunday, July 12, 2009 2:23 PM
To: NFB of Washington Talk
Subject: [nfbwatlk] Convention Impressions

Hi, all.

Anyone care to give their impressions of convention?

Mike Freeman

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