[NFBWATLK] Navigating the two organizations, was, RE: quick hello

[Dean Martineau]

In my view, there needs to be much more interchange between the two organizations.  I believe that some parts of the gulf that has separated them are narrowing; some of the historic factors that kept them apart no longer exist, or would need to exist.  All would benefit if fair-minded people from both organizations would engage in constructive dialog.

In my experience, at times when I have associated with the Federation, but stated that I likely would not be joining, I was completely dropped.  The Council, on the other hand, treated me like a potential friend and resource, and was less dogmatic, applying less pressure for membership.  I think Federation chapters could learn from that example.

The Federation tends to accomplish much more, because of its structure and policies, in terms of change to benefit the blind.  It has a much more coherent and well-articulated philosophy.

I am currently a member of both organizations.  I respect my local Federation chapter in Florida for what they are doing, hence, I joined. And I wanted to join the Council's technology chapter, which gave me Council membership.  As part of what I believe to be old-fashioned thinking based on outmoded models of social organization, belonging to both organizations is against the Federation by-laws.  I understand, however, that so long as one does not strive to achieve prominence in either organization, the National Office discourages strict enforcement of this arcane policy.  This policy says, in effect, "let's focus on the twenty-five per cent of areas where we differ, rather than the seventy-five per cent we have in common."  

I would love to see much more constructive dialog between the two organizations, and perhaps some joint action, but I understand that officers and leaders, perhaps in both organizations,  are likely to still resist any such effort.

Washington, when I was there, was exemplary in that there was at the time a spirit of cooperation between the two state chapters.  I hope that remains the case.

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWATLK <nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Marci Carpenter via NFBWATLK
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 7:58 PM
To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: mjc59 at comcast.net
Subject: Re: [NFBWATLK] quick hello

Hi Mike,

I am glad to have you check out our list serve. You are also welcome to attend any local chapter meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Washington. I don’t know what part of the state you live in but we have chapters in the Seattle area, Vancouver, Sequim and an at-large chapter which meets by telephone. Anyone is welcome to come to our meetings, meet NFB members and hear about what we are doing.

I hope, of course, that you will decide to join with us in our work to help blind people live the lives we want. We always welcome new members and need more people to help in our work. Direct action and mentoring are key components of what we do. This can take the form of contacting our local, state and national representatives throughout the year about issues of concern to us, connecting blind parents with other blind parent mentors, helping newly blind people understand their rights and the possibilities open to them, teaching braille and other skills to blind children through our Braille Enrichment through Literacy and Learning (BELL) academy or other countless forms of advocacy.

Please feel free to reach out to me anytime with questions you might have.

Marci Carpenter, President
National Federation of the Blind of Washington
206-604-5507
mjc59 at comcast.net


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

From: Mike Edwards via NFBWATLK
To: NFBWATLK at nfbnet.org
Cc: Mike Edwards
Sent: July 13, 2018 at 3:24 PM
Subject: [NFBWATLK] quick hello

Hello, NFBW, Just wanted to introduce myself quickly. My name is Mike Edwards, and, yes, I am a WCB member. I wouldn't say I am becoming disillusioned with WCB/ACB, but I've been curious about the difference between the two groups for awhile, and until recently, I've never gotten nonbiased answers to my questions. I've heard that NFB is more political, and more into direct action. If so, that may be more up my alley. All this to say, I will continue to follow both lists, and draw my conclusions from there. Sorry for the babbling message, and I look forward to observing you. Mike Edwards _______________________________________________ NFBWATLK mailing list NFBWATLK at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBWATLK: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/mjc59%40comcast.net
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