[Nyagdu] let's all take a deep breath

[Margo and Arrow]

thanks, Marion.  so, to clarify, since the policy is a national policy and 
since it is binding on affiliates, does this mean that the policy not to 
leave our dogs alone in rooms is also an NFB NY policy?

I would think that it is but I do not want to immediately assume.

i personally think all of us have valid points and concerns.  I also 
personally think the policy not to leave dogs alone is a good policy.  I 
also personally welcome and am glad we're discussing this, and, marion, 
thanks again as president of nagdu for posting your message.  Also, marion, 
I know you well enough that if you felt a policy was condescending, 
paternalistic, etc., that you'd say something about that, too.  (smile).

thanks again.

margo and Arrow
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marion & Martin" <swampfox1833 at verizon.net>
To: "New York Association of Guide Dog Users" <nyagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, November 02, 2009 10:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Nyagdu] let's all take a deep breath


> Dear All,
>    I want to chime in here. The policies of the National Federation of the 
> Blind are binding upon all affiliates. This is not a "Big Brother" issue; 
> rather, it is a policy that has been made to govern gatherings of the 
> organization so as to maintain order. There were a lot of issues with dogs 
> left in rooms disrupting other guests and damaging rooms, creating serious 
> issues for the Federation. Not only were we having problems getting good 
> rates, we were being charged for damage caused by our members and their 
> dogs that the hotels were unable to recoup from the members. When this 
> occurs, the hotel "follows the money" and charged the NFB. The same could 
> happen with an affiliate. This policy is designed to protect the 
> organization from such a liability.
>    I, too, feel I could leave my dog unattended in a room without 
> disrupting other guests or causing damage; however, if a policy is to be a 
> good policy, it must be enforced equally. If we are to expect the grass 
> roots membership to adhere to a policy, we, as leaders, must give the 
> example.
>    I would also like to share an actual incident that occurred at the 2007 
> NFBF convention. A member left her dog in her room and went to dinner. 
> While at dinner, she had a medical emergency and became unconscious. She 
> was taken to the hospital and her dog was still in the room with no one to 
> care for it. we were unable to contact the member at the hospital, as she 
> was in the emergency room and there was no telephone where she was. We had 
> to find someone we felt was responsible to care for the dog for the two 
> days she was hospitalized. If she had not left her dog unattended, we 
> would not have been put into such a situation.
>    Another incident occurred at a national convention when an evergency 
> alarm sounded and the hotel was evacuated. There was a member who was very 
> concerned about his dog because it was left in the hotel room alone. 
> Fortunately, the alarm was a false one; however, what would have happened 
> if there were a fire and the dog was injred or killed?
>    These policies have been made for the good of the organization, not as 
> arbitrary, paternalistic rules. We ask that members abide by certain rules 
> for the good of the organization and to protect our assets!
>
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion Gwizdala
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Margo and Arrow" <margo.downey at verizon.net>
> To: "New York Association of Guide Dog Users" <nyagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, November 02, 2009 11:39 AM
> Subject: [Nyagdu] let's all take a deep breath
>
>
>> Okay, let's all take a deep breath.  Cheryl, you brought up valid points; 
>> Tracy, so have you.
>>
>> I think this morning some buttons got pushed.  Let's un-push them and 
>> either have a policy like national's or figure out what to do in 
>> instances when someone does not act like, to use Tracy's words, a 
>> responsible adult.
>>
>> I am sure we've all encountered instances when we've had to follow a 
>> policy because of actions of a few.   It is unfortunate that many of our 
>> laws and policies are made because of actions of a few people.
>>
>> Tracy and Cheryl have made very valid points.
>>
>> marion or Julie or others, please chime in.  Let's see what we  end up 
>> doing.
>>
>> This is our division.
>>
>> Margo and Arrow
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>
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