[Oabs] Minutes from the November 21, 2014 meeting

Mon Nov 24 21:47:21 UTC 2014

I will be on that call and would be happy to take minutes for you, Macy.
Aleeha

On 11/24/14, Macy McClain via Oabs <oabs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi everyone!
> Pasted at the end of this message are the minutes from the November 21
> meeting. For those who missed the call, you missed a rather energizing one!
> Please promise Kaiti and I and everyone else that you will be at the next
> one. By the way, Kaiti, I can send you the minutes attached for your
> records.
> Before I get to the minutes, however, I'd like to ask a favor. I realize as
> secretary that I should attend the monthly meetings and take minutes. I will
> NOT be at December's meeting, due to a prior commitment (I'm leading worship
> for a 2-night event). This also includes a dress rehearsal beforehand. Would
> anyone be willing to take minutes for me at that meeting? If so that would
> be totally awesome!
> If I don't talk to you all again, have a Happy Thanksgiving! Don't eat too
> much. Haha.
> Macy
> Ohio Association of Blind Students (OABS)
> A division of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio and ofthe
> National Association of Blind Students (NABS)
> Friday, November 21, 2014
> The meeting was called to order at 7:36 PM. Lillie Pennington took minutes
> at the convention. We will get those from her in December.
> We welcomed two new prospective members, Kyle Frownfelter, and Brennen,
> friend of Aleeha Dudley, to the call. Welcome and we hope you'll stay
> around!
> A panel regarding NFB philosophy was discussed.
> Deborah Kendrick, panel moderator, started off the panel by asking the
> members to introduce themselves, talk about the philosophy of the NFB versus
> different organizations, and give an example as to how the philosophy has
> made a difference in their lives.
> Barbara Pierce joined the Federation in January of 1974. She had to create a
> chapter in order to join. She was president of the Ohio affiliate from 1984
> to 2008, and editor of the Braille Monitor for quite a long time. There were
> two statements summarizing the philosophy she discussed, the first being
> "The real handicap of blindness is not the loss of vision but public
> attitudes"; and second, "Given fair opportunities and appropriate training,
> the average blind person can do the average job in the average place of
> business". Opportunity means fair chances, and appropriate training means
> cane or guide dog travel, Braille, alternative techniques, etc. If equipped,
> you can compete on terms of equality with others. No other organization had
> that concept.
> Example that changed her life: In 1981, she had 3 children, the youngest was
> in   3rd grade at the time. She wanted to go to work full-time, and started
> looking around for jobs. She got 2 opportunities, one serving as a part-time
> hospital chaplain, and the second as the assistant director of the Alumni
> Association at Oberlin College. She wondered if she could have a job and be
> a wife and mom.
> Eric Duffy is the president of the NFB of Ohio. He joined in 1984. He heard
> a little bit about it, but more so in a negative light back then. It's okay
> to be blind. Given the choice, we wouldn't have chosen it. We use
> alternative techniques to get things done. They're not inferior techniques.
> Deborah Kendrick is a writer and the liaison to the student division, and
> the president of the Cincinnati chapter. She didn't know any blind people
> growing up. She wasn't discouraged; she had confidence before she had skill.
> She joined 20 or so years ago. Dr. Jernigan's speeches inspired her.
> Debbie Baker is a retired teacher and board member of the NFB of Ohio. She
> heard that the NFB was a radical organization. She never doubted that it was
> respectable to be blind. She had supportive family and friends. She was
> also nominated as Distinguished Educator of Blind Children and attended her
> first National Convention.
> Chris Omeally is a student from Virginia, still a student. He didn't get
> involved until 2004 when he went to his first state convention. He always
> lived like he wasn't blind. He started reaching out to more people before
> going to LCB. He thinks that even though his parents shelter him, the
> Federation showed him that everyone has a choice to make and a path to
> take.
> Without philosophy, no bread is baked. It doesn't bring about anything, but
> without drive to live it, you're not going to do anything. You have to put
> it into action.
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
> expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
> between blind and our dreams. You can live the life you want. Blindness is
> not what holds you back.
> The Constitution of our division looks fine with the changes made. Kaiti
> will send it to our affiliate secretary.
> Video Project
> We need pictures of people doing things. The board will get together via
> email and come to an agreement regarding which topic they should talk
> about.
> Bookmark Fundraiser
> We're working on some sort of a design template. National Braille Press
> (NBP) will be producing them. We either need someone to professionally print
> them, or NBP would have to do that.
> Emily Pennington will ask her dad about a prototype design for this year's
> bookmarks.
> Aleeha moved and Macy seconded that Kaiti send the website info over the
> list.
> Emily moved and Aleeha seconded that we adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:15
> PM.
> Respectfully Submitted,
> Macy McClain, secretary
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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-- 
Aleeha Dudley and Seeing Eye Yellow Labrador Dallas
Vice President, Ohio Association of Blind Students
Email: blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter at @blindcowgirl199

The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears.
- Arabian Proverb