[Ohio-talk] Vibrant Chapters

[Colleen Roth]

Hi All,
I am very pleased that you all want the Toledo Chapter to be very active and that you are all excited. I do want to point out that an important component is a sound knowledge and willingness to learn NFB Philosophy. Without a strong knowledge of our philosophy we are not going to achieve our goals. Some of us have a good background and understanding and are here to help those of you just starting out. I for one feel that this is very important.
We need energy to grow and thrive but we need the experience of those of us who have been here a long time and know the history behind some things, are willing to change with the advent of new people, but will stand strong if things err with regard to philosophy.
I hope that our new people will read our literature and ask questions.
I would like to suggest that our New Chapter and all new chapters for that matter make it a practice to hand out a piece of Literature each month in people's preferred format or encourage those with Computer access to go online and get the item. The next month we could discusss this literature at the meeting.
For example, it would be very interesting to discuss Blindness: A Left-handed Dissertation, Blindness: Handicap or Characteristic or the Nature of Independence.
I believe that attending a Leadership Seminar was a highlight of my Federation Journey. The State Leadership Seminars I have attended have also been very useful.
Years ago we had Regional Training on our Philosorfy for those interested.
For all of you starting local chapters or revitalizing them let's remember that there are those of us who will be involved who have experience and knowledge to share from a long history with the NFB.
I for one want us to do all the things that we couldn't do with just a few members. Chapters need to participate in as many programs on the State and National level as possible.
We need to remember that it is acceptable to be blind and that we can do anything we want to do with Security, Opportunity and Equality.
I really also encourage you all read The Man and the Movement.
As you can see I am not a retiring vine.
Colleen Roth