[Ohio-talk] Fw: [NFBAffiliatePresidents] what's Going On With Youth Slam

[Dr. Smith]

Interesting, read on.

JW

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Anil Lewis NFBGA" <alewis at nfbga.org>
To: "NFB Affiliate Presidents List" <nfbaffiliatepresidents at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 8:47 PM
Subject: [NFBAffiliatePresidents] what's Going On With Youth Slam


>I was curious as to why the announcements for Youth Slam are still being
> posted.  The NFB of Georgia has already submitted approximately 25 
> students
> for consideration, and I thought other affiliates were doing the same. 
> This
> is more of an inquiry than a challenge.  Why aren't you other affiliate
> presidents getting your youth Slam applications in?
>
>
>
> Our previous Georgia Youth Slam participants have done a great job of
> bolstering our affiliate.  One of our participants, Isaiah Wilcox, is now
> the President of our Georgia Association of Blind Students Division and 
> has
> established a GABS membership of approximately 40 students.  Other youth
> Slam participants have become active members of our chapters.  Our state
> convention numbers are up, along with our donations, drastically due to 
> the
> attendance of a much larger number of young blind people.  I am very
> optimistic about the future of the Georgia affiliate of the National
> Federation of the Blind.
>
>
>
> I know that many people like to wait until the last minute, but the 
> deadline
> is almost here.  There is no reason for each state to have at least a few
> applicants, especially since it is so easy to get students to apply.  We
> simply contacted our school for the blind, and made sure they were aware 
> of
> the opportunity and the application.  We also contacted the coordinator of
> blindness services for our State department of Education with the same
> information and she circulated it to the local school representatives. 
> And
> we also informed the local AER group about the Youth Slam, and they made
> referrals.  Most of them were excited about being able to provide such an
> opportunity for their blind students.
>
>
>
> I know the affiliate cost may seem to be a deterrent, but the affiliate 
> cost
> for participation was nominal, and we were able to get local support 
> through
> grants and donations to cover that expense.  Also, many of our adult 
> members
> volunteered as mentors.  Most of them continued to serve as mentors in our
> state mentoring program.  Others became active leaders in our affiliate.
>
>
>
> There is so much potential benefit from the small effort it takes to get
> students to apply for the youth Slam, I can't understand the hesitance.  I
> am willing to help any affiliate that needs assistance in getting their
> applicant numbers up.  The NFB of Georgia is looking at getting our
> applicant numbers up to 50, and if other affiliates do not want to take
> advantage of this opportunity, we will be happy to fill as many slots as
> allowed.
>
>
>
> There is still time for your affiliate to get on board.  Please let me 
> know
> if I can help.
>
>
>
> Yours truly,
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Anil Lewis, President
>
> National Federation of the Blind of Georgia
>
> "Everyday People, Living Life Every Day"
>
>
>
> 315 West Ponce de Leon Avenue
>
> Suite 1020
>
> Decatur, Georgia 30030
>
>
>
> (404) 371-1000 ext. 26
>
> (404) 371-1002 (Fax)
>
> (866) 316-3242 (Toll Free)
>
> alewis at nfbga.org
>
>
>
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