[Ohio-talk] Conference Call Cleveland Cuyahoga County June 17

[Eric Duffy]

On Monday, June 17, at 7:30 P.M., we will conduct a conference  call to
review and discuss why we have two chapters in the Cleveland area. At one
time we had racially divided chapters in a number of cities. That is not the
case in Cleveland now, and it was not the case when our Cuyahoga County
Chapter was formed more than twenty years ago. 

The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio exists to improve life for all
blind people in the state. We will not let racism, perceived or real, divide
us. If racial concerns exist within our organization, we must deal with them
wherever and whenever they occur.  But, let me say once again, the fact that
we have two chapters in the Cleveland area does not mean and has never meant
that these chapters are divided along racial lines. They are not! There is
no "black" or "white chapter." There are only NFB chapters. The Membership
Committee discussed this issue earlier this spring and asked the board to
consider the two-chapter issue and help determine whether or not changes
should be made.

At the very least we must find ways for these two chapters to work together
and make the message that they are doing so very clear. At the June 17
meeting we are not going to take a vote of any kind. However, this will be
an important discussion, and we want all members in the Cleveland area to be
a part of it. I urge every member in the greater Cleveland area to plan now
to call in to this important meeting. Spread the word to those who are not
members of this listserv so that they can call in as well. That evening I am
going to insist that everyone be courteous and that people speak only after
they have been acknowledged as seeking the floor. I will do my very best to
chair the discussion fairly and to allow all points of view to be heard and
not to let one view dominate the discussion. 

On June 17, shortly before 7:30, call (605) 475-4875. When prompted, use
access code 201909 followed by the pound sign.


Thanks.

Eric