[Ohio-talk] How to become a Federation Advocate: Part II.

[Ali Benmerzouga]

Hello Ohio,

This email presents part II of “How to become a Federation advocate.” For those who did not have a chance to receive, read or access Part I, it is included at the end of this email as well as the reference of the above-mentioned subject/Article.

=== Part II  starts here.

Part II: Definitions of Advocacy and the different forms it can take

Since advocacy is so vital to the everyday work of the National Federation of the Blind, knowledge of certain concepts and advocacy skills is important to our members. The following general information and set of strategies are not designed to turn one into a master advocate, but they provide the basic information about the art of advocacy that everybody should know. In this part, we will go over the definition of advocacy and the different forms it can take.

Definitions of Advocacy
The following definitions should prove helpful in understanding what advocacy is and what forms it can take:

What is meant by advocacy:
Advocacy means  Supporting or defending a cause; pleading on behalf of another and it can take any of the following three forms.

Form 1: Systemic Advocacy
The act of advocating for a cause or issue which will have broad or global impact on or for an entire community, e.g., modification of Social Security rules that apply to blind people generally.

Form 2: Individual Advocacy
The act of advocating on behalf of a particular person faced with a specific circumstance requiring resolution or clarification. While the issue in question may have broader implications for other people facing similar situations, the efforts are primarily taken to support the person in question.

Form 3: Self-Advocacy
Speaking up or advocating for oneself; speaking up for personal rights or against personal discrimination.

To be Continued …

If you can’t wait for the rest of the parts of the above-subject matter, I am providing the reference/link for the whole article below.

Have a great evening y’all.


Ali Benmerzouga

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio -  Cleveland Chapter, Board Member,

Chair of Cleveland Chapter Legislative Committee,

Cell #: 440-590-0315.



Email: ali.benmerzouga at hotmail.com<mailto:ali.benmerzouga at hotmail.com>



Please Visit and like our Cleveland Chapter’s Facebook Page:

https://m.facebook.com/NationalFederationOfTheBlindOfOhioClevelandChapter/



Please Click On This Link To Learn More About The, National Federation of the Blind of Ohio



 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGe_1qGbkX8



***

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 people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

***

Reference:

https://nfb.org/Images/nfb/Publications/bm/bm07/bm0703/bm0703tc.htm



=== Part I:
Subject: How to become a Federation Advocate: Part I.

Good morning Ohio,

In the few coming weeks, I will be posting successive parts of an Article that I found very beneficial and comprehensive from the Braille Monitor entitled “Becoming a Federation Advocate” by Daniel B. Frye. Most likely, I will be adding some cosmetics and minor editings here and there to make the flow of thoughts smooth and easy to grasp and remember.

Part I: Introduction:

One of the primary purposes of the National Federation of the Blind is to serve as a vehicle for collective action on behalf of blind people across America.

Having said that, Federation leaders and members are often called upon to advocate on three types of issues


  *   Advocating for themselves
  *   Advocating for other people
  *   Advocating on behalf of a larger group.

Active Federationists regularly need to advocate on an array of issues including:


  *   vocational rehabilitation
  *   Social Security
  *   education matters
  *   employment discrimination
  *   Housing discrimination
  *   access and accommodations, and more.

Furthermore, blind people may encounter challenges attributable to


  *   public misunderstanding
  *   misconceptions
  *   active hostility

When faced with prejudice, leaders and members of the National Federation of the Blind need to be well equipped to advocate


  *   for themselves
  *   For others
  *   For a general principle


To be Continued …

If you can’t wait for the rest of the parts of the above-subject matter, I am providing the reference/link for the whole article below.

Have a great day y’all.


Ali Benmerzouga

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio -  Cleveland Chapter, Board Member,

Chair of Cleveland Chapter Legislative Committee,

Cell #: 440-590-0315.



Email: ali.benmerzouga at hotmail.com<mailto:ali.benmerzouga at hotmail.com>



Please Visit and like our Cleveland Chapter’s Facebook Page:

https://m.facebook.com/NationalFederationOfTheBlindOfOhioClevelandChapter/



Please Click On This Link To Learn More About The, National Federation of the Blind of Ohio



 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGe_1qGbkX8





***

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 people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

***

Reference:

https://nfb.org/Images/nfb/Publications/bm/bm07/bm0703/bm0703tc.htm