[Perform-Talk] An Emotional Announcement

[Chris Nusbaum]

Dear Friends:

 

Now that I have told the Board in our meeting last night, it's time for me
to reveal to our wonderful members one of the most difficult decisions I
have ever made as a member of the National Federation of the Blind.
Effective at the end of yesterday's Board meeting, I have stepped down from
my position as secretary and have resigned from the Board of the NFB
Performing Arts Division. Katelyn will soon announce her appointee to fill
my term as secretary. I will still write the minutes of our 2023 division
meeting that was held during the national convention, though they will be
read next year by our new secretary.

 

This decision was made necessary because of my health, which is now taking
up more and more of my energy, and which has recently affected the quality
of my work as secretary. The role of secretary is an enjoyable but demanding
one, and it must be filled by a person who can carry the load. I simply
could no longer carry the load successfully. Furthermore, I'm now finding
myself involved in the Delaware affiliate (where I'm now living) at an
unexpectedly deep level, and it seems that my talents and prior experience
in the Federation are useful to the members here. Yet, I can't step away
from our division-my heart won't let me. So, while much of my NFB activity
will be local at this time, I plan to remain involved in our Scene Change
podcast, as well as writing and/or editing articles for our Spotlight
newsletter. Our leadership team knows that they can always call on me
whenever they feel I would be useful.

 

As I'm sure you can tell, this is a hard email to write and a harder
decision to make. Of all the roles I have held in the NFB, serving on the
PAD Board has been the most personally meaningful. This is because I have
been blessed to work with some of the most talented, passionate, kind and
supportive people I know. Our members lift each other up, celebrate each
other in good times, and encourage each other in challenging ones. During my
3 years on the PAD board, I have gone through some of the hardest times of
my life. Each time, my fellow Board members-and, in fact, all the members of
this organization-have been a source of strength and encouragement. It has
been my honor to spend the last 3 years helping to coordinate the
extraordinary growth our division is achieving. It continues to be my honor
to work alongside all of you, cheering you on as you make your mark on
stages everywhere.

 

Thank you for everything you do and everything you are. Each one of you is a
star, and it's a joy to watch you shine!

 

With all my love and thanks,

 

Chris Nusbaum