<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div>Hello Riverside San Bernardino Chapter Members,</div><div><br></div><div>Election October 10, 2020 is approaching fast. If you want to become an officer. You must know what your duties are, and your responsibilities.</div><div> It's very important to know.</div><div><br></div><div>Here's the <span>information be</span>low: </div><div><br></div><div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"><br></span></b></p><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Guide for Local and State Leaders<br>
National Federation of the Blind</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><a name="m_-6973772837211959963_m_7477519735683518553_chap1"></a><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Officers Duties</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">President</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Dr. Kenneth Jernigan was our second
outstanding national president, following founding president Dr. Jacobus
tenBroek. He explained that leadership does not automatically come to a
person just because he or she is elected to office. He said that you must
take leadership. By this, he meant that a leader must take initiative in
keeping with the understandings and goals of the organization. We expect
our presidents to lead in a variety of ways, such as the following: make
proposals to the organization, stay well-informed about what the NFB is doing
beyond the chapter, serve as spokesman for the organization in activities
outside the chapter, contact members to see how they are coming with their
projects, ask for and give advice. If someone is unhappy with what is
going on in the chapter, the president must attempt to answer questions and
concerns that person has. The president must try to avoid problems and solve
them when they occur. <br>
The NFB has a history of strong presidents. We expect our presidents to
manage the expenditures of the organization, to appoint and coordinate the work
of committees, to plan agendas of meetings, and to preside at meetings.
Presidents grow into the job over a period of months or years. <br>
<br>
Of course, in order for a person to be elected, the membership must believe
that he or she will make good decisions. In addition, the president must
have enough skill to work with people within and outside of the
organization. If you have been elected president, you have already
demonstrated some of these skills, but do not assume that the hard part is
over. On the other hand, do not expect perfection from yourself.
Each president learns with experience and becomes stronger as his or her term
continues. If the membership is not happy with the work of the president,
it can vote him/her out of office at the next election. This provides the
balance to keep strong presidents effective and responsive to the membership.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">NFB Constitutions do not provide for
term limits. Many presidents do a better job during their second or third
terms than during the first. We have found that there are so few people
who are willing and able to take on the responsibilities of the presidency that
we tend to encourage good presidents to continue in office as long as they wish
or until someone else is found who can do a better job. Most good
presidents are working to find and groom their successors. Nevertheless,
it is important that presidents stand for reelection periodically, so that it
is clear to all that the majority of the members are in support of the
president. The membership must be satisfied with the leadership of the
group for the organization to be healthy. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">There are many other positions of
leadership besides president, but the president should coordinate the work of
all leaders. When an officer decides not to run again (for whatever
reason), the group must find the best person to replace that officer. If
someone else in the organization believes he or she can do a better job as president
than the existing leader, the Constitution provides that active members in good
standing may run for office. Especially when a chapter is new or very
small, there are times when the best leader is reluctant to take on the
responsibility. Do not sell yourself short. If you are very sure
there is a better person in your group, do your best to persuade that
individual to run for that office. If you succeed, it is good for you and
good for the chapter. If you do not succeed, and you want the chapter to
thrive and continue to be active, stand for election. Take the job and do
your best. If you can get the votes, you are probably the right one for
the job. The NFB has many excellent leaders of chapters and state
affiliates. You may be one of them. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">The president and vice president of
each affiliate and chapter must be blind. We have found that the
principal spokesman of an organization of the blind is most effective when that
person is blind.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Role
of National President</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">We expect our national president to carry
a very heavy load and to have a lot of power. In order to be sure
the membership is satisfied with his leadership, he must stand for reelection
every two years. Since we expect so much of our president, all the
rest of us must help him as much as we can. We need continually to
provide him with information about our activities and problems, about our
accomplishments, and about relationships with other programs for the blind.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">The most efficient way to provide
this information is by letter, unless the data must reach him
immediately. He can read mail at his convenience, while phone calls
tend to take more time and are not always convenient. Because of
the President’s busy schedule, e-mail is not generally any faster than regular
mail, but he reads e-mail as he can.<br>
What do we expect our president to do?</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">1. Manage, hire, and supervise
the national staff and the activities of the national office.<br>
2. Represent us at meetings around the world in negotiations, informative
presentations, and cooperative efforts with other programs for the blind.<br>
3. Manage our finances, including investments and fundraising.<br>
4. Coordinate with fifty-two state affiliates and twenty-seven plus
divisions and attend or send representatives to state conventions and other NFB
activities as appropriate.<br>
5. Appoint committees and supervise their work.<br>
6. Write and deliver or delegate another person to write and deliver a
top-quality banquet speech annually. (Since the 1960s, all banquet speeches
have been delivered by the President except in 1990 and 1997 when Dr. Jernigan
was the banquet speaker.)<br>
7. Deliver to the convention an annual Presidential Report of Federation
activity.<br>
8. Preside at conventions and board meetings.<br>
9. Write stories for Kernel Books.<br>
10. Write articles for the <i>Monitor</i>.<br>
11. Coordinate the writing and administration of grants we request and
receive for various projects.<br>
12. Supervise legal and legislative projects of the Federation.<br>
13. Think up new ideas and implement them.<br>
14. Allocate space in our buildings to the best advantage and supervise
remodeling and construction from time to time.<br>
15. Prevent problems and solve the ones that cannot be prevented.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">It is astonishing that the
Federation has found three outstanding men who have been able to do this job so
well that the Federation has become the leading force in work with the blind in
this country and in the world. Dr. tenBroek and Dr. Jernigan were
outstanding leaders and made very high commitments to the Federation. Dr.
Maurer has continued and accelerated the growth and activities in a way that
could never have been anticipated by old timers like me. It is
equally true that our president could not do what he does without coordinating
his efforts with the entire membership. The NFB is truly a
movement. It is exciting to be a part of this work, but work it is! The
need continues for more and better leaders to continue to make the country and
the world a better place for the blind. Without the kind of president
that Dr. Maurer is, we could not be what we are.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Vice Presidents</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Each state affiliate generally has a
first vice president and a second vice president. In a few states there
may be one or three vice presidents. Chapters have one or two. In
the absence of the president, the first vice president must do everything the
president would do. If the president is absent for a meeting, the first
vice president should preside. If the president is on vacation and a
member dies or is hospitalized, the first vice president may authorize the
customary expression of sympathy (card, flowers, et cetera), unless this
responsibility has previously been given to another specific person or
committee. If the president has made arrangements to handle a matter during
his/her absence, there is no need for anyone to interfere with what has been
planned unless there are unexpected circumstances.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">For example, the president is called
out of town unexpectedly because of a death in his/her family. There is a
chapter social scheduled during the time the president is away. There is
a committee to handle arrangements for the social, but the president was
expected to welcome members and guests and make a few comments about the
organization. Normally, the first vice president would work with the committee
chair and fill in where the president was expected to speak. But the
committee would still handle the arrangements for the rest of the
activities. In the absence of both the president and the first vice
president, the second vice president has the responsibility. This is
rare, but can happen.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Some affiliates and chapters assign
specific responsibilities to either or both vice presidents. These
responsibilities may include fundraising, membership, public relations, or
other responsibilities. More often, one or both of these people volunteer
for a given job. This tends to work well, since we tend to take work more
seriously when we volunteer to do it. Most presidents turn to vice
presidents for advice and information as needed.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">If the president is unable to
complete the term, the first vice president succeeds to the presidency, and the
second vice president becomes the first vice president. If both the
president and the first vice president are unable to complete their terms, the
second vice president succeeds to the presidency. If the first vice
president should decline to serve as president, the second vice president would
be in line to move up to the presidency. Some constitutions may provide
something different about the succession, but if nothing is specified, the
natural succession is as described above.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Secretary</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Some organizations have two
secretaries: a recording secretary and a correspondence secretary. This
practice is neither necessary nor wrong. The secretary records the
minutes of meetings, handles correspondence for the president if requested to
do so, keeps a record of paid members, and often keeps records of blind people
in the area who have not yet joined the NFB. Some presidents prefer to
handle their own correspondence; and there is nothing wrong with this
arrangement. Either the president or the secretary may store records of
the organization. Whether one or the other has an extra room or closet in
his or her home or office may make the difference. Most chapters and
state affiliates accumulate quite a bit of information that should be archived
for use as needed. Secretaries may do their work in print, on the
computer, or in Braille. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Treasurer</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">The principal job of the treasurer
is to take care of the finances of the organization under the direction of the
president. Presidents should authorize treasurers to write checks.
Authorization may be accomplished merely by signing bills to request that they
be paid or by using a form like the sample printed here.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Treasurers should keep detailed
records of all expenditures and income of the organization and sign
checks. Treasurers should make reports at chapter meetings and board
meetings as requested. Correct treasurers’ reports at meetings should not
be merely a listing of checks. Treasurers should keep records of what is
spent by category, such as fundraising cost, membership, supplies, phone,
travel (including local), etc. Categories for income are also
appropriate: donations, dues, candy sale or fundraising, etc. Even if the
chapter has previously voted to spend money ($100 for a door prize for national
convention, for example), the president should still write an authorization to
permit the treasurer to write the check. If the president prefers to have
the treasurer bring authorization forms to him or her for signing after reading
of the treasurer’s report, this approach will work. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">There may be repeat expenditures,
which can be authorized for a period of time. For example, a president
may authorize the payment of a local phone bill for a year by showing that up
to $---- should be paid monthly to the phone company as bills are
received. If phone bills exceed the specified amount, the president would
need to be consulted. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">It is my recommendation that both
the president and the treasurer review bank statements. Many state
constitutions require that the treasurer must be bonded. This should not
be necessary for chapters unless they have large amounts of money.
Bonding costs at least $100 per year.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">In order to establish a bank
account, an organization must have a tax identification number (TIN) from the
IRS. The IRS can assign this number by telephone. Assignment of a
TIN does not establish that your group is nonprofit according to Section 501(c)(3)
of the IRS code. All fifty-two state affiliates of the Federation are now
tax-exempt. Chapters need not apply for a separate 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
status. In some states, all chapters use the same tax identification
number. If this is the case, chapter treasurers need to report enough
information to the state treasurer so that the 990 (the required IRS form for
nonprofit tax-exempt organizations) can be filed correctly. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Nonprofit organizations are required
to file 990 tax returns with the IRS each year on or before May 15 if the group
has received $25,000 or more during the previous fiscal year. Thus, most
state affiliates must file 990s, but most chapters need not. Nonprofit
organizations are not required to pay taxes, only to file the returns. We
have found it desirable in the NFB to provide some help to states and chapters
that must file. At the 2007 National Convention, President Marc Maurer
directed that Charles Brown provide this help. Mr. Brown resides in
Virginia and works part-time at the National Center for the Blind in
Baltimore. He can be reached by e-mail at <a href="mailto:cbrown@nfb.org" target="_blank">cbrown@nfb.org</a>. Ron
Gardner, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Utah, also works
with state affiliates and chapters on finance.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Board
Members</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Each state affiliate or local
chapter constitution specifies the number of board members <br>
to be elected and how long they should serve. Board members should
contribute to the <br>
organization as they wish and as asked. Boards may meet by conference
telephone call or in person. Most state boards meet at least twice a
year, and chapter boards meet as frequently or rarely as they wish.
Although their specific responsibilities are not defined, board members should
be in touch with other members, help set the tone of the organization, participate
in activities and generally provide leadership. It may be helpful for the
boards of active chapters to discuss matters and make recommendations to the
membership to save time at meetings. In small chapters, the officers may
comprise the entire board. Sometimes board members volunteer to chair
committees. Presidents are not required to make these appointments, but
often will be pleased to do so. The best board members are elected
because they are already leaders. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Role
of National Board</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">The NFB Board of Directors has
seventeen members. It confers with the president and assists as
possible. The board consists largely of elected state presidents,
so it should be representative of the membership. Each board member stands
for election or reelection nationally every two years. The board
holds an open meeting the day before the general sessions begin at each
national convention. It generally holds conference-call meetings at
frequent intervals between conventions, and it meets in person at least once
between <br>
conventions for a two-day meeting.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">There are very few things that board
members do that others cannot. Voting on board decisions may be the
only one. Many other NFB leaders confer with the president, provide
him with information, assist with a variety of projects, and represent the
organization at meetings when asked. By long-standing tradition and
(more recently) by constitutional requirement, the National Nominating
Committee consists of one delegate from each affiliate at the choice of the
affiliate. This committee recommends one slate for board positions
open at any given convention. The committee seeks geographic
representation and strong leaders: in short, a group who will work together in
the best interest of the organization. If the nominating committee
does its work well, it is unlikely that people not on the slate will be
elected. However, nominations can be made from the floor, and
opportunity for this is always afforded.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Board members take their
responsibilities seriously. But they know that it is necessary to
bring new and younger people into positions of leadership, as they are
ready. Thus, one or more board members may decline to stand for
reelection at any convention. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Dues</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Dues should be paid annually.
The amount of dues is up to the chapter or affiliate. Most NFB
affiliates, chapters, and divisions keep dues low (anywhere from $1 to
$25). We do not want the amount of dues to prevent good people from
joining. Most chapters also collect dues for their state affiliates and
send them to the state treasurers. Thus, a local chapter may collect $5
dues per year and send $1 or $2 of this amount to the state treasurer for state
dues. When dues are paid to the chapter treasurer, names and addresses of
the members should be given to the secretary. If a member does not pay
dues every year, his/her membership is discontinued. It is a good idea to
announce that dues will be due a month or two before they must be paid, so
members can come to the meeting prepared.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Members-at-large are those who live
in an area where there is no local chapter, and they should pay their dues
directly to the state treasurer. The amount is set by the state board or
by the membership. There are no national dues.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Section
14. Committees</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">The president appoints all
committees unless otherwise specified by the constitution. The NFB
National Constitution provides that the state delegates shall appoint the
nominating committee, but this is generally not done in the states. Some
chapters require standing committees, such as membership or fundraising.
This is up to the group. Some chapters have fallen into the practice of
having their presidents appoint only chairmen of committees, then expecting the
chairmen to recruit the other members. My experience shows me that
appointments will be taken more seriously if made by presidents.
Presidents may rely on recommendations from chairmen or request volunteers, but
committee members are often more responsive if they are asked to serve by presidents.
Appointment of committee chairmen by the president may also help presidents
monitor the work of committees.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Chapter meetings may consider any
matter the president or membership wish. However, committees often bring
recommendations to the membership. Decisions can be made more quickly and
will often be better decisions if a small group has given previous
consideration. For example, it is more efficient for a committee to check
out dates when certain locations will be available for a Christmas party.
A committee may research items for a fundraiser and make a recommendation about
what to do and how to do it. A committee may check out transportation to
a state or national convention, enabling the chapter to make faster and better
decisions about support that could be offered for this purpose. A
committee may work out the details of a public education event (parade,
demonstration, an awards luncheon). The chapter may wish to adopt part of
the proposal and make some changes, but the process works better if the entire
group does not try to plan the whole event from scratch.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Many chapter presidents appoint
committees to handle certain long-term projects, such as public speaking,
monitoring public transit, fundraising, etc. These committees should
report regularly to the membership at business meetings, and they may ask the
chapter for decisions on some questions. The work of committees saves
time at meetings, but it is important for the entire group to be informed of
the committees’ activities. Frequently, a smaller group works together
more efficiently to get projects accomplished, and much work can be done by
committees between meetings. Most constitutions provide that the
president is an ex officio member of all committees, meaning that the president
can attend the committee meetings but is not required to do so. The
precedent in the NFB is that the president does not attend the meeting of the
nominating committee.<br>
Section 15. Divisions</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">The NFB has organized many special
interest divisions, which are listed below. Each division has adopted its
own constitution and submitted it to the NFB President. The NFB Board of
Directors votes to extend division status to each division after it
applies. Divisions elect their own officers. Every division has the
authority to address problems in its area of interest, print its own letterhead
and newsletter, plan its own meetings, form state divisions if there is enough
interest, raise funds as long as it is not competing with other parts of the
organization, and generally promote the interests of the blind as described in
its constitution.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Division officers have similar
responsibilities to those of state and chapter officers. It is extremely
important that division leaders coordinate with the national president and any
other groups within the Federation that may be involved in related
projects. For example, NAPUB (National Association to Promote the Use of
Braille) and NOPBC (National Organization of Parents of Blind Children) jointly
sponsor the annual Braille Readers Are Leaders contests for blind children.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Each national division holds a
meeting during the national convention. Each national division must
provide a list of its elected officers and board members to the NFB president
after each annual meeting. Many divisions hold other meetings between
conventions. Some state divisions have chapters that address issues on a
state and local basis and meet during the state conventions. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Below is a list of the names of the
NFB divisions operating at the time of this writing. You will find the
names of division presidents on the Web site at <a href="http://www.nfb.org" target="_blank">www.nfb.org</a>. You will
find their meeting times in NFB convention agendas. Even though we are
giving very little space here to the work of NFB divisions, we do not wish to
undervalue their activities. All members are encouraged to contact
division leaders and participate in one or more divisions. Today NFB
divisions are an important part of the work of the movement.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">NFB Divisions</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Agriculture and Equestrian Division<br>
Classics, Antiques, and Rods, Special Interest Vehicles (CARS) Deaf-Blind
Division<br>
Diabetes Action Network for the Blind Human Services Division<br>
Masonic Square Club National Association of the Blind in Communities of Faith<br>
National Association of Blind Entrepreneurs National Association of Blind
Lawyers<br>
National Association of Blind Merchants National Association of Blind Musicians<br>
National Association of Blind Office Professionals National Association of
Blind Piano Tuners<br>
National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals National Association
of Blind Students<br>
National Association of Blind Veterans National Association of Guide Dog Users
(NAGDU)<br>
National Association to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB) National Federation
of the Blind in Computer Science<br>
National Organization of Blind Educators National Organization of Parents of
Blind Children (NOPBC)<br>
National Organization of the Senior Blind NFB Assistive Technology Trainers
Division<br>
Performing Arts Division<br>
Public Employees Division<br>
Science and Engineering Division<br>
Sports and Recreation Division<br>
Travel and Tourism Division<br>
Writers Division </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Groups</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Groups are informal gatherings that
occur because someone in the Federation wishes to meet with others regarding a
certain matter. If a group becomes effective, it may wish to change
itself into a division or ask the president to appoint a committee. If
the group wishes to become a division, someone will need to plan with others to
adopt a constitution, elect officers, and apply for division status.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">There are many groups in the
Federation that have been meeting at conventions for years, such as ham radio
operators and science fiction fans. There are other groups that meet once
or several times, and that is the end of it. Divisions and committees
deal with matters that affect a certain group of blind people or an aspect of
the Federation. Groups can deal with anything that may or may not be
significant to blind people.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><a name="m_-6973772837211959963_m_7477519735683518553_chap2"></a><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Local Chapter Meetings</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">The monthly business meeting of the
chapter is for the purposes of conducting business, (making decisions about
what to do and how to do it), informing members about state and national NFB
activities, hearing committee reports, taking in new members, helping members
to be well informed about matters pertaining to blindness, and helping members
to get to know each other better. The president should plan the agenda
and preside at meetings. The secretary should call the role, read the
minutes from the last meeting, and take notes. The treasurer should report on
current financial activities. There may be a speaker, but this is
probably best every second or third month, so that regular NFB business is not
neglected or rushed.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">It is generally a good idea to have
a calling committee contact all members a few days before each meeting to
remind them of the time and place. E-mail reminders may be best for some
members. It may also be desirable to have someone coordinate
transportation to the meetings for those who need it.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Local chapter meetings usually last
from two to three hours. Presidents should find ways to keep the meetings
interesting and fast-paced. It is not possible to get all the work done
and to have sufficient discussion among members if the meetings are too
short. Many chapters include some sort of social activity before or after
the business meetings. Between business meetings, there may be committee
meetings, board meetings, work sessions on certain projects, social activities,
visitations to other chapters, work with agencies serving the blind, meetings
with prospective or new members, and participation in state or national NFB
activities or other kinds of activities. NFB members should never get
bored or run out of work to do. In large chapters, no one can do
everything.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Presidential
Releases</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">The NFB President sends a cassette
tape known as a Presidential Release to each chapter and state president about
once a month. Chapter presidents are expected to play each of these tapes
at the next business meeting after they are received. Since chapter meetings
in different localities occur at different times of the month, it is impossible
to get each tape to each chapter just in time for its meeting, so there will be
occasions when the news is much more current than others. The more these
tapes are played, the better-informed chapter members will become and the more
they will want to hear the tapes. Playing these tapes assists new and old
members to know what is going on in the Federation throughout the country and
at the national office. It also helps them learn to recognize names of
people in the movement. Best of all, it helps members get to know our
national president and what he is doing and thinking. Each tape is less
than one-half hour in length; so local presidents can plan accordingly.
When a new chapter or state president is elected, it is important that he/she
informs the NFB President of the outgoing and the incoming president, so that
presidential releases can be sent to the correct person. You can provide
this information by e-mail, fax, United States mail, or by telephone.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Presidential releases are also
posted on the NFB Web site. Some members may be able to listen to
presidential releases this way. In most chapters, however, there are
still many people who are not able to read the presidential releases from the
Web site. If a member has the right equipment, it may be possible to
download the presidential releases directly from the Web site and play them at
the chapter meeting instead of waiting for the cassette tape to arrive, thereby
making sure that the most recent presidential release is always played at each
meeting. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><i><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Braille
Monitor</span></i></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Our national monthly magazine is the
<i>Braille Monitor</i>, which has become by far the most influential
publication in work with the blind. It is available in large print, on
cassette, by e-mail, and in Braille. It is also posted as both text and
audio on the NFB Web site at <a href="http://www.nfb.org" target="_blank">www.nfb.org</a>. The audio recordings often
include original recordings of speeches by the individuals who wrote and
delivered them. All members of the NFB should subscribe to and read the <i>Braille
Monitor</i>. Some chapters ask various individuals to report on certain
articles during regular business meetings, which may help new members to
understand the significance of some of our activities and projects.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Requests for subscriptions should be
sent to the <i>Braille Monitor</i>, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland
21230. It is essential that each subscription request specify the medium
(Braille, large print, cassette, etc.) that is desired. Address change requests
must also include which medium is wanted and which medium is being dropped for
each subscription. <i>Braille Monitor</i> subscriptions may be sent in by
the chapter secretary, president, or by the member himself. Individuals
may also subscribe to a text version of the <i>Braille Monitor</i> by e-mail;
instructions on how to do so are available at <a href="http://www.nfb.org" target="_blank">www.nfb.org</a>. Click on
Publications, then on the <i>Braille Monitor</i>. On the <i>Braille
Monitor</i> page of the NFB Web site, you may also read the most recent and
many past issues of the magazine. There is no charge for the <i>Braille
Monitor</i>, but many members and chapters make annual contributions for
it. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Members are welcome to send
information or articles to the <i>Braille Monitor</i> for consideration by the
editor. You will observe that there is a series of announcements in most issues
of the<i> Monitor</i> called “<i>Monitor</i> Miniatures.” As you read the
information, you will realize that announcements about occurrences in your
chapter can be printed in the <i>Monitor</i>. In order for this to
happen, you must send the information to the editor. Other articles are
also welcome.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">In the print issue of the <i>Monitor,</i>
there are pictures, which are identified in the other media. Send in
pictures of people in your chapter and pictures of activities in which you
participate. Pictures are filed at the national office and may be used in
other publications besides the <i>Braille Monitor</i>. Pictures in the <i>Braille
Monitor</i> have become very popular among readers.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Take full advantage of the <i>Braille
Monitor</i>. Read it carefully, and send to the editor appropriate
information.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">General
Information</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Chapters and states need money to do
all the things discussed in Part IV and to support all the NFB services
described in Part VI of this guide. Chapters may wish to join the local
chamber of commerce as a means of participating in community activities and to
educate the public about blindness and the NFB. It is not appropriate to
distribute Federation money to members personally unless it is to reimburse
them for organizational activities and expenses.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Chapter
and State Fundraising</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">This author’s definition of a good
fundraising activity for a chapter or state affiliate is: “Something that the
members get excited about and that members want to work on.” Some
individuals have personally arranged projects that are appropriate and
successful.<br>
One high school girl got her school to do a project for the NFB. One
member collected pennies from others at meetings. One member held a
Tupperware party for the chapter. One member rode the back of a tandem
bike in a major cycling event and took pledges on his ride. All of these
are excellent ideas. However, most fundraisers involve many
members. Many chapter fundraisers are relatively simple and
straightforward. These include candy sales, raffles or drawings,
walk-a-thons, dinners or dances, etc. Below is a list of good fundraising
projects. If you have questions about any of them, contact a state
president or a national board member. Fundraising can be a lot of fun and
is almost always combined with education of the public about blindness.
This stimulates blind people to try new activities. Special events will
be discussed in a later section.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Fundraising
Suggestions</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Local chapters and state affiliates
of the National Federation of the Blind may choose any of dozens of fundraising
projects. They should not contract with professionals without conferring
with the NFB President. However, almost anything else imaginable may
work. With time and experience, strong chapters can raise tens of
thousands of dollars each year. This gives them the opportunity to have
all the money they need and assist the state and national organizations.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Recently, several states sent
representatives who <i>enjoy</i> fundraising to a meeting. One project
was to compile a list of some of the things that one or more chapters do as
successful fundraisers. With imagination and energy any chapter can do
several of these projects a year.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">DRAWINGS<br>
• Handmade quilt, afghan, sweater, scarf<br>
• Appliances, donated merchandise from stores <br>
• Money (50/50 for winner & organization or specific amount)<br>
• Baskets (food baskets, collections of cosmetics, many items for an evening’s
entertainment, or any collection of items)</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">SALES<br>
• Sale of specially designed items such as T-shirts, canvas bags, hats, et al<br>
• Bake sale, garage sale, candy sale, craft sale<br>
• Sell NFB jewelry, NFB art calendars, coupon books, and used books<br>
• Donated products sold from businesses or percentage of sale donations (i.e.
coffee sales in restaurant on White Cane Safety Day)<br>
• Book sales in bookstores on Louis Braille’s birthday<br>
• Evergreen wreathes available from Frank Likar before Christmas, stuffed
Christmas stockings, ice cream at an ice cream social</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">TICKET SALES<br>
Dances, barbecues, luncheons, banquets, dinners (spaghetti, chili, Italian,
etc.) concerts, gospel extravaganzas, talent/variety shows, etc.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">SEEK MEMORIALS</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">CAR WASH</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">COLLECT CHANGE AT MEETINGS</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">EVENTS<br>
• Entry fees, business sponsors, pledges<br>
• Walk-a-thon, bowl-a-thon, dance-a-thon, bike-a-thon</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">BOOTHS AND TABLES<br>
• Fairs, festivals, conventions, shopping malls, etc.<br>
• Sell items such as food, beverages, helium balloons, Kernel Books<br>
• Collect donations<br>
• Distribute information<br>
• Write names in Braille<br>
<i>Note:</i> Booths may have both free items and items at a charge.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">AUCTIONS<br>
Traditional auctions, silent auctions, Chinese auctions, art auctions, auctions
combined with a meal or concert</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">SELL ADVERTISING<br>
For state convention agendas or for other special events</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">GRANTS<br>
Apply for general grants or grants for specific purposes, such as scholarships,
NFB-NEWSLINE®, equipment, helping new people go to conventions, providing
“Braille Is Beautiful” kits to schools, etc.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">WRITE SOMETHING TO SELL<br>
Cook books, coloring books, etc.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">BUSINESS OFFERS<br>
Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, or Outback Steak House (contact store managers
for more information)</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">MEMBER PLEDGES<br>
At state convention to state treasury or PAC</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">ITEMS GROUP CAN MAKE FOR SALE<br>
Candy wreathes, Hershey’s Kisses roses, wooden crafts, greeting cards, etc.<br>
Use your imagination!</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">If you wish to exchange ideas about
how to do any of these fundraisers, you can join the listserv,
<a href="mailto:nfb-fundraising@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfb-fundraising@nfbnet.org</a>. If you ask for advice, you will get it.
Each chapter will have to make its own decisions. If there is one person
who is enthusiastic about fundraising in your chapter, the enthusiasm will be
contagious.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">As a chapter or a committee within a
chapter gains experience with the kinds of fundraisers mentioned in this list,
the group may wish to take on even bigger projects. Not every chapter
wants or needs to do big events. Fundraising, from the little projects to
the huge ones, can be challenging, stimulating, strengthening to individuals and
chapters, and very rewarding. Of course we need the money, but the
benefits of fundraising beyond the income are every bit as important and
exciting as the money itself!</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">PAC</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">The Pre-Authorized Check (PAC) plan
is a system whereby members can support our national activities by having a
specified donation withdrawn from their checking accounts on a monthly
basis. It is necessary to fill out a PAC form to instruct the NFB
accounting staff and your bank regarding your wishes.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">There are two parts to the form—one
to be kept at NFB headquarters, and one to be sent to your bank. You must
sign both parts of the form. When beginning a new PAC Plan, be sure to
include a voided check on your account when you send in your PAC form, or
include the route transit number of your bank, which can be located on the
bottom of your checks or requested by calling the bank. If you wish to
increase the amount to be withdrawn each month, no check is necessary.
The minimum monthly amount that can be contributed through PAC is $5.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">This system was designed for
individual members, and many are proud to participate. Some chapters and
state affiliates also contribute through PAC, and this is appreciated.
However, it should not be considered a replacement for individual PAC donations.
The amount of individual PAC contributions is kept confidential. If
members do not have checking accounts, it is not possible for them to donate
through PAC. Other donations are certainly appreciated, however.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">We rank state affiliates as to how
much each donates through PAC. Many members watch this ranking carefully
and find it stimulating to notice the states that are just ahead or just behind
our own. This is especially true when it is possible to move up in the
rankings. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Non-PAC donations from states are counted
separately. Whether they are received as <br>
one-time gifts or in some other manner, they are still very helpful.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Imagination
Fund</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Many of us have friends, family
members, and business associates who are aware that we are active in a national
organization of the blind that makes a lot of difference to all of us.
Some of us know community leaders who may help. Often they do not wish to
become active members but would be happy to support our work. These are
potential contributors to the Imagination Fund. This fund was started in
order to expand our financial resources to help pay for the work of the
Jernigan Institute, but it does much more than that. One quarter of the
money raised is divided evenly among the fifty-two state affiliates. A
second quarter of the money raised is available for grants that can be made to
states for special projects.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">There should be at least one
Imagination Fund Coordinator in each state and as many others to help as
possible. These people are called “Imaginators.” Imaginators can
raise money in several ways. They can make donations themselves.
They can ask their friends and associates for donations. We know and meet
people who want to support programs that benefit the blind, and it is up to us
to tell them how much the NFB is doing. Many of our friends and
associates are interested in our work and will support it financially. We
must find ways to ask appropriately. At the time of this writing, we are
still learning how to make this kind of fundraising most lucrative. We
will keep working at it until we get all the details in place. You may
order Imagination Fund brochures and return envelopes from the NFB Independence
Market.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Anyone who raises $250 or more can
march in the March for Independence at the next national convention.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">SUN</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Since the NFB depends on public
donations and we are an advocacy organization, we are trying to build a reserve
fund in case of trouble. This fund is called Shares Unlimited for NFB
(SUN).</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Individuals, chapters, state
affiliates, and divisions make donations to the SUN fund as they can.
These funds are invested and kept as a reserve. Some members have chosen
to make a monthly contribution to SUN by automatic withdrawal from their
checking accounts in a way similar to the PAC Plan. Yellow forms are
available for this purpose. Most members and many chapters and state
affiliates choose to make donations to the SUN fund quarterly or
annually. Reminders can be sent from our national office for either of
these schedules.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> Jernigan
Fund</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Shortly before the death of Dr.
Jernigan, some people decided to create a special fund in honor of our
longtime, great leader. The purpose of the fund is to provide
scholarships of various types to members of the Federation. The first
scholarships have been awarded to make it possible for new members to attend
our national convention. As the principal grows, additional scholarships
may also be offered. Contributions to the Jernigan Fund should be made
out to the NFB with “Jernigan Fund” written in the memo of the check.
Announcements of scholarships being offered each spring appear in the <i>Braille
Monitor</i> or on presidential release tapes. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">We continue to collect donations for
the Jernigan Fund, and members and chapters continue to make them. We
have not worked a lot to solicit this money. Some committee members
organize activities to benefit this fund at our national conventions. Of
course, the benefits of the fund provide motivation to support it, and many of
us wish to honor Dr. Jernigan by supporting this fund.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Contracts
with Professional Fundraisers</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Ordinarily, local chapters do not
hire or contract professional fundraisers. Some state affiliates
do. When this is done, it is essential that the contracts or agreements
be written and executed properly. If errors are made, the entire
organization can be damaged. Therefore, anytime a part of the NFB wishes
to do business with a professional fundraiser, it is necessary to have the NFB
President or someone he designates review the contract.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Model contracts can often be
provided if it is helpful. If the fundraiser has a contract for us to
sign, this may be acceptable or modifications may be necessary. The NFB
President will direct state presidents how to proceed, depending on the scope
and nature of the activity and commitment.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">At one time the most common type of
fundraising contract was made with telephone fundraisers. Although many
of these companies are doing excellent work, they are under attack and may not
be able to continue to operate as they now do. It is possible to contract
companies to manage events, and this can be considered. Some chapters
manage their own events successfully.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">It is standard procedure, when
fundraising contracts are used, for the state affiliate to divide the income in
half, giving half to the national treasury. Many chapters and state
affiliates do this with income from all fundraising projects. A chapter
may wish to keep one-third of the income; donate one-third to the state
affiliate; and one-third to the national treasury. Members are often
proud to do this when it is discussed.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Special
Events</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">It is possible to raise large
amounts of money by planning and holding special events. An event may be
a dinner, dance, auction, concert, walk-a-thon, or other kind of get-together.
Sometimes two or more of these things can be combined in one evening.
Consult state or national leaders with experience in this type of event to help
you plan one. Most would be glad to share their experiences with others.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">It is essential to work with other
organizations and individuals in the community outside our own chapters in
order to build the event into a major occurrence. Relationships must be
built over months and years to make this cooperative effort most
effective. We must make friends through business contacts and other
social and civic organizations. We must turn over some aspects of the
work to others so that they feel good about helping. However, we must
control what is said about blindness and the NFB. Each chapter will gradually
learn how to do this and gradually add new sponsors and names to invite.
There was a time when we expected an event to raise $1,000 or less. We
must raise our expectations. We can increase net income from $1,000 to
$5,000 or to $10,000. Then we can increase from $10,000 to $25,000 or to
$50,000. The gala held October 19, 2001, to celebrate the groundbreaking
of our new Jernigan Institute building at our national headquarters, raised a
net income of $150,000. How soon can we top that? I expect it will
not be too long.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">In Boise, Idaho, a city of less than
a quarter million people, the Treasure Valley Chapter of the NFB holds two
events a year: a bike-a-thon called Cycle for Independence and a Community
Recognition Dinner. Between September of 2005 and June of 2006 we raised
more than $15,000 (at least 60 percent net income), and we are hoping to
continue to improve both events. In addition to raising funds, both
events help us get to know more people in the community. At our Community
Recognition Dinner, we also present awards to individuals who have been helpful
to the blind. It takes a lot of work, but we find it is very much worth
the effort. In Charlotte, NC, our chapter raised $7,000 the first year of
its walk-a-thon.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Section
54. Fundraising Goals</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Would you like to be a part of this
sort of event? We must dream before the reality can come to pass.
My wish for chapters and state affiliates is that they have enough confidence
in their fundraising ability that they do not worry about it. They can
spend what they want because they know they can raise more. Of course, it
takes some experience with successful fundraisers for the membership to adopt
this approach. I regard fundraising as FUN! I expect it to work, and
I am prepared to do what it takes to make it work. At least one of the
members in a chapter needs to take this attitude. If some do, others will
pick it up. Gradually, the group will come to understand that fundraising
can work. I want us to be optimistic about our ability to raise funds,
and I want us to be able to spend a lot. I personally believe the
Federation will be most effective when we can afford to have an office and at
least one employee (part-time at first if necessary) in every state. In
large states we may need more than one office. I hope this day is not too
far in the future. I am happy to share my experience if asked.<br>
One more thing should be said about fundraising and money. In the
Federation, we do not borrow. If we cannot afford to do something, it
must wait. We are not afraid of challenges or work, but we must not spend
publicly contributed funds or member donations on interest. And we must
not risk what we work so hard to raise. Thus, we should spend what we
have and know that we can raise more, but we must never, ever spend more than
we have.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/state_president_resources/guideforlocalandstateleadersnationalfederationoftheblind.html#contents" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">back to contents </span></a></span></u></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><a name="m_-6973772837211959963_m_7477519735683518553_chap6"></a><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">CHAPTER VI. NFB PROGRAMS AND SERVICES</span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Section
55. NFB-NEWSLINE® </span></b></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Because of the work of the National
Federation of the Blind, every blind person in the country may have access to
daily newspapers. For the first time ever, NFB-NEWSLINE® provides the
kind of access to newspapers that sighted people have. More than 250
newspapers are on the system, and at least forty states have the service.
In addition, there are several national magazines available to blind readers in
all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. All blind
people should sign up for the service. </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Each reader is issued a six-digit
personal identification number and a four-digit security code by either the
NEWSLINE coordinator at NFB headquarters or by the state sponsor.
Participating newspapers simply send their text each morning to the
NFB-NEWSLINE® computer which translates the text into high-quality synthesized
speech. The blind person is connected with the service by dialing the
toll-free number (888-882-1629) or by dialing a local number if available, on a
touch-tone telephone and pressing his or her identification number and security
code when prompted. The subscriber chooses a newspaper by pushing buttons
on the touch-tone keypad and moves through the paper in much the same way a
sighted person would. There are several sections of each paper. One
can choose to read certain articles or parts of articles as desired.
There is no charge for this service. If a local number is available to
access the service, it should be used instead of the toll-free number in order
to help defray the cost of the service. Some newspapers can also be sent
in DAISY book form to a reader by e-mail, and this delivery method also helps
the organization save money. The e-mailed files can be read on a personal
computer, digital talking book player, Braille notetaker, or other device
capable of handling DAISY files.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Any legally blind person who wishes
to sign up for NFB-NEWSLINE® should contact the national office or the sponsor
in his or her state. All members are urged to take advantage of this
service. Each state affiliate has the responsibility of finding the money
to pay for the service, known as the state NEWSLINE sponsor. In some
states the rehabilitation agency has found the funds; in some cases the library
for the blind has done so; in other states there have been special
appropriations from the legislatures; in other states members have applied for
and received grants from private foundations and corporations. Members of
the NFB should be involved when libraries or rehabilitation agencies are
seeking funds from the legislature. You will need to ask your state
president or other NFB leaders to learn more about your state’s NFB-NEWSLINE®
service and funding.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">State sponsors and NFB members can
work to add daily newspapers to NFB-NEWSLINE®. For more information about
doing so, contact the NFB-NEWSLINE® director at the NFB headquarters.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt">Local chapters should be sure that
blind individuals in the area know of this service, know how to apply for it,
and know how to use it. Local chapters should be sure that local
libraries and other service providers are supplying application forms and
encouraging applicants to sign up. Since people are continually losing
vision, there will be those who know little or nothing about NFB-NEWSLINE® for
some time to come. <br>
NFB-NEWSLINE® has a local channel which can be used by the state sponsor to
provide information of special interest to the blind. NFB-NEWSLINE®
ordinarily does not include information which is already accessible in some
other format.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><a name="m_-6973772837211959963_m_7477519735683518553_chap7"></a><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font><p style="margin:0in 0in 8pt"><span style="line-height:107%;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri"> </font></span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">
</font></div></div></div>
</div></body></html>