[stylist] Working in blindness field

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

Julie,

First, I'm not saying this is a bad thing. Without fellow blind people
working in the field, we have little chance of continuing to develop a
voice ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities for the blind.

Second, yes, many people are passionate about blindness awareness, and
this is a good thing. This is often why people get involved in
leadership roles. But we don't all have to follow this path and work in
a blindness related field. I'm extremely passionate about advocacy and
education for blind issues, but I don't work in a blindness field. I've
been involved in various leadership roles in the Federation, but I also
have a desire to live a life outside of blindness. As passionate as I am
about furthering the goals of the Federation, I have interests, hobbies
and dreams in other areas of life.

And I will admit something here: In the years I've been involved with
the Federation, I feel very little has been done, especially in my
region, to promote and advocate for blind issues. I've done more
independent of the Federation to enact change and educate the public
about blindness. No NFB connections acquired me these opportunities, but
I found these opportunities out in the world living my life, being apart
of things other than the Federation and blindness.

We all have our own goals and dreams. We must follow whatever path we
feel is best for us. I just challenge all blind people to truly consider
their talents, abilities and dreams. Some people belong in a blindness
field and it's their true calling, but I also believe many choose this
route because it seems like the popular choice, or an initial passion
developed during training makes them feel inspired to work with fellow
blind people in hopes to give them an equal fervor, but eventually lose
steam only to find they are already in this chosen fieldor it's simply a
safety net.

I just want blind people to realize they can do anything they put their
mind too. That limitations are a human invention, and that we can
participate in any area of life we desire. It may take some
brainstorming and developing of tools and methods, but most things are
possible especially in todays world.

Bridgit
Message: 10
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2013 07:08:09 -0600
From: "Julie J." <julielj at neb.rr.com>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Working in blindness field
Message-ID: <512227B9.3040109 at neb.rr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Bridget,

Could it be that more of the state board members and generally more 
really active members of the NFB are working in the blindness field 
because blindness is their passion?It makes sense to me that if 
promoting opportunities for blind people was your life's mission that 
you'd work in that field and be more active within an organization that 
supported you.  I do think all blind people have an interest in 
achieving true equality for blind people. However I think for some it is

their major life's work, while for others of us it is something we do 
when we can around our other main pursuits. So it makes sense to me that

there would be a large number of people within the NFB that do or want 
to work in the blindness field.

I've been blind for around 20 years now.  While I do know quite a few 
blind people who work in the blindness field, I'd say I know a larger 
number who don't.  Perhaps that's because I have never been very 
involved in leadership within the NFB.  It does seem that those in 
leadership positions do work in the blindness field much more 
frequently.  Again that makes sense to me due to their strong interest 
and commitment to the cause.

Julie