[Youth-outreach] Now the NFB Youth Slam is over....

[Thorpe, Mary Jo]

HI all,
    Well, the second NFB Youth Slam has come and gone with a lot of
exciting memories made and lessons learned.  Most importantly though, a
brand new batch of youth were introduced to our organization and unique
philosophy on blindness.  Thanks to all of you again who helped recruit
this summer's great group.  But, don't forget, we still need all of your
help to keep them engaged in our cause.  
    Back in May, a member from our team sent contact information to
respective state presidents for youth who had applied and/or were
accepted to the NFB Youth Slam.  We hope that you will all take
advantage of this opportunity to follow up with these youth and get them
engaged in your affiliates.  If you need this information again, please
contact Becca Cordell at bcordell at nfb.org or at 410-659-9314 ext. 2312
to have this info re-sent to you.  
    We had some of the brightest, exciting young people at this event
and know they can make great contributions to our organization.  Here
are a few suggestions how you as a state affiliate can start getting
them involved:
 
*Invite NFB Youth Slam participants to speak at your next state
convention about their experience in the program 
 
*Have the chapter president from the youth's area contact them and
invite them to attend the next chapter meeting 
 
*Pair the NFB Youth Slam participant(s)  up with positive mentors in
your state 
 
*Ask your state's student division to contact these youth and invite
them to student activities 
 
*Invite the NFB Youth Slam participant(s) to write up something about
his/her experience for your affiliate's newsletter or website 
 
*If your state has a transition club, Jr. NFB chapter, or some other
kind of youth program, invite NFB Youth Slam participants to join if
they are not already a part of this program.  
 
If you have other ideas to share with these lists, please feel free to
do so.  We would love to hear what you all are doing to help involve
these youth in your states.  If you have any questions, please feel free
to contact me.  
 
    On one last note, there are some great postings and podcasts from
the NFB Youth Slam participants available at www.blindscience.org.  I
encourage you all to check them out and share them with those you know!
It's exciting to see how our work is making a difference.  
Best of luck!!!
 
Sincerely,
Mary Jo Thorpe-Hartle

 

Mary Jo Thorpe-Hartle, MEd, NOMC

Education Program Manager 

Jernigan Institute 
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND 
1800 Johnson St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (410)659-9314 ext. 2407
Email: MTHORPE at nfb.org <mailto:MTHORPE at nfb.org>  
Visit www.nfb.org <http://www.nfb.org/>