[NABS-L] NABS Officers Standpoint
Robert Parsons
rob.parso3389 at gmail.com
Wed Dec 16 00:39:01 UTC 2020
Good Evening My Friends
I want to thank all of you for showing so much passion and support to all who have been affected by the issues being discussed. I also would love to shift the dialog a bit from ascertaining who is or isn't right to what we can do to make sure everyone who needs the support of NABS gets it. If possible, I would love to challenge you all to an activity aimed at showing our members' support in this difficult time.
One of the activities that my fraternity would do is called "Words of Love," which was aimed at showing support or appreciation of the staff in our fraternity house. We did this by writing or typing words of comfort or support and anonymously delivering them to their work spaces. It was not something monumental, but it was a symbol of empathy, something that all of our friends that are speaking out need right now. Please, join me in this endeavor by contacting one or more people that you know that have spoken out, or even someone you don't know, and letting them know that you are there for them.
Again, I know this is not the tangible, decisive response people may want at the moment, but sometimes, the first step is being present and supportive. I trust that NABS will continue to build on the rapport and empathy established by this random act of kindness. Don't give up on us, we are here to support blind students, and I'm here to listen and spread love. I am still forever grateful for your membership and hope you continue to be my family.
With Love,
Robert Parsons Jr.
Board Member
> On Dec 15, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Littlefield, Tyler via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> I'm not quite sure how one can claim to not want issues, yet drag all of this out on list. So lets take apart your assumptions, comments, etc, shall we?
>
> I didn't realize that someone who has a pressing issue or something that they are concerned about needs to introduce themselves. Maybe they are just quiet, but when someone speaks up and asks what a branch of an organization currently under a lot of fire right now for some very serious issues is doing to resolve those issues, it might mean it's time to have a discussion. Instead, you've chosen to wonder why they're even here in the first place, and to question them and their motives.
>
>
> We are an organization that proclaims to care about people, to want to advocate for people, and to make their lives better through our work. Simply telling someone that they should just "leave" when they're upset about instances of sexual assault is the exact opposite of everything an advocacy organization of NFB's calibre should stand for. Indeed, I would classify this situation as far more than a "frustrating" situation.
>
>
> You also make a lot of assumptions of what and how people who have suffered from abuse have reacted, or should react. I would like to point you to the numerous counts of women bravely coming forward to tell their story to counter this point. I do not believe that it is fair, nor right to suggest that anyone who chooses to do something different or respond differently by telling their story and asking for change is not doing the "normal" thing by just not simply putting their experiences behind them. This boarders, if it doesn't fully cross the line of accusing someone of not being truthful about their experiences, simply because their story, their actions and their behaviors don't fit within your preconceived ideals of what true victims should do.
>
>
> I personally find it offensive that you consider hearing about the traumatic events of those people who have came forward to be "bored with the details," and this is exactly why people have such a hard time coming forward and reporting. For the same reasons that we need to have constructive discussions, you have engaged in subtle victim blaming and have stood against everything that you are trying to prevent by keeping this discussion constructive.
>
>
> I do certainly hope that we can continue to have constructive discussions, but I firmly believe that this needs to occur through listening to those who have been abused, not telling them what they should be doing and how they might want to go about it. For my part, I hear you, and I stand with you. Thank you to everyone who has came forward, to everyone who is working, and to everyone who "bores themselves" with the details when people tell their stories. I have read as much of everything as I can, because I believe that if people can relive their traumatic experiences and write and tell their stories, the least I can do is read them. Thank you again.
>
>> On 12/15/2020 5:58 PM, Sami Osborne via NABS-L wrote:
>> Juan,
>>
>> I am not a list moderator, but I honestly have reservations about you being allowed to remain on this list. It seems to me like all you've done since you subscribed is to post negative comments on this thread, whether based in reality or not. You never made an intro to introduce yourself to us, nor have you contributed to any other thread as far as I'm aware. I have no idea how long you've been on here, but I don't recall you participating in any other discussions. If you don't like/are frustrated with the way a certain organization is being operated, then you just leave. Plain and simple; no one will force you to stay if you don't want to. That being said, I'm not trying to bring you down or anything of that nature. I just don't like to see discussions turning into heated arguments. As Trisha said, making accusations, whether unfounded or not, is simply not tolerated on here. We want to see action taken, not simply making judgements, assumptions, or generalizations. With that said, if you've come on here to help out the NFB, I'm sure we'd all love to here any constructive ideas/criticisms you might have. Otherwise, to put it bluntly, I don't see any point of you being on this list if all you're going to do is stay negative. Whenever one is in a frustrating situation, it's better to (A) run away from the situation entirely, or, even better, (B) feel confident, if not optimistic, that the issue will be resolved. Like I said, you don't have to be part of an email listserve, let alone an entire organization, if you don't want to.
>>
>> As for the assaults/abuse themselves, I think part of the reason people aren't sharing specifics on here is because these allegations are of a rather sexual nature, and are much too graphic for constructive dialogue. I'm not a survivor myself, so I'm not sure if this is the case with everyone, but I think most survivors would rather, like I said, either forget about the situation entirely, or move forward and take real action for fellow survivors, so that these things will never happen again in the NFB or any other setting for that matter. Furthermore, most people who have read books and/or listened to true crime documentaries and podcasts know exactly what sexual abuse looks like, so they should have a general idea when it's brought up, so no one needs to be bored with all the gory, graphic details. It's also something, like I said, most survivors would simply want to forget about that time in their lives, and therefore not want to recount a second time unless they were reporting incidents to police.
>>
>> To be clear, I'm not on anyone's side on this issue, and I'm not defending the lack of response from the Federation—after reading the entirety of this thread, I do believe the organization and NABS need to take steps to prevent these things from occurring in the future. I just want this to be a constructive thread with people sharing suggestions and ideas, and really don't want to see it turn heated by people simply making assumptions and generalizations.
>>
>> I hope you (and everyone) understands my point of view here.
>>
>> Thanks for reading,
>>
>> Sami
>>
>>> On Dec 15, 2020 8:47 AM, Juan Parra via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> Justen/NABS, what exactly is NABS doing/working on to address this problem?
>>>
>>> I also want you to give me examples of getting the Colin Kaepernick treatment. I semi believe you. You are the same person that gets your articles published in the Braille Monitor with ease and you also like to brag about your long streak of having an article published in I forgot which NFB related/affiliated publication. I think it might have been the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness.
>>>
>>> So, can you give me examples of you getting the Colin Kaepernick treatment because I am not buying it.
>>>
>>>> On Dec 15, 2020, at 4:03 AM, nabs-l-request at nfbnet.org wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Send NABS-L mailing list submissions to
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>>>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>>>> than "Re: Contents of NABS-L digest..."
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Today's Topics:
>>>>
>>>> 1. Re: NABS Officers Standpoint (Maura Loberg)
>>>> 2. Dues (Amy Albin)
>>>> 3. Re: NABS Officers Standpoint (Justin Salisbury)
>>>> 4. Re: NABS Officers Standpoint (Roanna Bacchus)
>>>> 5. Re: NABS Officers Standpoint (Caitlin Best)
>>>> 6. MNABS Monday Madness (Alycia Howard)
>>>> 7. MNABS Monday madness cont. (Alycia Howard)
>>>> 8. Time Is Running Out - The NABS At Large Seminar Registration
>>>> Deadline Is Tomorrow (Gene Kim)
>>>> 9. CVStats: an accessible Covid19 statistics site
>>>> (Littlefield, Tyler)
>>>> 10. Re: Dues (Trisha Kulkarni, National Student President)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 1
>>>> Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 06:50:48 -0600
>>>> From: Maura Loberg <mauraloberg at gmail.com>
>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] NABS Officers Standpoint
>>>> Message-ID: <3B2E5F61-09D9-459E-A819-C06C1A6F0C09 at gmail.com>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>>>
>>>> If I was a self-respecting student, I wouldn't be applying for the scholarship program. I don't want money from an organization with so much corruption. I plan to stick it out and help them change, because they really, really need change. This will no doubt be a big topic of discussion in the coming months, and I hope that leads to extreme leadership and policy changes. Until those changes occur, keep fighting the good fight and marching together. Sending love!
>>>>
>>>> Maura J. Loberg
>>>> Nebraska Wesleyan University, class of 2024
>>>> President
>>>> | Nebraska Association of Blind Students
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> On Dec 14, 2020, at 12:51 AM, Dimitrios Kouniaris via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> ? As a former graduate from both the LCB adult program, and STEP program reading all of these stories over the weekend has brought tears to my eyes! I am disgusted by the lack of response from our leaders. Especially our national president!
>>>>> This is a cancer that has spread, and corrective action needs to be taken! What is the point of being a member of a organization that refuses to deal with these on going issues? I challenge our national president to do some restructuring now! I challenge him to come up with solutions to this cancer that has spread! No one should feel like they can?t come forward. All complaints should be investigated and proper action should be taken! We don?t get anywhere if we sweep things under the rug!!! Until these issues are delt with, and some restructureing is done i refuse to suggest anyone to go to training! I believe that the skills that are taught are good, but policy?s need to be changed, and the bad apples need to go!
>>>>>
>>>>> Warm Regards,
>>>>> Mr. Dimitrios Kouniaris
>>>>> Direct Phone: 504-607-2776
>>>>> Email: dkouniaris at gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Dec 14, 2020, at 12:39 AM, Leena Bandy via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>> ?I am concerned about this too. I can verify the claim about the assistant shop instructor at LCB who is also bigoted toward races and religions different from his own. I cannot say much more here about my personal story, but I hope action is taken because this has to stop. I have seen far too many posts by young people who have been taken advantage of which is sick!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Juan Parra via NABS-L
>>>>>> Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 1:30 AM
>>>>>> To: Danielle Montour <danielle.montour1 at gmail.com>
>>>>>> Cc: Juan Parra <jp7002200 at gmail.com>; National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] NABS Officers Standpoint
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As I suspected NABS was going to come out with a BS statement. Saying we are working on the issue.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> That is code for we will talk about it for a bit and wait for everyone to settle down and continue as usual. It is like a mass shooting everyone will say sending our prayers and thoughts. The victims will fight for change, but nothing will happen.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The NFB will continue as usual because NABS is scared even though they are the future of the so-called voice of the nation?s blind and the abuse continues for another generation.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> All NABS members should step down until the NFB really changes. Pam Allen is the chair of the code of conduct committee which is a joke. I heard there is a sexist assistant instructor at the LCB Wood Shop class. Pam knows about him and his attitude against women, but he is still allowed to work their even after so many complaints.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> How about we all continue to support NABS and participate but just do not pay dues because the NFB love?s money. We must do something guy?s the youth are the future of the NFB.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> If Mark Ricco Bono does not talk about what is currently happening in the NFB during the entire live presidential release in January or I think it might be in February, he must go as president even if he does talk about it, he must go you have to be naive. To think he does not know about what is going on he has complete control of the NFB nothing happens in the NFB without his permisssion
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Honestly, the thing the NFB hate?s more than losing money is losing members to the ACB.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Ask yourself this when the #MeTo movement was going on nothing happened a BS Code of Conduct was created and a year later a known violator was given mic time at the 2019 national convention. This time it is confined to the NFB nothing is going to happen guys.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We could try to convince people to not go to the CCB, LCB, and Blind Inc until the NFB changes.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We could try to vote all the current board members and officers out at this year?s
>>>>>>
>>>>>> national convention.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We could refuse to participate in Washington Seminar.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The NFB needs the blind youth more than we need the NFB. We are the NFB.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On Dec 13, 2020, at 6:04 AM, Danielle Montour <danielle.montour1 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>> ?good morning,
>>>>>>> As someone whose first run in with sexual assault in this organization happened at a Blind students seminar, I?d like the answer to this, as well.
>>>>>>> before it happens to us as adults, it often happens to us as children when we are at specific programs to benefit students and young adults. Quite a few young people have come forward, sharing stories of all forms of misconduct that happened to them when they were children. If the survivors of these stories have actually been taken seriously, a good number of people would not be able to live near schools and playgrounds right now, and they wouldn?t be able to be part of an organization that values children, either.
>>>>>>> There has been a pretty resounding silence on this, and I hope that breaks today.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> With careful optimism,
>>>>>>> Danielle (she/her/hers)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On Dec 13, 2020, at 07:10, Juan Parra via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>>>> ?Where do the elected officers of NABS stand on the current issue of
>>>>>>>> sexual harassment inside the NFB and what are you guys planning to do about it.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> As the largest division of the NFB and the future of the NFB NABS
>>>>>>>> should boycott the NFB until they put their money where their mouth
>>>>>>>> is when it comes to policy and enforcement of the code of conduct and
>>>>>>>> insuring predators are not allowed to be part of the voice of the nation?s blind.
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/danielle.montour1
>>>>>>>> %40gmail.com
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leena.salim%40gmail.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/dkouniaris%40gmail.com
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mauraloberg%40gmail.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 2
>>>> Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 08:09:16 -0500
>>>> From: Amy Albin <amyralbin at gmail.com>
>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Subject: [NABS-L] Dues
>>>> Message-ID:
>>>> <CAC5mtjFGiUBEOpa4qW4W1vqKghOT2+GRNnMKuY7kVnk7DwVE0A at mail.gmail.com>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>>>>
>>>> Hi Trisha,
>>>>
>>>> May I please pay dues so I can rejoin NABS? Will you please send me
>>>> the link? Thanks.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 3
>>>> Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 14:18:40 +0000
>>>> From: Justin Salisbury <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>
>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] NABS Officers Standpoint
>>>> Message-ID:
>>>> <DM5PR1301MB2043641949D2E2F991E9B27B89C70 at DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>>>>
>>>> Hi everyone,
>>>>
>>>> We all heard from Trisha. It sounds like some of you might be worried about what she said. I think we all have different communication styles, and I think sometimes it takes people with styles similar to our own to help us feel the way we want to feel. I promise you, we're not done yet.
>>>>
>>>> Since we're talking about such a sensitive topic, I think it's safe to say that anyone who writes anything is at risk of receiving a negative reaction. I've had people try to kill me before, literally, so maybe that's why I'm not afraid to join here.
>>>>
>>>> From what I'm seeing, we have a lot of people speaking up in ways we've never seen before. For so many years, many of us have been silenced when we have tried to speak up, and we have felt betrayed. Many of us have been treated like Colin Kaepernick when we have spoken up. That needs to stop.
>>>>
>>>> Realistically, many of us have come to feel like formal, polished, organizational statements are efforts to silence conversations and bring conversations under the control of the body that issued the formal polished statement. I know that feeling very well. I don't think Trisha was doing that. And no, that's not a side pass at any other organizational statement; I don't speak passive aggressive that well.
>>>>
>>>> Maybe I'm a little more raw with what I say because I grew up in redneck country. I'm at my dad's house right now, and I very realistically could be the only person with a college degree on the entire street, which is a really long street. Everyone here is either a factory worker, retired, agricultural, or one guy who works at a tire barn. Maybe it's because I'm part Puerto Rican, and we don't might being really direct. Maybe it's because I'm from New England. I don't know.
>>>>
>>>> Sometimes, when I communicate that way, people from socially conservative suburban places don't like it. On the other hand, people from wealthy suburban places would struggle very much to gain the trust of the people where I am right now. No single person can connect with everyone, but I'm hoping that we can as a team.
>>>>
>>>> My understanding, when NABS says we're working on it, is that we are genuinely talking about what we can do, but we don't exactly know what the best solution is yet. Some of us knew this was a problem for a long time, and some of us are in shock. We don't necessarily want to react on impulse. I know I've done a lot of stupid things when I react impulsively, and I'd like to believe I've been growing out of that as the Federation has watched me grow up from 19 to now 31 years old.
>>>>
>>>> Many of us are angry, and as a survivor myself, I am not going to tell anyone that they shouldn't be. I think we're just trying to figure out how to do the right thing.
>>>>
>>>> You all have now seen what I could type during a coffee break. I now have to get back to work. I love you all, even those of you I don't know, and I hope we can heal together.
>>>>
>>>> Aloha,
>>>>
>>>> Justin
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury
>>>> he/him/his
>>>>
>>>> Second Vice President | National Association of Blind Students
>>>> ?? A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind
>>>> (808) 797-8606
>>>> president at alumni.ecu.edu | www.nabslink.org
>>>>
>>>> If you need help with a current accessibility barrier in school, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXoK5sWCpBjvAu4EMOANUufEoJPyUlu4QeJnMB6pIdeohmsg/viewform ?
>>>>
>>>> If you have a story about an accessibility barrier you faced in higher education, please tell your story here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf68TacBetKMAHZcMhGJLmYgeWDIjjpSm9Sz1OUwYKxzsIEAg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Maura Loberg via NABS-L
>>>> Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 7:51 AM
>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Cc: Maura Loberg <mauraloberg at gmail.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] NABS Officers Standpoint
>>>>
>>>> If I was a self-respecting student, I wouldn't be applying for the scholarship program. I don't want money from an organization with so much corruption. I plan to stick it out and help them change, because they really, really need change. This will no doubt be a big topic of discussion in the coming months, and I hope that leads to extreme leadership and policy changes. Until those changes occur, keep fighting the good fight and marching together. Sending love!
>>>>
>>>> Maura J. Loberg
>>>> Nebraska Wesleyan University, class of 2024 President
>>>> | Nebraska Association of Blind Students
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> On Dec 14, 2020, at 12:51 AM, Dimitrios Kouniaris via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> ? As a former graduate from both the LCB adult program, and STEP program reading all of these stories over the weekend has brought tears to my eyes! I am disgusted by the lack of response from our leaders. Especially our national president!
>>>>> This is a cancer that has spread, and corrective action needs to be taken! What is the point of being a member of a organization that refuses to deal with these on going issues? I challenge our national president to do some restructuring now! I challenge him to come up with solutions to this cancer that has spread! No one should feel like they can?t come forward. All complaints should be investigated and proper action should be taken! We don?t get anywhere if we sweep things under the rug!!! Until these issues are delt with, and some restructureing is done i refuse to suggest anyone to go to training! I believe that the skills that are taught are good, but policy?s need to be changed, and the bad apples need to go!
>>>>>
>>>>> Warm Regards,
>>>>> Mr. Dimitrios Kouniaris
>>>>> Direct Phone: 504-607-2776
>>>>> Email: dkouniaris at gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Dec 14, 2020, at 12:39 AM, Leena Bandy via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>> ?I am concerned about this too. I can verify the claim about the assistant shop instructor at LCB who is also bigoted toward races and religions different from his own. I cannot say much more here about my personal story, but I hope action is taken because this has to stop. I have seen far too many posts by young people who have been taken advantage of which is sick!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Juan Parra via
>>>>>> NABS-L
>>>>>> Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 1:30 AM
>>>>>> To: Danielle Montour <danielle.montour1 at gmail.com>
>>>>>> Cc: Juan Parra <jp7002200 at gmail.com>; National Association of Blind
>>>>>> Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] NABS Officers Standpoint
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As I suspected NABS was going to come out with a BS statement. Saying we are working on the issue.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> That is code for we will talk about it for a bit and wait for everyone to settle down and continue as usual. It is like a mass shooting everyone will say sending our prayers and thoughts. The victims will fight for change, but nothing will happen.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The NFB will continue as usual because NABS is scared even though they are the future of the so-called voice of the nation?s blind and the abuse continues for another generation.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> All NABS members should step down until the NFB really changes. Pam Allen is the chair of the code of conduct committee which is a joke. I heard there is a sexist assistant instructor at the LCB Wood Shop class. Pam knows about him and his attitude against women, but he is still allowed to work their even after so many complaints.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> How about we all continue to support NABS and participate but just do not pay dues because the NFB love?s money. We must do something guy?s the youth are the future of the NFB.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> If Mark Ricco Bono does not talk about what is currently happening in
>>>>>> the NFB during the entire live presidential release in January or I
>>>>>> think it might be in February, he must go as president even if he
>>>>>> does talk about it, he must go you have to be naive. To think he does
>>>>>> not know about what is going on he has complete control of the NFB
>>>>>> nothing happens in the NFB without his permisssion
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Honestly, the thing the NFB hate?s more than losing money is losing members to the ACB.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Ask yourself this when the #MeTo movement was going on nothing happened a BS Code of Conduct was created and a year later a known violator was given mic time at the 2019 national convention. This time it is confined to the NFB nothing is going to happen guys.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We could try to convince people to not go to the CCB, LCB, and Blind Inc until the NFB changes.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We could try to vote all the current board members and officers out
>>>>>> at this year?s
>>>>>>
>>>>>> national convention.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We could refuse to participate in Washington Seminar.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The NFB needs the blind youth more than we need the NFB. We are the NFB.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On Dec 13, 2020, at 6:04 AM, Danielle Montour <danielle.montour1 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>> ?good morning,
>>>>>>> As someone whose first run in with sexual assault in this organization happened at a Blind students seminar, I?d like the answer to this, as well.
>>>>>>> before it happens to us as adults, it often happens to us as children when we are at specific programs to benefit students and young adults. Quite a few young people have come forward, sharing stories of all forms of misconduct that happened to them when they were children. If the survivors of these stories have actually been taken seriously, a good number of people would not be able to live near schools and playgrounds right now, and they wouldn?t be able to be part of an organization that values children, either.
>>>>>>> There has been a pretty resounding silence on this, and I hope that breaks today.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> With careful optimism,
>>>>>>> Danielle (she/her/hers)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On Dec 13, 2020, at 07:10, Juan Parra via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>>>> ?Where do the elected officers of NABS stand on the current issue
>>>>>>>> of sexual harassment inside the NFB and what are you guys planning to do about it.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> As the largest division of the NFB and the future of the NFB NABS
>>>>>>>> should boycott the NFB until they put their money where their mouth
>>>>>>>> is when it comes to policy and enforcement of the code of conduct
>>>>>>>> and insuring predators are not allowed to be part of the voice of the nation?s blind.
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/danielle.montou
>>>>>>>> r1
>>>>>>>> %40gmail.com
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leena.salim%40gma
>>>>>> il.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/dkouniaris%40gmai
>>>>>> l.com
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mauraloberg%40gmai
>>>>> l.com
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/president%40alumni.ecu.edu
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 4
>>>> Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 14:46:01 +0000
>>>> From: Roanna Bacchus <r-bacchus at outlook.com>
>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] NABS Officers Standpoint
>>>> Message-ID:
>>>> <DM6PR05MB4219E28026BC2E17B6C9C475EEC70 at DM6PR05MB4219.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>>>>
>>>> What is going on? Did I miss something this weekend?
>>>>
>>>> On Dec 14, 2020 9:19 AM, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> Hi everyone,
>>>>
>>>> We all heard from Trisha. It sounds like some of you might be worried about what she said. I think we all have different communication styles, and I think sometimes it takes people with styles similar to our own to help us feel the way we want to feel. I promise you, we're not done yet.
>>>>
>>>> Since we're talking about such a sensitive topic, I think it's safe to say that anyone who writes anything is at risk of receiving a negative reaction. I've had people try to kill me before, literally, so maybe that's why I'm not afraid to join here.
>>>>
>>>> From what I'm seeing, we have a lot of people speaking up in ways we've never seen before. For so many years, many of us have been silenced when we have tried to speak up, and we have felt betrayed. Many of us have been treated like Colin Kaepernick when we have spoken up. That needs to stop.
>>>>
>>>> Realistically, many of us have come to feel like formal, polished, organizational statements are efforts to silence conversations and bring conversations under the control of the body that issued the formal polished statement. I know that feeling very well. I don't think Trisha was doing that. And no, that's not a side pass at any other organizational statement; I don't speak passive aggressive that well.
>>>>
>>>> Maybe I'm a little more raw with what I say because I grew up in redneck country. I'm at my dad's house right now, and I very realistically could be the only person with a college degree on the entire street, which is a really long street. Everyone here is either a factory worker, retired, agricultural, or one guy who works at a tire barn. Maybe it's because I'm part Puerto Rican, and we don't might being really direct. Maybe it's because I'm from New England. I don't know.
>>>>
>>>> Sometimes, when I communicate that way, people from socially conservative suburban places don't like it. On the other hand, people from wealthy suburban places would struggle very much to gain the trust of the people where I am right now. No single person can connect with everyone, but I'm hoping that we can as a team.
>>>>
>>>> My understanding, when NABS says we're working on it, is that we are genuinely talking about what we can do, but we don't exactly know what the best solution is yet. Some of us knew this was a problem for a long time, and some of us are in shock. We don't necessarily want to react on impulse. I know I've done a lot of stupid things when I react impulsively, and I'd like to believe I've been growing out of that as the Federation has watched me grow up from 19 to now 31 years old.
>>>>
>>>> Many of us are angry, and as a survivor myself, I am not going to tell anyone that they shouldn't be. I think we're just trying to figure out how to do the right thing.
>>>>
>>>> You all have now seen what I could type during a coffee break. I now have to get back to work. I love you all, even those of you I don't know, and I hope we can heal together.
>>>>
>>>> Aloha,
>>>>
>>>> Justin
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury
>>>> he/him/his
>>>>
>>>> Second Vice President | National Association of Blind Students
>>>> A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind
>>>> (808) 797-8606
>>>> president at alumni.ecu.edu | www.nabslink.org<http://www.nabslink.org>
>>>>
>>>> If you need help with a current accessibility barrier in school, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXoK5sWCpBjvAu4EMOANUufEoJPyUlu4QeJnMB6pIdeohmsg/viewform
>>>>
>>>> If you have a story about an accessibility barrier you faced in higher education, please tell your story here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf68TacBetKMAHZcMhGJLmYgeWDIjjpSm9Sz1OUwYKxzsIEAg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Maura Loberg via NABS-L
>>>> Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 7:51 AM
>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Cc: Maura Loberg <mauraloberg at gmail.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] NABS Officers Standpoint
>>>>
>>>> If I was a self-respecting student, I wouldn't be applying for the scholarship program. I don't want money from an organization with so much corruption. I plan to stick it out and help them change, because they really, really need change. This will no doubt be a big topic of discussion in the coming months, and I hope that leads to extreme leadership and policy changes. Until those changes occur, keep fighting the good fight and marching together. Sending love!
>>>>
>>>> Maura J. Loberg
>>>> Nebraska Wesleyan University, class of 2024 President
>>>> | Nebraska Association of Blind Students
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> On Dec 14, 2020, at 12:51 AM, Dimitrios Kouniaris via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> ? As a former graduate from both the LCB adult program, and STEP program reading all of these stories over the weekend has brought tears to my eyes! I am disgusted by the lack of response from our leaders. Especially our national president!
>>>>> This is a cancer that has spread, and corrective action needs to be taken! What is the point of being a member of a organization that refuses to deal with these on going issues? I challenge our national president to do some restructuring now! I challenge him to come up with solutions to this cancer that has spread! No one should feel like they can?t come forward. All complaints should be investigated and proper action should be taken! We don?t get anywhere if we sweep things under the rug!!! Until these issues are delt with, and some restructureing is done i refuse to suggest anyone to go to training! I believe that the skills that are taught are good, but policy?s need to be changed, and the bad apples need to go!
>>>>>
>>>>> Warm Regards,
>>>>> Mr. Dimitrios Kouniaris
>>>>> Direct Phone: 504-607-2776
>>>>> Email: dkouniaris at gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Dec 14, 2020, at 12:39 AM, Leena Bandy via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>> ?I am concerned about this too. I can verify the claim about the assistant shop instructor at LCB who is also bigoted toward races and religions different from his own. I cannot say much more here about my personal story, but I hope action is taken because this has to stop. I have seen far too many posts by young people who have been taken advantage of which is sick!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Juan Parra via
>>>>>> NABS-L
>>>>>> Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 1:30 AM
>>>>>> To: Danielle Montour <danielle.montour1 at gmail.com>
>>>>>> Cc: Juan Parra <jp7002200 at gmail.com>; National Association of Blind
>>>>>> Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] NABS Officers Standpoint
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As I suspected NABS was going to come out with a BS statement. Saying we are working on the issue.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> That is code for we will talk about it for a bit and wait for everyone to settle down and continue as usual. It is like a mass shooting everyone will say sending our prayers and thoughts. The victims will fight for change, but nothing will happen.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The NFB will continue as usual because NABS is scared even though they are the future of the so-called voice of the nation?s blind and the abuse continues for another generation.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> All NABS members should step down until the NFB really changes. Pam Allen is the chair of the code of conduct committee which is a joke. I heard there is a sexist assistant instructor at the LCB Wood Shop class. Pam knows about him and his attitude against women, but he is still allowed to work their even after so many complaints.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> How about we all continue to support NABS and participate but just do not pay dues because the NFB love?s money. We must do something guy?s the youth are the future of the NFB.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> If Mark Ricco Bono does not talk about what is currently happening in
>>>>>> the NFB during the entire live presidential release in January or I
>>>>>> think it might be in February, he must go as president even if he
>>>>>> does talk about it, he must go you have to be naive. To think he does
>>>>>> not know about what is going on he has complete control of the NFB
>>>>>> nothing happens in the NFB without his permisssion
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Honestly, the thing the NFB hate?s more than losing money is losing members to the ACB.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Ask yourself this when the #MeTo movement was going on nothing happened a BS Code of Conduct was created and a year later a known violator was given mic time at the 2019 national convention. This time it is confined to the NFB nothing is going to happen guys.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We could try to convince people to not go to the CCB, LCB, and Blind Inc until the NFB changes.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We could try to vote all the current board members and officers out
>>>>>> at this year?s
>>>>>>
>>>>>> national convention.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We could refuse to participate in Washington Seminar.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The NFB needs the blind youth more than we need the NFB. We are the NFB.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On Dec 13, 2020, at 6:04 AM, Danielle Montour <danielle.montour1 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>> ?good morning,
>>>>>>> As someone whose first run in with sexual assault in this organization happened at a Blind students seminar, I?d like the answer to this, as well.
>>>>>>> before it happens to us as adults, it often happens to us as children when we are at specific programs to benefit students and young adults. Quite a few young people have come forward, sharing stories of all forms of misconduct that happened to them when they were children. If the survivors of these stories have actually been taken seriously, a good number of people would not be able to live near schools and playgrounds right now, and they wouldn?t be able to be part of an organization that values children, either.
>>>>>>> There has been a pretty resounding silence on this, and I hope that breaks today.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> With careful optimism,
>>>>>>> Danielle (she/her/hers)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On Dec 13, 2020, at 07:10, Juan Parra via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>>>> ?Where do the elected officers of NABS stand on the current issue
>>>>>>>> of sexual harassment inside the NFB and what are you guys planning to do about it.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> As the largest division of the NFB and the future of the NFB NABS
>>>>>>>> should boycott the NFB until they put their money where their mouth
>>>>>>>> is when it comes to policy and enforcement of the code of conduct
>>>>>>>> and insuring predators are not allowed to be part of the voice of the nation?s blind.
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/danielle.montou
>>>>>>>> r1
>>>>>>>> %40gmail.com
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leena.salim%40gma
>>>>>> il.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/dkouniaris%40gmai
>>>>>> l.com
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mauraloberg%40gmai
>>>>> l.com
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/president%40alumni.ecu.edu
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/r-bacchus%40outlook.com
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 5
>>>> Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 07:00:31 -0800
>>>> From: Caitlin Best <bestca21 at gmail.com>
>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] NABS Officers Standpoint
>>>> Message-ID:
>>>> <CAJ=wgVre=m8rj_SNkLeHDfuaKniS4FoSKf4yWR+wAA6+iEjGAA at mail.gmail.com>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>>>>
>>>> Thank you for your words, Justin. I believe you when you say there
>>>> will be change, and I am hoping that is true. Reading so many accounts
>>>> of misconduct has brought up a lot of memories of my own, which I have
>>>> written about on my social media account. For those who are curious
>>>> and I don't know personally, just know I am a victim and a survivor. I
>>>> will not be accepting requests from people I do not already know or
>>>> don't feel comfortable with.
>>>>
>>>> With so many stories comes a lot of pain and reliving trauma, and for
>>>> those of us who have experienced sexual assault, harassment, physical
>>>> violence, emotional or verbal abuse know that I am with you. I am here
>>>> for you. I believe you. If at all you feel like you need to talk,
>>>> please consider seeking professional help to start the healing process
>>>> and mend those wounds. You may be surprised how just talking about it
>>>> helps along with learning coping skills to handle those unbearable
>>>> moments of discomfort, anxiety, and panic. We may not be able to
>>>> change our pasts, but we have the ability to change the future--not
>>>> just for us, but for future students and future generations of blind
>>>> people. #MarchingTogether
>>>> Sincerely,
>>>> Caitlin
>>>>
>>>>> On 12/14/20, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>> Hi everyone,
>>>>>
>>>>> We all heard from Trisha. It sounds like some of you might be worried about
>>>>> what she said. I think we all have different communication styles, and I
>>>>> think sometimes it takes people with styles similar to our own to help us
>>>>> feel the way we want to feel. I promise you, we're not done yet.
>>>>>
>>>>> Since we're talking about such a sensitive topic, I think it's safe to say
>>>>> that anyone who writes anything is at risk of receiving a negative reaction.
>>>>> I've had people try to kill me before, literally, so maybe that's why I'm
>>>>> not afraid to join here.
>>>>>
>>>>> From what I'm seeing, we have a lot of people speaking up in ways we've
>>>>> never seen before. For so many years, many of us have been silenced when we
>>>>> have tried to speak up, and we have felt betrayed. Many of us have been
>>>>> treated like Colin Kaepernick when we have spoken up. That needs to stop.
>>>>>
>>>>> Realistically, many of us have come to feel like formal, polished,
>>>>> organizational statements are efforts to silence conversations and bring
>>>>> conversations under the control of the body that issued the formal polished
>>>>> statement. I know that feeling very well. I don't think Trisha was doing
>>>>> that. And no, that's not a side pass at any other organizational statement;
>>>>> I don't speak passive aggressive that well.
>>>>>
>>>>> Maybe I'm a little more raw with what I say because I grew up in redneck
>>>>> country. I'm at my dad's house right now, and I very realistically could be
>>>>> the only person with a college degree on the entire street, which is a
>>>>> really long street. Everyone here is either a factory worker, retired,
>>>>> agricultural, or one guy who works at a tire barn. Maybe it's because I'm
>>>>> part Puerto Rican, and we don't might being really direct. Maybe it's
>>>>> because I'm from New England. I don't know.
>>>>>
>>>>> Sometimes, when I communicate that way, people from socially conservative
>>>>> suburban places don't like it. On the other hand, people from wealthy
>>>>> suburban places would struggle very much to gain the trust of the people
>>>>> where I am right now. No single person can connect with everyone, but I'm
>>>>> hoping that we can as a team.
>>>>>
>>>>> My understanding, when NABS says we're working on it, is that we are
>>>>> genuinely talking about what we can do, but we don't exactly know what the
>>>>> best solution is yet. Some of us knew this was a problem for a long time,
>>>>> and some of us are in shock. We don't necessarily want to react on impulse.
>>>>> I know I've done a lot of stupid things when I react impulsively, and I'd
>>>>> like to believe I've been growing out of that as the Federation has watched
>>>>> me grow up from 19 to now 31 years old.
>>>>>
>>>>> Many of us are angry, and as a survivor myself, I am not going to tell
>>>>> anyone that they shouldn't be. I think we're just trying to figure out how
>>>>> to do the right thing.
>>>>>
>>>>> You all have now seen what I could type during a coffee break. I now have to
>>>>> get back to work. I love you all, even those of you I don't know, and I hope
>>>>> we can heal together.
>>>>>
>>>>> Aloha,
>>>>>
>>>>> Justin
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury
>>>>> he/him/his
>>>>>
>>>>> Second Vice President | National Association of Blind Students
>>>>> ?? A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind
>>>>> (808) 797-8606
>>>>> president at alumni.ecu.edu | www.nabslink.org
>>>>>
>>>>> If you need help with a current accessibility barrier in school, visit:
>>>>> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXoK5sWCpBjvAu4EMOANUufEoJPyUlu4QeJnMB6pIdeohmsg/viewform
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> If you have a story about an accessibility barrier you faced in higher
>>>>> education, please tell your story here:
>>>>> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf68TacBetKMAHZcMhGJLmYgeWDIjjpSm9Sz1OUwYKxzsIEAg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Maura Loberg via
>>>>> NABS-L
>>>>> Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 7:51 AM
>>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Cc: Maura Loberg <mauraloberg at gmail.com>
>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] NABS Officers Standpoint
>>>>>
>>>>> If I was a self-respecting student, I wouldn't be applying for the
>>>>> scholarship program. I don't want money from an organization with so much
>>>>> corruption. I plan to stick it out and help them change, because they
>>>>> really, really need change. This will no doubt be a big topic of discussion
>>>>> in the coming months, and I hope that leads to extreme leadership and policy
>>>>> changes. Until those changes occur, keep fighting the good fight and
>>>>> marching together. Sending love!
>>>>>
>>>>> Maura J. Loberg
>>>>> Nebraska Wesleyan University, class of 2024 President
>>>>> | Nebraska Association of Blind Students
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> On Dec 14, 2020, at 12:51 AM, Dimitrios Kouniaris via NABS-L
>>>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ? As a former graduate from both the LCB adult program, and STEP
>>>>>> program reading all of these stories over the weekend has brought tears to
>>>>>> my eyes! I am disgusted by the lack of response from our leaders.
>>>>>> Especially our national president!
>>>>>> This is a cancer that has spread, and corrective action needs to be
>>>>>> taken! What is the point of being a member of a organization that refuses
>>>>>> to deal with these on going issues? I challenge our national president to
>>>>>> do some restructuring now! I challenge him to come up with solutions to
>>>>>> this cancer that has spread! No one should feel like they can?t come
>>>>>> forward. All complaints should be investigated and proper action should be
>>>>>> taken! We don?t get anywhere if we sweep things under the rug!!! Until
>>>>>> these issues are delt with, and some restructureing is done i refuse to
>>>>>> suggest anyone to go to training! I believe that the skills that are
>>>>>> taught are good, but policy?s need to be changed, and the bad apples need
>>>>>> to go!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Warm Regards,
>>>>>> Mr. Dimitrios Kouniaris
>>>>>> Direct Phone: 504-607-2776
>>>>>> Email: dkouniaris at gmail.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Dec 14, 2020, at 12:39 AM, Leena Bandy via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ?I am concerned about this too. I can verify the claim about the
>>>>>>> assistant shop instructor at LCB who is also bigoted toward races and
>>>>>>> religions different from his own. I cannot say much more here about my
>>>>>>> personal story, but I hope action is taken because this has to stop. I
>>>>>>> have seen far too many posts by young people who have been taken
>>>>>>> advantage of which is sick!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Juan Parra via
>>>>>>> NABS-L
>>>>>>> Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 1:30 AM
>>>>>>> To: Danielle Montour <danielle.montour1 at gmail.com>
>>>>>>> Cc: Juan Parra <jp7002200 at gmail.com>; National Association of Blind
>>>>>>> Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] NABS Officers Standpoint
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> As I suspected NABS was going to come out with a BS statement. Saying we
>>>>>>> are working on the issue.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> That is code for we will talk about it for a bit and wait for everyone to
>>>>>>> settle down and continue as usual. It is like a mass shooting everyone
>>>>>>> will say sending our prayers and thoughts. The victims will fight for
>>>>>>> change, but nothing will happen.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The NFB will continue as usual because NABS is scared even though they
>>>>>>> are the future of the so-called voice of the nation?s blind and the abuse
>>>>>>> continues for another generation.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> All NABS members should step down until the NFB really changes. Pam Allen
>>>>>>> is the chair of the code of conduct committee which is a joke. I heard
>>>>>>> there is a sexist assistant instructor at the LCB Wood Shop class. Pam
>>>>>>> knows about him and his attitude against women, but he is still allowed
>>>>>>> to work their even after so many complaints.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> How about we all continue to support NABS and participate but just do not
>>>>>>> pay dues because the NFB love?s money. We must do something guy?s the
>>>>>>> youth are the future of the NFB.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> If Mark Ricco Bono does not talk about what is currently happening in
>>>>>>> the NFB during the entire live presidential release in January or I
>>>>>>> think it might be in February, he must go as president even if he
>>>>>>> does talk about it, he must go you have to be naive. To think he does
>>>>>>> not know about what is going on he has complete control of the NFB
>>>>>>> nothing happens in the NFB without his permisssion
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Honestly, the thing the NFB hate?s more than losing money is losing
>>>>>>> members to the ACB.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Ask yourself this when the #MeTo movement was going on nothing happened a
>>>>>>> BS Code of Conduct was created and a year later a known violator was
>>>>>>> given mic time at the 2019 national convention. This time it is confined
>>>>>>> to the NFB nothing is going to happen guys.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> We could try to convince people to not go to the CCB, LCB, and Blind Inc
>>>>>>> until the NFB changes.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> We could try to vote all the current board members and officers out
>>>>>>> at this year?s
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> national convention.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> We could refuse to participate in Washington Seminar.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The NFB needs the blind youth more than we need the NFB. We are the NFB.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On Dec 13, 2020, at 6:04 AM, Danielle Montour
>>>>>>>>> <danielle.montour1 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>> ?good morning,
>>>>>>>> As someone whose first run in with sexual assault in this organization
>>>>>>>> happened at a Blind students seminar, I?d like the answer to this, as
>>>>>>>> well.
>>>>>>>> before it happens to us as adults, it often happens to us as children
>>>>>>>> when we are at specific programs to benefit students and young adults.
>>>>>>>> Quite a few young people have come forward, sharing stories of all forms
>>>>>>>> of misconduct that happened to them when they were children. If the
>>>>>>>> survivors of these stories have actually been taken seriously, a good
>>>>>>>> number of people would not be able to live near schools and playgrounds
>>>>>>>> right now, and they wouldn?t be able to be part of an organization that
>>>>>>>> values children, either.
>>>>>>>> There has been a pretty resounding silence on this, and I hope that
>>>>>>>> breaks today.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> With careful optimism,
>>>>>>>> Danielle (she/her/hers)
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> On Dec 13, 2020, at 07:10, Juan Parra via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>>> ?Where do the elected officers of NABS stand on the current issue
>>>>>>>>> of sexual harassment inside the NFB and what are you guys planning to
>>>>>>>>> do about it.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> As the largest division of the NFB and the future of the NFB NABS
>>>>>>>>> should boycott the NFB until they put their money where their mouth
>>>>>>>>> is when it comes to policy and enforcement of the code of conduct
>>>>>>>>> and insuring predators are not allowed to be part of the voice of the
>>>>>>>>> nation?s blind.
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/danielle.montou
>>>>>>>>> r1
>>>>>>>>> %40gmail.com
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leena.salim%40gma
>>>>>>> il.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/dkouniaris%40gmai
>>>>>>> l.com
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mauraloberg%40gmai
>>>>>> l.com
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/president%40alumni.ecu.edu
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/bestca21%40gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 6
>>>> Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 09:28:46 -0600
>>>> From: Alycia Howard <ktisalycia98 at icloud.com>
>>>> To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>> Subject: [NABS-L] MNABS Monday Madness
>>>> Message-ID: <825ADF92-1F1A-4CD2-9984-016D322D884A at icloud.com>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>>>>
>>>> Hello everyone, happy Monday! To celebrate the end of the semester, come hang out with friends at MNABS Monday madness tonight, starting at 7 PM central. We look forward to seeing you all there!
>>>>
>>>> https://umn.zoom.us/j/92700794823?pwd=NkgrWnEyZE5xL2FuSG1qVVdNc3BDUT09
>>>>
>>>> Alycia Howard, Secretary of the Minnesota Association of Blind Students, a proud division of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 7
>>>> Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 09:43:13 -0600
>>>> From: Alycia Howard <ktisalycia98 at icloud.com>
>>>> To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>> Subject: [NABS-L] MNABS Monday madness cont.
>>>> Message-ID: <438B9513-2240-4CA8-AF8A-E77FC23E40C1 at icloud.com>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>>>>
>>>> I realized I forgot to put the rest of the meeting details into my last email. Hope to see you all at Monday madness tonight at 7 PM Central.
>>>>
>>>> Topic: MNABS Monday Madness
>>>>
>>>> Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Join Zoom Meeting
>>>>
>>>> https://umn.zoom.us/j/92700794823?pwd=NkgrWnEyZE5xL2FuSG1qVVdNc3BDUT09
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Meeting ID: 927 0079 4823
>>>>
>>>> Passcode: 7ZiFp!
>>>>
>>>> One tap mobile
>>>>
>>>> +16513728299,,92700794823#,,,,,,0#,,729734# US (Minnesota)
>>>>
>>>> +13017158592,,92700794823#,,,,,,0#,,729734# US (Washington D.C)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Dial by your location
>>>>
>>>> +1 651 372 8299 US (Minnesota)
>>>>
>>>> +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
>>>>
>>>> +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
>>>>
>>>> +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
>>>>
>>>> +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
>>>>
>>>> +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
>>>>
>>>> +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
>>>>
>>>> Meeting ID: 927 0079 4823
>>>>
>>>> Passcode: 729734
>>>>
>>>> Find your local number: https://umn.zoom.us/u/axyPdL6DK
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Join by SIP
>>>>
>>>> 92700794823 at zoomcrc.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Join by H.323
>>>>
>>>> 162.255.37.11 (US West)
>>>>
>>>> 162.255.36.11 (US East)
>>>>
>>>> 221.122.88.195 (China)
>>>>
>>>> 115.114.131.7 (India Mumbai)
>>>>
>>>> 115.114.115.7 (India Hyderabad)
>>>>
>>>> 213.19.144.110 (Amsterdam Netherlands)
>>>>
>>>> 213.244.140.110 (Germany)
>>>>
>>>> 103.122.166.55 (Australia)
>>>>
>>>> 209.9.211.110 (Hong Kong SAR)
>>>>
>>>> 149.137.40.110 (Singapore)
>>>>
>>>> 64.211.144.160 (Brazil)
>>>>
>>>> 69.174.57.160 (Canada)
>>>>
>>>> 207.226.132.110 (Japan)
>>>>
>>>> Meeting ID: 927 0079 4823
>>>>
>>>> Passcode: 729734
>>>>
>>>> Alycia Howard, Secretary of the Minnesota Association of Blind Students
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 8
>>>> Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 12:34:56 -0800
>>>> From: Gene Kim <gene.sh.kim at gmail.com>
>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Subject: [NABS-L] Time Is Running Out - The NABS At Large Seminar
>>>> Registration Deadline Is Tomorrow
>>>> Message-ID:
>>>> <CAEvYTGOGfXLGMX8Sgm=+q+EYyCq+KNRW1CZcWrc-8Pyhmk9dsQ at mail.gmail.com>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>>>>
>>>> Hello NABS!
>>>>
>>>> I hope this finds you on a good start to the week. Coming at you with
>>>> another reminder that that registration for the virtual NABS At Large
>>>> Seminar, themed ?Speaking Up and Branching Out? (January 9 ? 10, 2021) is
>>>> closing tomorrow evening! You absolutely don?t want to miss this awesome
>>>> opportunity to level up your public speaking skills and confidence. Whether
>>>> you?ve been delivering polished speeches for years or just starting to
>>>> develop interest in becoming a more effective communicator, this seminar?s
>>>> got you covered with interactive activities, guest speakers, philosophical
>>>> discussions, and so much more. Don?t push this until later?register here
>>>> <https://forms.gle/pGrq8jg2TTa2opETA> or using the link below!
>>>>
>>>>> https://forms.gle/pGrq8jg2TTa2opETA
>>>>>
>>>>> If you are in need of financial assistance to pay the $25 registration
>>>>> fee, please contact Trisha Kulkarni at nabs.president at gmail.com.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Warmly,
>>>>>
>>>> Gene
>>>>> --
>>>>>
>>>>> Gene Sung-Ho Kim | B.S. Candidate, Symbolic Systems | Stanford University
>>>>>
>>>>> Social Media Coordinator | National Association of Blind Students
>>>>>
>>>>> Secretary | California Association of Blind Students
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 9
>>>> Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 20:45:07 -0600
>>>> From: "Littlefield, Tyler" <tyler at tysdomain.com> (by way of David
>>>> Andrews <dandrews920 at comcast.net>)
>>>> To: david.andrews at nfbnet.org
>>>> Subject: [NABS-L] CVStats: an accessible Covid19 statistics site
>>>> Message-ID: <mailman.5.1608033601.4988.nabs-l_nfbnet.org at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> CVStats is an accessible website for displaying Covid19 data for
>>>> those who are blind or visually impaired. When the pandemic began and
>>>> still to this day,
>>>> most news sources and articles display data in graphs, or as a type
>>>> of visual representation that is hard, if not impossible for those
>>>> using screen readers
>>>> or who are low vision to understand. My goal in creating this site
>>>> was to find a way to gather data that people might find useful and
>>>> present it in a form
>>>> that is easy to read, understand and navigate.
>>>>
>>>> To date, the site currently enables viewing data as a global set of
>>>> statistics, by state in the United States, and by county in the
>>>> United states, with
>>>> more to come. I accept feature requests (although I may not be able
>>>> to complete them given that I also work a full job), but I will do my
>>>> best, as well
>>>> as comments and issues.
>>>>
>>>> Please visit
>>>> https://cvstats.net
>>>>
>>>> I hope this resource is useful to you, and please feel free to share
>>>> this with anyone you feel might be able to make use of it.
>>>>
>>>> Stay Safe,
>>>>
>>>> Ty
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>>
>>>> Take Care,
>>>> Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)
>>>> tyler at tysdomain.com
>>>> https://cvstats.net
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Tyler has asked me to circulate the below message. This is a very
>>>> useful sight, and he has done a good job of making a difficult
>>>> presentation completely accessible to screen reader users.
>>>>
>>>> Dave
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Message: 10
>>>> Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2020 00:10:17 -0500
>>>> From: "Trisha Kulkarni, National Student President"
>>>> <nabs.president at gmail.com>
>>>> To: "'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'"
>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Dues
>>>> Message-ID: <06ab01d6d2a0$94692f50$bd3b8df0$@gmail.com>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>>>>
>>>> Sent it your way ?
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Amy Albin via NABS-L
>>>> Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 8:09 AM
>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Cc: Amy Albin <amyralbin at gmail.com>
>>>> Subject: [NABS-L] Dues
>>>>
>>>> Hi Trisha,
>>>>
>>>> May I please pay dues so I can rejoin NABS? Will you please send me the link? Thanks.
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Subject: Digest Footer
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> End of NABS-L Digest, Vol 170, Issue 13
>>>> ***************************************
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
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>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/sami.j.osborne97%40gmail.com
>> _______________________________________________
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>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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