[Nfbf-l] Manasota chapter

Sun Nov 21 15:27:29 UTC 2010

I do appreciate all the suggestions very much. The problem is that a chapter 
can not run a meeting unless half of the board has shown up. My board has 
fallen a part. I am not going to be doing all of the work by myself. I have 
way too much going on as it iis and I can't continue to work with a chapter 
who does not want to do anything. Something really must change very soon, or 
unfortunately I will be  stepping down. Thanks all again.

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Kirk" <kvharmon54 at gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 21, 2010 10:13 AM
To: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Manasota chapter

> David, Great advise! I am sure she will appreciate this and start to 
> utilize
> your advise as well! KH
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "David Evans" <drevans at bellsouth.net>
> To: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, November 20, 2010 11:50 AM
> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Manasota chapter
>
>
> Dear Rachel,
>
> This is a problem that every chapter faces from time to time.
> I would suggest that you ask for a copy of your membership list as it was
> likely submitted to Gloria when your chapter paid it's dues this last year
> This will give you a way around your membership person not responding.  .
> You, and or another member you still have contact with, may need to share
> the list and make some calls to people.
> It always takes the most pushing to get the car out of the ditch, but once
> it is out, it can get going on it's own again.
> First get some kind of list and share it with others.  Then 
> systemmatically
> begin building the chapter up over time.  You can not do it all over 
> night,
> so be patient, it will come with persistence.
> Run your meetings with whom ever shows up.
> Establish a regular meeting time and place and stick to it.
> You can advertise in your local news under sections called "Community
> Calendar" or "Club News."
> Submit pieces to the media 3 to 4 weeks in advance of meetings and get the
> word out to people.
> Many churches and community centers have newsletters and ask them to 
> include
> a note about your meetings as well.
>
> Developed a "media list" of newspapers, radio stations, and TV station in
> your area and cultivate contacts with them.
> I know you are a student and busier than a one armed paper hanger in a
> hurricane, but I know you can do it.  Seek help where you can and they all
> don't have to be Blind people.  Having a sighted volunteer or two to help 
> is
> okay.
> Just make use of whatever and whoever you have at hand and you will get 
> the
> job done.
>
> My chapter limped along with just 7 members for several years until we
> established our own chapter newsletter and began sending it out under the
> "Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Law"
> If you need more info on how to do this, I can supply it to you.  It cost
> almost nothing to do this each month and is a great way to communicate and
> build your chapter.  .
> We found ways to get transportation for our members , over time, and then 
> we
> just took off and grew.
> You know NFB philosophy and so just continue to spread it everywhere you 
> go
> and to whoever you meet.  BE the example, the role model and just believe 
> in
> yourself and in the philosophy.
> If transportation is an issue, and I bet it is.  Ash some local community
> service club, like the Lion's Club, to help your chapter members out by
> driving them in to your meetings.
> You could also ask if they could help you with a small grant to pay for
> telephone bill coverage to help you communicate with your board and 
> members
> or to publish your monthly newsletter.
> It can all be done as long as you do not give up looking for a way.
> If I can be of help, I live in Boca Raton in Palm Beach County and have 
> been
> a chapter President and Board member since 1987 when I helped found the 
> Palm
> Beach County Chapter.
> My contact info is as follows:
> David Evans
> 19601 Carolina Circle
> Boca Raton, Fl. 33434
> Home: (561) 482-5684
> E-mail: drevans at bellsouth.net
>
>
> David Evans, NFBF and GD Jack.
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "rachel" <oceanrls at hotmail.com>
> To: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, November 19, 2010 6:02 PM
> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Manasota chapter
>
>
>> Thanks so much. I have spoken to my vice president and he informed me he
>> is going to something else tomorrow during the same time as our meeting. 
>> I
>> can't get a hold of my membership persoon, and the fund raiser quitt. I 
>> am
>> unable to even run a meeting tomorrow. It's really not good!
>>
>> --------------------------------------------------
>> From: "Judith Hamilton" <jrhamilton51 at earthlink.net>
>> Sent: Friday, November 19, 2010 5:33 PM
>> To: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Manasota chapter
>>
>>> Rachel,
>>>
>>> Above all, do not panic.  I have been there quite a few times this year.
>>> It is not easy, but please hang in there.  Have you tried 3-way
>>> conference
>>> calling for your board meetings, prior to the actual meeting?  I know a
>>> lot of folks, especially the elderly ones may not know how to do it or
>>> may
>>> be on such a fixed income that they cannot afford the charges for it and
>>> will probably have a fit when they see a $2 charge on their phone bill.
>>> Right now that is the charge for AT&T; soon to increase next year to $3
>>> per
>>> 3-way call next year.  I know on the Florida west coast there is a
>>> different monopoly telephone company, but most older people may hang on
>>> to
>>> their landlines and you might be able to use this as an option.  Of
>>> course,
>>> there is free conference call, which are usually long distance numbers
>>> and
>>> that might set them off also depending on what plans they have.  I know
>>> this probably is not much help, but I just wanted to let you know that I
>>> understand what you are going through and that you are not alone.
>>> Judy
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> [Original Message]
>>>> From: rachel <oceanrls at hotmail.com>
>>>> To: <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Date: 11/19/2010 1:25:17 PM
>>>> Subject: [Nfbf-l] Manasota chapter
>>>>
>>>> Hello. I am having major problems with my chapter and I'm not sure what
>>> to do! I think I have lost my membership pperson now Raigan! I have
>>> e-mailed him and called him and he will not respond to anything. He has
>>> all
>>> of the member information. At this point  I don't think I can run any
>>> meetings. I am supposed to have ameeting tomorrow but without members of
>>> the board showing up I can't run the meeting. What should I do at this
>>> point!
>>>> Thanks
>>>> Rachel Jacobs
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>>
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>
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