[Oabs] membership

Fri May 15 20:47:43 UTC 2015

Hi all,

Darian makes some great points, and I think especially as someone
outside the affiliate that that point of view is valuable.  Those of
us who have been in the division for more than a year and actively
participating wouldn't still be doing it if we didn't find the
division's efforts and the camaraderie worthwhile, and I can probably
speak for the rest of the board when I say that this is so even if any
of us has a long or trying day before a meeting.  I know Thursdays
were my worst day this semester, but it felt good to get out of class
and do OABS stuff.  This is especially so now that we're succeeding in
a major fundraiser and have come a long way.

The catch 22 here, if timing is the issue, is that every few months
the board asks the membership what their scheduling preferences are in
our surveys.  We do this at least at the beginning of the Spring
semester, after the semester ends for the summer months, and before
the fall semester begins to make sure everyone can attend.  This past
semester showed no significant variation in the desired start day and
time for our general meetings or those of the committees and everyone
indicated on the summer surveys that they wanted to keep the meetings
on Thursdays at 7:30.  I think that Emily and Aleeha have both been
considerate of timing and dates that members are available according
to the survey results that I have shared with them.  No committee or
regular meetings are decided without looking at the surveys for
timing.  Some people even shared when they would be available for
meetings but have never called in or only showed up at the beginning
to committee meetings.  It often takes more than one call to share
your ideas and contribute to the work of a group, so I'm wondering if
the availability isn't an issue why this is happening.  If
availability really is an issue how can we fix it when people have
indicated in the surveys that it shouldn't be?  Why are people showing
up in the beginning but never calling back after the first or second
call when they seem so eager to get involved?  To borrow Eric's
phraseology from discussions on Ohio-talk this week, how can we get it
done?

On 5/15/15, Darian Smith via Oabs <oabs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> haha sorry guys wrong message.
>  But since I kind of did that, I might as well say something, right?
>   I find that the beauty of the student division is that in basic, everyone
> is dealing with the same types of issues   of academic  responsibilities,
> extra-curricular  pursuits,  familial obligations and the like on top of our
>  work in the Federation.
>  This makes it easier to understand where each other is coming from and
> helps us be more supportive of the issues we are facing in our academic
> careers and helps us grow together as members of our Federation family.
>   I know that sometimes showing up to  a call might  feel like the last
> thing that I want to do, but being around my Federation family helps to make
> me feel better on those days.
>  Talking about ways to  get more people excited about the movement that I’m
> very  excited about can be very..wait for it… exciting, and  knowing that
> I’m not planning something on that call by  myself reminds me that I’m not
> going through these things that I do as a blind student alone.
>  I wish you all the best in the  end of semester rush and commend Kaiti and
> the rest of you for the great stuff you guys are doing.
>    Best,
>   Darian
>
>> On May 15, 2015, at 1:08 PM, Brennen Kinch via Oabs <oabs at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> I think its just the timing more than anything else
>> With me if i am tired from a long day of school it makes it hard to come
>> to a meeting
>> But just the same i will try and come to more meetings
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>> On May 15, 2015, at 12:52 PM, Kaiti Shelton via Oabs <oabs at nfbnet.org
>>> <mailto:oabs at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
>>>
>>> What I would like to know from the membership is why these committee
>>> meetings for both fundraising and membership have been unsuccessful.
>>> We've struggled with this problem almost ever since we started having
>>> committees about a year and a half ago, and to a lesser extent but still
>>> concerning is the fact that it also has effected general meetings.
>>>
>>> In order to fix the problem Aleeha, Emily, and I need to understand it
>>> first. I have asked for feedback on this same topic before and have never
>>> received a response but communication is the way in which we can improve.
>>> Even if you've never attended a committee meeting please tell me why so I
>>> can address the issue. Is it the timing? The fact that it's another
>>> meeting? What can I do as president and what can Aleeha and Emily do as
>>> chairs to make it better?
>>>
>>> I know we're all busy students but ultimately OABS only takes very little
>>> time each month and the work we do will improve educational opportunities
>>> for other students. In order to accomplish our goals we need to have
>>> working committees. Any feedback would be appreciated.
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>> On May 15, 2015, at 12:16 PM, Aleeha Dudley via Oabs <oabs at nfbnet.org>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Hi all,
>>>> I do apologize about last night: my friend was in the hospital and
>>>> things were slightly hectic. However, i need all of you to let me know
>>>> what you think we should be doing. I’m sick of having unproductive
>>>> conference calls. This committee is at a standstill and it’s time to
>>>> kick it into overdrive. Please send me any suggestions.
>>>> Aleeha Dudley and Seeing Eye Dog Dallas
>>>> Vice President, Ohio Association of Guide Dog Users
>>>> Vice President, Ohio Association of Blind Students
>>>> Both proud divisions of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
>>>> Email: blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com <mailto:blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com>
>>>> Phone: 937-733-0525
>>>> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
>>>> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
>>>> expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
>>>> between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
>>>> blindness is not what holds you back.
>>>> “The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears.” -
>>>> Arabian proverb
>>>>
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>>
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-- 
Kaiti Shelton
University of Dayton 2016.
Music Therapy, Psychology, Philosophy
President, Ohio Association of Blind Students
Sigma Alpha Iota-Delta Sigma