[Mt-blind] NFB of Montana

[Jim Marks]

Someone asked me off line why I sometimes refer to the Montana Association
for the Blind (MAB)( as the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of
Montana.  The reason is simple.  The MAB is Montana's chartered affiliate of
the NFB.  Just like chapters are part of the MAB in that they are chartered
by the state organization, the state MAB is part of national.  I know that
some MAB members feel strongly about the NFB.  Some see the NFB as a threat,
and the feeling is really just that, a feeling without the merit of facts.
Fact is, the MAB is the NFB.  The charters prove this.  We ought to be proud
of our state group, and we should feel the same for our national.  Also,
there is a very practical reason for affirming our relationship with the
NFB.  Blind people need the name recognition in our advocacy to improve our
lives and the lives of blind persons who follow us.  The NFB makes a huge
difference in my life and the lives of all blind Montanans.  For example,
right now the US Congress is considering a law that will provide accessible
textbooks to blind and visually impaired college students.  Guess where this
law comes from.  If you say the NFB, you would be right.  There are many
other examples of how important the NFB is to blind Montanans.  I know that
the fear of the NFB is based much on the high expectations for the blind.
Those who do not share the high expectations often bristle at the uppity
nature of the NFB.  If you look closely at who opposes the NFB, you will see
people who really do not believe in the abilities of blind people.  This is
my experience, at least.  Let me hasten to say that the NFB is not perfect.
No organization or institution is.  But the NFB is a solid vehicle for
change, and goodness knows that we blind Montanans need change.  I am very,
very proud to be part of all three aspects of our organization, the
national, state, and chapter parts.  And that's why I like to refer to our
state organization with the name, the NFB of Montana.



Jim Marks
blind.grizzly at GMail.com