[Mt-blind] NFB of Montana

[Bernice DeHaas]

Jim, on this matter I must disagree with you.  Our legal name is Montana
Association for the Blind according to our Constitution, the Articles of
Incorporation and the 501(c)3 non-profit authorization.  We are an affiliate
of the NFB and are thereby a part of it.  However, our charter with the NFB
reads "Montana Association of the Blind."  All of the affiliate charters are
framed and line a hallway in the NFB headquarters -- at least they were
there four or five years ago when we were all there, and I saw it.  The
blind of Montana have a proud tradition going back more than 60 years
associated with the name Montana Association for the Blind and many of us
are attached to it. That in no way indicates a dislike of the NFB.  They are
doing great work and we are pleased to be a part of it.  You may, of course,
call MAB any thing you want,  but until there is a legal name change it is
just a nickname.  There is a quotation I have been reaching for -- and this
is a mis-quotation, but it was something to the effect that you may call a
rabbit a duck, but it still won't quack.

Bernice DeHaas


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Marks" <blind.grizzly at gmail.com>
To: "'Montana Association for the Blind List'" <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 10:46 AM
Subject: [Mt-blind] NFB of Montana


> 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
>
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