[Mt-blind] NFB of Montana

[Edward C Robbins]

Bernice is correct on the name & Charter, but the lack of recognition of
the NFB by some members of the MAB has caused problems for many folks
moving to Montana.  I have had many calls from individuals (new comers),
wanting to know how to get in touch with the NFB affiliate in Montana. 
They are very surprised when I tell them it is the Montana Association
for the Blind
        As I understand correctly, , the MAB is the only legal group
which can use "NFB, National Federation of the Blind, or any derivative
thereof.

Ted
Edward C "Ted" Robbins, CFO, Montana Business Enterprises, Inc. (MBEI)
Manager, MAB Elder Blind Equipment Program
Phone & Fax:  406 453 6678   Cell:  406 799 6268
 
On Wed, 7 Nov 2007 15:12:04 -0700 "Bernice  DeHaas" <berncom at mcn.net>
writes:
> 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
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Mt-blind mailing list
> > Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
> >
> 
> 
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