[nfb-talk] conflict within the nfb itself

[T. Joseph Carter]

Sherri,

I don't see this happening much.  Maybe it's because here in Oregon we
haven't got many chapters or that we're somewhat spread out.  I do think
people in general place too much emphasis on competition as part of our
society, but I don't see frequent examples within the NFB.

I'm sure it happens now and then, I just don't see it as a major problem
within the organization.


On Sun, Nov 25, 2007 at 05:09:34AM -0500, Sherri wrote:
> I wonder if the fates are telling me not to send this message out? This is my third attempt. *smile*.
>  
> I read the thread concerning the differences and similarities between ACB and NFB and it brought to mind another subject.
>  
>  
> I would propose that this is due to possibly personality differences, but what really bothers me about both organization is the in-fighting that goes on
> and the clash of egos. I have noticed that if a chapter, for example, does a fund-raising project, they don't want to talk much about what kind of results
> they had, particularly if it was successful for fear that some other chapter might outdo them. I have seen chapter members totally take credit for things
> that other chapter members did without thought or thanks to the chapter member responsible for the idea in the first place. If a strong person comes into
> the organization with ideas to develop and forward the goals  of the NFB chapter, often, his ideas are thwarted, because others feel threatened by that
> person.  
> I don't get it! I know that whatever is accomplished in the NFB Greater Orlando chapter, it is not me, Sherri Brun as president that accomplished this,
> but the chapter as a whole, of which I am one small part.  
> I believe that this in-fighting and the ego problems that exist have done much to drive very capable, enthusiastic and involved people away from NFB. 
> We say we are working to "change what it means to be blind", but often, it seems to me we let our personalities and egos get in the way. It would be my
> hope that we could do more toward walking the walk instead of just talking the talk of what it means to be a Federationist. 
> Looking forward to your feedback. *smile* 
> Sherri Brun
> Secretary
> National Federation of the Blind of Florida
> President
> National Federation of the Blind
> Greater Orlando Chapter
> E-mail: 
> mailto:sbrun at cfl.rr.com sbrun at cfl.rr.com