[Nfbnet-members-list] BLAST Conference: Leadership Program

[Richie Flores]

Please assist me by distributing to your 
networks, list-servs, and contacts.  The Blind 
Merchant Division is very excited to launch this inovative new mentor program.

Blind Entrepenurship Starts Today
In the U.S. today, more than 70% of blind people 
are either unemployed or underemployed. The 
National Federation of the Blind Merchants 
Division  responds to this important issue by 
emphasizing blind leaders in the business sector. 
This leadership program empowers aspiring 
protiges to develop the job and blindness skills 
necessary to reach their full career potential in 
self-employment. The Business Leadership and 
Superior Training Conference for Entrepenurs 
(BLAST), redefines blindness by demonstrating how 
the blind can live the life they want!
About the BEST Leadership Program
The BEST Leadership Program addresses the many 
factors that contribute to successful employment 
within the blind community. This program combines 
vocational mentorship and leadership skills, with 
attendance to the largest and most influential 
conference for blind business owners, 
BLAST.  This program creates an encouraging, 
individualized experience for its participants. 
Between November 2014 and the BLAST Conference of 
2016, BEST Leadership Program protégés move through five phases:
1.        Application: Interested individuals 
apply online or over the phone. 
<https://nfbtx.org/content/best-leadership-program-prot%C3%A9g%C3%A9-application-0>Program 
Application
2.        Selection: Applicants participate in an 
interview with Richie Flores, Program 
Coordinator; those selected for the program sign a participation contract.
3.        Mentorship Match: Program staff will 
pair protiges with a successful blind business 
owner, to encourage a long-standing relationship of guidance and support.
4.        BLAST: Business Leadership and Superior 
Training Conference for Entrepenurs Curriculum: 
To prepare for self-employment success , protégés 
fulfill 25 hours of training in essential 
blindness and vocational leadership skills at the 
Lonestar BLAST Conference-November18-20, 2014 in 
Austin, Texas. Participants must arrange their 
own transportation to and from the conference and 
work with their vocational team to provide the 
Program registration which includes four meals. 
Program activity and room accommidations will be 
provided by the BEST Leadership program for 
future Entrepenurs. (visit 
<http://www.blindmerchants.org/>www.blindmerchants.org 
for up to date information regarding the BLAST Conference)
5.        Ongoing Mentorship: Protégés who 
complete their program obligations will learn of 
the opportunity to attend the National Convention 
of the National Federation of the Blind in the 
coming year to reconnect with the Blind Merchants Division.
BEST Leadership Program Protégés
NFB is currently seeking 30 protégés to join this 
program's first-ever cohort. Protégés will 
benefit from vocational and leadership skills 
training, and build meaningful career-specific 
mentorships with the working blind. Candidates 
must be over the age of eighteen , have 
self-employment as a career goal, be deemed 
legally blind by a physician or accredited 
agency, and able to fulfill the training and 
required attendance to the BLAST Conference this November 2014.
To apply, fill out the 
<https://nfbtx.org/content/best-leadership-program-prot%C3%A9g%C3%A9-application-0>Program 
Application at 
<http://www.nfbtx.org/youthprograms>www.nfbtx.org/youthprograms 
and confirm your submission by contacting Richie 
Flores, Project Coordinator 
(<mailto:rflores at nfbtx.org>rflores at nfbtx.org). If 
you would like assistance completing your online 
application, call Richie at 512-784-1878.

Check out our video highlighting success in the self-employment sector!
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqKkg3yA19g>Blind Entrepenurs Succeed Today!
The BEST Leadership Program advocates equal 
access to search and apply for jobs through NFB 
Newsline; (888-882-1629. For more information 
visit: <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org.

All the Best,
Richie Flores
Vocational Enrichment Consultant


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