[Nfbnet-members-list] Planning the path of service together: community Service Group Strategic Planning call.

[Darian Smith]

Fellow Federationests,


  The Community Service Group of the National Federation of 
the  Blind is looking for your input on the future of our group.
  We are   specifically looking for thoughts/ideas  for programs, 
activities, initiatives, etc  the group might want to  undertake over 
the next several years (  call it a five-year strategic plan or road map.
  We  are holding a conference call  Next Tuesday, May 20  at 9pm 
Eastern time to discuss this, and welcome all who wish to discuss 
further. Call-in information  and background on who we are, what we 
want to do, and how we want to do it can all be found below:
  (712)432-0140. Code: 808277
  Purpose
The purpose of the group is to promote jointly the positive 
philosophy of the NFB and the benefits of community service by 
educating the blind about how to become involved in service, 
educating the sighted about the true abilities of the blind via 
involvement in service, and encouraging such involvement in members, 
chapters, and affiliates of the NFB. We acknowledge the positive 
effects of community service and service learning with our assertion 
that service is not only a path to employment and a way to educate, 
but also a way to learn about oneself and the issues faced in one's 
community and country.
What We Do
We work to promote and encourage community service and service 
learning at the local, state, and national levels of the NFB and to 
advance the goal of full integration for the blind on the basis of 
equality. We coordinate service projects that develop confidence in 
blindness and the alternative techniques that the blind use, create 
workshops and trainings that develop competent leaders, serve as a 
resource for the blind and sighted alike about the service field with 
an emphasis on how the blind can contribute, and promote a positive 
philosophy of blindness through action and service.
What We Believe
Through these means, we aim to change the perception that the blind 
are passive recipients of service rather than active providers of 
service. In order to do this, we must challenge ourselves and others 
to rethink what service-related activities the blind can do with the 
proper basic training and understanding of the given service project 
and the proper non-visual techniques. We believe that taking on 
projects that allow us to look beyond blindness is instructive both 
for ourselves and the community. The group thrives with the 
collective efforts of all who believe in service, the NFB, and the 
power that comes with collective action and the belief that we can 
address our country's most pressing problems alongside our sighted 
friends, family, and neighbors. Ultimately, we wish to participate in 
service not as blind people, but as citizens of our communities with 
the ability and desire to give back.
Who Can Get Involved
Our membership consists of people at all levels of service, from 
those who have a wealth of service experience, to those who serve 
from time to time, to those who are interested in serving but may 
feel nervous or uncertain about getting involved in projects or may 
not know how to get involved. We strive to meet everyone where they 
are in their service experience and to serve as a network and support 
system for those who have a common interest in serving their 
communities. We also actively seek and welcome partnerships and 
collaborations with agencies, organizations, and individuals who 
share our philosophy and our belief in the ability of the blind to 
participate in community service.

  if you can't make the call for whatever reason, but would still 
wish to contribute your valuable suggestions/thoughts,  please send 
an e-mail to me at  <mailto:dsmithnfb at gmail.com>dsmithnfb at gmail.com 
with the subject line "strategic plan suggestions".
   Many thanks for your interest and involvement.
  Yours in service and in the movement,
   Darian









Darian Smith
Chairperson, Community Service Group -National Federation  of The Blind.
(415)215-9809
<mailto:dsmithnfb at gmail.com>dsmithnfb at gmail.com
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.


"
  "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the 
only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have 
sought and found how to serve"
  - Albert Schweitzer.



  Your  unwanted vehicle can be  just what the blind need to make 
possibilities reality.
>Donate your car to the National Federation of the Blind today!
>For more information, please visit: 
><http://www.carshelpingtheblind.org/>www.carshelpingtheblind.org or 
>call 1-855-659-9314






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