[Nfbnet-members-list] Are You PAC ing for Convention?

[Scott C. LaBarre]

Greetings, I write you today to see if you are PAC ing for 
convention.  No, I don't mean tucking away your dresses, suits, 
bathing suits, underwear, and the like.  I am talking about helping 
the National Federation of the Blind assist us in living the lives we want.

It is no secret that any social movement needs funding to help turn 
dreams into reality and ours is no different.  The Pre-authorized 
Contribution Plan is a critical fund raising vehicle for us.  Over 
the years, it has brought in  tens of millions of dollars for the 
NFB.  Every single one of our members can help in this regard.

Many of you are already PAC members and thank you for your continuing 
support, but many of you aren't.

How does it work?  Well, you authorize a monthly contribution from a 
financial account, and the Federation receives that money.  You can 
have the contribution come from your savings account, checking 
account, debit card, or credit card.  The minimum donation is $5 a 
month and there is no maximum level.

What do we need from you?  Well, we will need the account 
information.  For savings accounts and checking accounts, we need the 
account number and your bank's routing number.  We can most easily 
get this off a blank check or the appropriate withdrawl slip from the 
savings account.  Please note that the savings account must permit 
external withdrawls.  As for the debit and credit cards, we need 
exactly what you'd expect:  account number, expiration date, and the 
three or for digit security number.  Lastly, we will need your 
signature on a form authorizing the monthly contribution.

How are PAC contributions spent?  The money goes directly into our 
general account which means it helps with everything from legal 
advocacy, public education, scholarships, BELL programs, and the 
like.  There are many activities we would not be able to engage 
without PAC funding.  Currently, we would bring in about $455,000.00 
a year on the PAC Plan.

At convention this year, we have one intermediate goal and one 
diamond level goal.  I am confident that through new PAC pledges and 
increased pledges, we can get to 500,000 dollars a year on the PAC 
Plan.  However,, my diamond goal is to get 75,000 dollars in 
increased and new pledges which would put us at approximately 
$530,000 a year on PAC.

We will be running our usual array of contests at convention.  All 
new pledges will go into a cash drawing which will be awarded at the 
banquet.  The same is true for all those increasing their pledge.  I 
will have to negotiate with the President about the amount of these 
drawings, but they should be at least $200 each.  However, I suspect 
that  if we can reach our diamond goal, the drawings might just be 
for $750 each.  We'll just have to see how we do.

For the state affiliate that generates the most activity, either new 
or increased pledges, that affiliate will receive the PAC 
Rat.  Colorado won it last year and we ain't giving it back.  For the 
division which generates the most business, it will receive the PAC 
Muel.  For the state affiliate which has the largest percentage 
increase in terms of a monthly contribution level, they shall receive 
the PACHYDERM.

There will be other surprises and contests we run at convention.  The 
PAC table will be open from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on the day of opening 
registration, July 6th; from 9:00 am to 10:30 am on July 7th; and 
during all general sessions.  ON the 6th and 7th, the table will be 
in the convention registration area.  During general sessions, the 
table will be at the back of the convention hall.

Help us build the Federation through the PAC plan.  Now, I hope you 
are all PAC-ed and ready for convention.

Pacfully yours,
Scott LaBarre

slabarre at labarrelaw.com