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

[Scott C. LaBarre]

Happy 4th of July!  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, undergarments, and the like.  I am talking about 
assisting the National Federation of the Blind to help us live 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 (PAC) 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.  Currently, we realize a little under $466,000 a year on the 
PAC Plan.

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 into our 
national treasury.  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.  Additionally and within the last year, we accept yearly 
distributions from IRA accounts.

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, 
etc.  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.

At convention this year, we have one intermediate goal and one huge 
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, the huge goal is to get 85,000 dollars in increased 
and new pledges which would put us at approximately $550,000 a year on PAC.

We will be running our usual array of contests at convention.  All 
new pledges will go into a money 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 huge goal, the drawings might just be for 
$500 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.   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 during General Sessions, July 10 through 12, 
at the back of the Convention hall.  Stay tuned for announcements.
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

<mailto:slabarre at labarrelaw.com>slabarre at labarrelaw.com