[nfbwatlk] Going to the Public
Mike Freeman
k7uij at panix.com
Tue Dec 11 21:46:57 CST 2007
Jim:
All this in the abstract makes sense. This thread brings me to make the
following observations: If we do not make clear what we stand for --
even advocate passionately for it -- what good are we doing in the
organization? While I agree that we must not come across as arrogant or
condescending, it has been my experience that, all-too-often, when
people urge us not to be "strident" or to "trumpet the NFB philosophy"
or any of a thousand other similar phrases, what they *really* mean is
that they'd like us to shut up and go away and leave them alone and not
challenge them to be better than they are or make them think! Put
another way, keeping silent about our beliefs is also expressing an
opinion -- that we ourselves don't truly believe in our own
organization.
As I say, I agree that we must use tact in our dealings with the public
and especially with other blind people. It does no good to come up to
someone, for example, and say: "How the hell come your cane is so
short?". (Noe one here has said that but I've observed such boorish
behavior far more than once.) And if one encounters a senior citizen who
is afraid of the word blind, it doesn't hurt at first to go along with
their insistence that they are "visually impaired" or "visually
limited" -- I draw the line at "diffently-abled" though! <g> But I
believe it does those with whom we speak a disservice to soft-peddal the
tenets of NFB philosophy. Yes, we can be judicious in our expression but
I believe it to be a false premise that if we just sugar-coat things
enough, people will come around to our way of thinking. Being up-front
is not incompatible with gentility.
AS for all that needs to be done: go to it! There are always too few
people to really do the work and the work is never-ending. So it never
hurts to rededicate ourselves to the task of changing what it means to
be blind!
At the same time, however, it never hurts either to admit that we're
human and that we are volunteers and that there are only so many hours
in the day so it makes sense that not everything gets done. We do what
we can do and what we deem of sufficient importance to sacrifice for.
To the wall, comrades!
Mike Freeman
----- Original Message -----
From: Jim
To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 6:09 PM
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Going to the Public
Andrea,
This is something I've thought for a long time now, and I'm glad it
was said. I applaud you for your comments.
We can not be so close-minded that we come across as "Our way or the
high way." That is what really discourages people from even considering
the organization.
Unfortunately, I've come across people in the movement who are so
staunch that they won't take a step back and look at why people are
drawn elsewhere or what other organizations have to offer.
Obviously, I believe in our organization. Otherwise, I wouldn't be in
it. However, one needs to be wise about how he/she comes across,
especially if they are in leadership roles and seen in the public.
Go Andrea!
Jim
----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrea Travis" <andrea.travis at gmail.com>
To: "NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 2:16 PM
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Going to the Public
> Lisa,
>
> I agree with most of your comments. I've always believed we need a
stronger
> presence in the media and public awareness. Too bad the NFB decided
to hire
> a new Director of Public Relations with no real practical
experience, huh?
> Still, we can all do our part, locally and statewide, by promoting
our
> philosophy and mission.
>
> Anyway, I think we need to first figure out WHY we aren't recruiting
or
> retaining membership. My thoughts, of course, are that we don't know
how to
> open our minds to other organizations and truly analyze what they
are doing
> well. In addition, there are still personal differences and past
experiences
> that prevent people from wanting to join chapters or divisions. It's
> important that we encourage others while not seeming too one-sided
or
> pressuring.
>
> Just as accepting one's blindness is a very personal thing that no
one can
> judge or force, so is membership to a blindness organization. When I
was in
> Iowa some very intelligent people said, "It doesn't matter which
> organization you choose, as long as you choose one." I know I'm
extremely
> happy with my choice, but we all need to remember that it is still a
choice.
> When it comes to recruiting, we need to put our best foot forward
and share
> the real reasons WE chose the NFB, not why we didn't chose the ACB.
>
> I look forward to some good discussion on this subject from all of
you.
>
> Andrea
>
> On Dec 11, 2007 5:40 AM, <Owenblue2 at aol.com> wrote:
>
>> Hello My NFB & CFB Family:
>>
>> During this time of celebration; I want to share with you my
thoughts.
>>
>> The NFB & CFB has so enriched my life; I wish to pass on these
blessings
>> to all my fellow blind brothers and sisters. I say this in urnest,
because
>> of comments I have read on all the list serves I am on.
>>
>> Membership building:
>>
>> The ACB & WCB are asking their local chapters to talk to the press
>> (newspapers, radio, etc.); about their chapters and their
organization. I
>> think we should do this in the New Year as well.
>>
>> Not only that we should put together current pamphlets, business
cards,
>> etc. and get them to the public in any way we can. This may also
help with
>> fund raising.
>>
>> Our strength and our power are in our membership. I am very
concerned that
>> we are not attracting new members and some of our chapters are
struggling
>> with keeping current members interested and engaged.
>>
>> I am planning to send out information to all of the college
Disability
>> Support Centers in this state; giving them information about our
new student
>> division; I also plan toinclude our state and national web sites in
the
>> emails and letters. I say we take this a step further and contact
all school
>> districts in the state as well.
>>
>> Seniors:
>>
>> SHAG is a part of the low income housing structure for seniors. The
WCB is
>> giving them flyers. We should do this also. We should also do this
for
>> doctors' offices, DSHS, etc. I think one of the main issues is that
not a
>> lot of people seek us out unless they need our help.
>>
>> Bob Sellers and others have expressed concern about becoming too
>> comfortable with just standing by and not taking action. I am
concerned that
>> some of us just don't want to make waves because the feeling is
that it will
>> do no good. Some of us are not sure what to do to engage blind
people from
>> all age groups to get involved. It's frustrating to be told that "I
have
>> grown up and I have outgrown the NFB or ACB" or "I will not get
involved
>> because I am too busy or It doesn't affect me; my life is fine; so
why
>> should I even care"
>>
>> It's far too easy for any of us; myself
>>
>> included; taking things for granted. I had a harsh reminder of that
>> yesterday; when I found out that one of our blind brothers is
homeless. One
>> of our members is helping this person and I thank you.
>>
>> I appeal to each of you. Please let us all work together in the NFB
& CFB
>> to improve all of our lives and renew our commitment to help those
who can't
>> or are unable to help themselves. Try to reach blind people who
don't know
>> about us. Convince our peers that staying in the fight will benefit
them in
>> the long term.
>>
>> Let's get our voices out there. Knowledge is power. Information is
power.
>> A strong membership is power and our future.
>>
>> Think of this as a New Year's promise to do more for the NFB & CFB.
>>
>> Many Blessings toeach of you.
>>
>> Warmly:
>>
>> Lisa A. Owen
>> Treasurer Officer & Fund Raising Chair
>> The Northwest Chapter
>> NFB of WA
>> Secretary Officer
>> NFB of WA Student Division
>> Member
>> The Canadian Federation of the Blind
>>
>> See AOL's
http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004top rated
recipes
>> and
http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aoltop00030000000003easy
ways to stay in shape
>> for winter.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfbwatlk mailing list
>> nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
>>
>>
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> _______________________________________________
> nfbwatlk mailing list
> nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
>
_______________________________________________
nfbwatlk mailing list
nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
-------------- next part --------------
Jim:
All this in the abstract makes sense. This thread brings me to make the following observations: If we do not make clear what we stand for -- even advocate passionately for it -- what good are we doing in the organization? While I agree that we must not come across as arrogant or condescending, it has been my experience that, all-too-often, when people urge us not to be "strident" or to "trumpet the NFB philosophy" or any of a thousand other similar phrases, what they *really* mean is that they'd like us to shut up and go away and leave them alone and not challenge them to be better than they are or make them think! Put another way, keeping silent about our beliefs is also expressing an opinion -- that we ourselves don't truly believe in our own organization.
As I say, I agree that we must use tact in our dealings with the public and especially with other blind people. It does no good to come up to someone, for example, and say: "How the hell come your cane is so short?". (Noe one here has said that but I've observed such boorish behavior far more than once.) And if one encounters a senior citizen who is afraid of the word blind, it doesn't hurt at first to go along with their insistence that they are "visually impaired" or "visually limited" -- I draw the line at "diffently-abled" though! <g> But I believe it does those with whom we speak a disservice to soft-peddal the tenets of NFB philosophy. Yes, we can be judicious in our expression but I believe it to be a false premise that if we just sugar-coat things enough, people will come around to our way of thinking. Being up-front is not incompatible with gentility.
AS for all that needs to be done: go to it! There are always too few people to really do the work and the work is never-ending. So it never hurts to rededicate ourselves to the task of changing what it means to be blind!
At the same time, however, it never hurts either to admit that we're human and that we are volunteers and that there are only so many hours in the day so it makes sense that not everything gets done. We do what we can do and what we deem of sufficient importance to sacrifice for.
To the wall, comrades!
Mike Freeman
----- Original Message -----
From:
mailto:jp100 at earthlink.net Jim
To:
mailto:nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List
Sent:
Tuesday, December 11, 2007 6:09 PM
Subject:
Re: [nfbwatlk] Going to the Public
Andrea,
This is something I've thought for a long time now, and I'm glad it was said. I applaud you for your comments.
We can not be so close-minded that we come across as "Our way or the high way." That is what really discourages people from even considering the organization.
Unfortunately, I've come across people in the movement who are so staunch that they won't take a step back and look at why people are drawn elsewhere or what other organizations have to offer.
Obviously, I believe in our organization. Otherwise, I wouldn't be in it. However, one needs to be wise about how he/she comes across, especially if they are in leadership roles and seen in the public.
Go Andrea!
Jim
----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrea Travis" < mailto:andrea.travis at gmail.com andrea.travis at gmail.com
>
To: "NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List" < mailto:nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
>
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 2:16 PM
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Going to the Public
> Lisa,
>
> I agree with most of your comments. I've always believed we need a stronger
> presence in the media and public awareness. Too bad the NFB decided to hire
> a new Director of Public Relations with no real practical experience, huh?
> Still, we can all do our part, locally and statewide, by promoting our
> philosophy and mission.
>
> Anyway, I think we need to first figure out WHY we aren't recruiting or
> retaining membership. My thoughts, of course, are that we don't know how to
> open our minds to other organizations and truly analyze what they are doing
> well. In addition, there are still personal differences and past experiences
> that prevent people from wanting to join chapters or divisions. It's
> important that we encourage others while not seeming too one-sided or
> pressuring.
>
> Just as accepting one's blindness is a very personal thing that no one can
> judge or force, so is membership to a blindness organization. When I was in
> Iowa some very intelligent people said, "It doesn't matter which
> organization you choose, as long as you choose one." I know I'm extremely
> happy with my choice, but we all need to remember that it is still a choice.
> When it comes to recruiting, we need to put our best foot forward and share
> the real reasons WE chose the NFB, not why we didn't chose the ACB.
>
> I look forward to some good discussion on this subject from all of you.
>
> Andrea
>
> On Dec 11, 2007 5:40 AM, < mailto:Owenblue2 at aol.com Owenblue2 at aol.com
> wrote:
>
>> Hello My NFB & CFB Family:
>>
>> During this time of celebration; I want to share with you my thoughts.
>>
>> The NFB & CFB has so enriched my life; I wish to pass on these blessings
>> to all my fellow blind brothers and sisters. I say this in urnest, because
>> of comments I have read on all the list serves I am on.
>>
>> Membership building:
>>
>> The ACB & WCB are asking their local chapters to talk to the press
>> (newspapers, radio, etc.); about their chapters and their organization. I
>> think we should do this in the New Year as well.
>>
>> Not only that we should put together current pamphlets, business cards,
>> etc. and get them to the public in any way we can. This may also help with
>> fund raising.
>>
>> Our strength and our power are in our membership. I am very concerned that
>> we are not attracting new members and some of our chapters are struggling
>> with keeping current members interested and engaged.
>>
>> I am planning to send out information to all of the college Disability
>> Support Centers in this state; giving them information about our new student
>> division; I also plan toinclude our state and national web sites in the
>> emails and letters. I say we take this a step further and contact all school
>> districts in the state as well.
>>
>> Seniors:
>>
>> SHAG is a part of the low income housing structure for seniors. The WCB is
>> giving them flyers. We should do this also. We should also do this for
>> doctors' offices, DSHS, etc. I think one of the main issues is that not a
>> lot of people seek us out unless they need our help.
>>
>> Bob Sellers and others have expressed concern about becoming too
>> comfortable with just standing by and not taking action. I am concerned that
>> some of us just don't want to make waves because the feeling is that it will
>> do no good. Some of us are not sure what to do to engage blind people from
>> all age groups to get involved. It's frustrating to be told that "I have
>> grown up and I have outgrown the NFB or ACB" or "I will not get involved
>> because I am too busy or It doesn't affect me; my life is fine; so why
>> should I even care"
>>
>> It's far too easy for any of us; myself
>>
>> included; taking things for granted. I had a harsh reminder of that
>> yesterday; when I found out that one of our blind brothers is homeless. One
>> of our members is helping this person and I thank you.
>>
>> I appeal to each of you. Please let us all work together in the NFB & CFB
>> to improve all of our lives and renew our commitment to help those who can't
>> or are unable to help themselves. Try to reach blind people who don't know
>> about us. Convince our peers that staying in the fight will benefit them in
>> the long term.
>>
>> Let's get our voices out there. Knowledge is power. Information is power.
>> A strong membership is power and our future.
>>
>> Think of this as a New Year's promise to do more for the NFB & CFB.
>>
>> Many Blessings toeach of you.
>>
>> Warmly:
>>
>> Lisa A. Owen
>> Treasurer Officer & Fund Raising Chair
>> The Northwest Chapter
>> NFB of WA
>> Secretary Officer
>> NFB of WA Student Division
>> Member
>> The Canadian Federation of the Blind
>>
>> See AOL's http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004top http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004top
rated recipes
>> and http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aoltop00030000000003easy http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aoltop00030000000003easy
ways to stay in shape
>> for winter.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfbwatlk mailing list
>> mailto:nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
>>
>>
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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> nfbwatlk mailing list
> mailto:nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk
>
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