Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen) (06/29/90)
Index Number: 8980
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi,
Well, I can understand how not getting along with "The leaders" on
the top of the NFB ladder can be a problem. But, I would remind
once again, you cannot judge all the members and chapters of NFB by
the current representatives any more than all Amercians can be
judged by their political representatives.
You stated that if you have problems with the top National Reps,
that you cannot get any help from the local chapters. Actually, I
have found that experience to be just the opposite. The local
chapter is more likely to be involved with you individually than
the "larger more impersonal" political body of NFB. I think that
explains why some chapters are better and more effective than
others.
Keepin' the faith!
. Vixen
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!203!11!Vixen
Internet: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.orgGrant.Downey@p0.f9.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Grant Downey) (07/11/90)
Index Number: 9083
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
As a veterin NFB chapter president of ten years the local chapter is
much more attuned to the needs of individuals, small groups, and their
local communities than either the state or national officers. As a
veterain state board member, Newsletter editor, and P.R. director one
hard lesson I learned is that it is best to keep any disagreements one
may individually have with state officers or national officers quiet or
risk being blackballed. What the NFB does and stands forhas really
opened up opportunities for the blind unquestionabely and the hard work
at all levels has made life the best it has ever been for the blind in
this country. However when it comes to the polotics of the
organization that is a different story. Polotics is politics but the
favoratism in the NFB for special picks and special people runs
rampant. When the powers that be of the NFB decidewhothey want as
fellow powers that be the decision is not based on leadership ability,
qualifications, or abilities but rather on who is most popular and cho
is most politically favored by thepresent powers that be. If the work
of the NFB could be separated from the polotics of the NFBand the work
efforts held in priority the NFB would be the best organization going.
However over the last fifteen years the NFB has put more and more
effort into satisifying political ambitions of its members, especially
officers, and board members on the National and State levels thus it
seems as though overall NFB is loosing its focus as an organization
dedicated to helping the blind become first class.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!381!9.0!Grant.Downey
Internet: Grant.Downey@p0.f9.n381.z1.fidonet.orgVixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen) (07/18/90)
Index Number: 9167
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi Grant,
Yes, that is exactly my point. Unless the "entire" structure is
stagnant and not performing, it would seem logical to approach the
local NFB chapter for assistance rather than the upper echelon systems.
At least, in your local chapter, you are known and you stand a chance
that your chapter has some real concerns and feelings for you as a
person and not just an NFB member.
As far as the problems in the political structure go, I would imagine
the issues and complaints you put to light are part of most political
structures, only in this instance, there is more allowance for a person
to be obvious in their power plays and ego gratification.
As for me, I take NFB as I find it. If it can help me, or I can help
another member, then that is good, and we have served a useful
function. Not being a politico myself, I am then satisfied.
I don't personally know a lot about the upper echelon business and
politics of NFB but I think that I can at least say that being an NFB
member does not automatically make one some kind of snob or radical or
some such as was once suggested.
I am an NFB member and I maintain an interest in all groups and see
those who would isolate or use position or office in NFB to satisfy
some personal ego kick as being a kind of psuedo politician with wacky
thought processes.
But anyone who suggests that because I belong to NFB that I am
therefore automatically snobby or radical or an isolationist or
whatever, is being very very very unfair to me as a person! For I
simply belong to NFB, I am not NFB nor am I owned or dictated to by
NFB.
Keepin' the faith!
. Vixen
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