Kevin,
I hope you have a rewarding experience. I have to say that I was never
really involved with the organized blind and the few times that I have been,
have been frustrating and negative experiences. But that has to do with the
particular affiliate that's near me, and also, with the fact that I'm not
really an organization person. I know that some people derive a great deal
of satisfaction from participation in these groups, and they make many
friends. The one meaningful connection that I did make through my local
affiliate, turned out to be a personal disaster for me.
Miriam
________________________________
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Kevin LaRose
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2016 6:38 PM
To: blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-democracy] Thoughts on the Organized Blind
I am currently gearing up to attend my first ACB national convention in
several years. I used to go on a fairly regular basis; the last one I
attended was Orlando, 2009. I have to admit to getting rather jaded about
the organized blind movement over the years. I'm not meaning to cast
aspersions; many good people have devoted a good chunk of their lives to the
organizations, including that grizzled veterans of the wars, Carl. I think
part of my problem is I feel somewhat disconnected from things since moving
from Washington to Indiana four years ago. I don't live anywhere near a
local chapter, and the state affiliate isn't nearly as nationally plugged in
as Washington is, so it's easy to feel kind of lost at sea. I also don't
like the politics that go along with being active. In addition, the crafting
of resolutions on the floor can be very frustrating, with the fights over
specific wording and whatnot. I also wonder if anyone pays attention to them
anyway? Whatever the case, I'm off to Minneapolis in July, and I'm going
with an open mind, so maybe I'll get reenergized. If nothing else it will be
fun to reconnect with old friends.
Kevin LaRose
Anderson, IN
Email: kl1964@xxxxxxxxxx
