An Appeal for Help

by Kane Brolin

From the Editor: Kane is a longtime chapter president who lives in Indiana. He is always reaching out with the message of the Federation and trying to help those who can benefit from our message. Here is a request he is making for special expertise:

I am writing to ask humbly for the support of my Federation brothers and sisters. I am not asking for financial help but for useful advice on behalf of another individual residing outside of the United States who nonetheless embodies the Federation spirit and who wishes earnestly to share in the transformational strength and beauty of the NFB National Convention in 2022.

Mr. Youssef Makram is a blind, thirty-year-old, unmarried, male citizen of Egypt to whom I talk on a bi-weekly basis. Striving toward a professional career, his resources and available options in Egypt are few; yet he usually Zooms into meetings of the NFB’s Michiana Chapter over which I preside, and he very much wishes to attend our 2022 National Convention in New Orleans in order to acquire knowledge, tools, and personal contacts that will help him move forward in his life. Youssef is also fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and has sent proof of his inoculation.

From what I have observed, Youssef demonstrates an insatiable desire to learn, a boundless determination to keep pushing forward in spite of significant obstacles, and a desire to help others in need. A dedicated Federationist in his heart, he simply has heretofore not been able to interact with the Federation in a meaningful way.

I have come to believe Youssef has a lot to recommend him. To this end, I am committed to doing everything within reason to make 2022 in New Orleans Youssef’s first-ever NFB National Convention. The trouble is that I am not well versed in the nuance of gaining a student visa or travel visa for anybody, nor am I one who is in a position to officially invite Youssef or any other foreign national into the midst of our Convention. So if you are reading this article and if you could provide the expertise or the authority to help us figure out how to accomplish this from a diplomatic or practical point of view, please phone me at (574) 386-8868 or email [email protected]. Thank you.