by David Houck
From the Editor: David has for almost four decades operated as the executive director of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina’s affiliate office. Since he is the only paid staff member, a big part of his job is coordinating the work of volunteers and helping to see that the president and Board of Directors of the affiliate are able to translate their ideas into action. Here is what he has to say about the all-important issue of building the National Federation of the Blind by meeting the needs of blind people:
Please forgive the reference to the book, however, our one-minute message clearly states: The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day, we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
Affiliates, chapters, divisions, and committees should take stock and challenge each other as to how high our expectations are. Do you ask the following questions?
When we get into a rut, the longer we stay in it, the harder it is to get out of it. When we look at activities just thinking about what we get out of it, we lose sight of the fact that instead we should be asking what are our fellow blind getting out of it? We get more out of what we do when our activities are designed to recruit and help teach others what we have already learned. Satisfaction is derived from seeing the change in others who also want to live the life they want. Of course, we want to get something out of the meetings, conferences, seminars, and conventions we attend. We must continue to learn and grow as well. But it is important that we grow and share in order to help others. This is how we grow the Federation by enlarging our outreach and giving others the hope we have been able to enjoy.