Since our revolutionary start in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind has carefully crafted ours strategic policies that have been built upon the priorities of the membership and executed by the leaders of the organization. This approach has resulted in tremendous growth for the National Federation of the Blind. Over the years, this growth has brought great opportunities and increased complexity to the movement. Consequently, we must continuously review, revise, and communicate the evolved plans of the organization.
Our current strategic plan has four pillars to organize our next phase of growth: education, rehabilitation, and employment; membership and community building; advocacy; and, development. All of the pillars are natural extensions of our progress as a movement and advances we have made during the past decade. This month we will examine pillar I: education, rehabilitation, and employment. In the coming months we will share the details of the three others.
While there may be other specific programs not directly mentioned, you can be assured that we continue to review and execute all aspects of the Federation that are now well-established programs and activities. This means that the plan does not represent the entire scope of our work but rather key areas of focus for the next few years.
As the elected President of this organization, I have the humbling responsibility of leading the implementation of this plan. I have been deeply involved in the development of the plan, including spending time reviewing the extensive notes from our focus groups with members. I am filled with energy and optimism when I imagine what the prospects for blind Americans will be once we have met the objectives in this plan. It will take the collective efforts of our thousands of members across the country to achieve all that we set forth to do. Together with love, hope, and determination, we will transform dreams into reality.
Let’s go build the National Federation of the Blind.
Sincerely,
Mark A. Riccobono, President
