[PHOTO/CAPTION: Nancy Burns]

[PHOTO/CAPTION: Nancy Burns]

The Braille Monitor

July,

2002

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Motivating

Chapter Members

by Nancy Burns

From

the Editor: The following good advice appeared in the Fall/Winter 2001 issue

of the NFBC Journal, a publication of the National Federation of the

Blind of California. Nancy Burns is the affiliate president, with years of experience

in chapter and affiliate work. This is what she says:

The

topic of motivation is an ongoing concern for all chapter presidents and officers.

As a result of participating in many discussions and workshops on the subject,

I present the following information and suggestions.

Involvement

Nancy

Burns

It

is extremely important to keep every chapter member interested and motivated.

Our common goals often provide this impetus, but from time to time circumstances

may arise which require some additional thought on the part of the officers

and members. Perhaps the following information will be of value.

Each of us is a unique individual;

yet we share many of the same traits and characteristics. We each need to be

recognized and valued for our accomplishments. The NFB is an organization based

on love, understanding, and encouragement. As such, we can each be teachers

and mentors in our own right. We may never know how we have affected the life

of another person. It is extremely important to keep this thought in mind as

we come together in chapter meetings. We need to encourage those members who

need such encouragement and to compliment those who are contributing to the

success of the chapter.

Reflecting

We

also need to look at what we are contributing individually. Are there tasks

that we could perform but simply have not volunteered to do? Do we know a blind

person we should invite to a chapter meeting but haven't? Conducting a chapter

meeting is the responsibility of each of us and not just the president and officers.

If someone has contributed to a specific

meeting, don't hesitate to compliment him or her. Be certain the compliment

is deserved and sincere. We all love to receive sincere compliments; it validates

our worth. If you are able to contribute to a person's sense of self-worth,

what a wonderful thing you have done.

A

Job for Everyone

The

need to be needed is a common characteristic. Be sure that every member of your

chapter has a responsibility. Not only does this get all members involved, but

it creates cohesiveness within the chapter. A good president delegates, and

there are always tasks to be done in order for the meeting to run smoothly.

If each member feels his or her job is important, the person will perform to

the best of his or her ability.

A good president and board should

pay close attention to every member and acknowledge attendance. With larger

groups this may be more difficult, but indicate to the group that each person's

attendance is appreciated. Don't take your membership for granted.

When a chapter enters into a new project,

it is a good policy for the president to ask the group for advice and suggestions.

Listen to people's ideas. If the entire group feels involved from the beginning,

the members are more likely to participate in the project. Remember, involvement

is the key.

Members who feel they have no voice

in chapter meetings or projects will probably drop out. By taking the time to

ask others for their advice, you have made this project their project.

Dealing

with Difficult People

Occasionally

a difficult person begins attending meetings--the person who constantly criticizes,

complains, but rarely contributes. This presents a challenge and a test of our

human-relations skills.

The obvious behavior to avoid is openly

to criticize or in any way to demean that person in public. We must carefully

watch our own attitude when working with such a person. If we enter a conversation

believing it will be difficult, it certainly will be. It may take some time

and effort, but you can generally find some positive attribute in such a person

that can be acknowledged and nurtured. Keep trying to involve the difficult

person, and if anything positive occurs, give a sincere compliment.

I

hope that you will read and give careful consideration to these suggestions

and that you can implement them. Good luck to each of you in your important

Federation responsibilities.

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