Safety & Support Archives | National Federation of the Blind

Content Warning: the following information addresses sensitive topics regarding abuse, sexual violence, and misconduct.

Please find previous updates and important details regarding the critical initiatives on Safety and Support:

May 2021

President Riccobono shared an Open Letter on Safety and Support Progress on April 15.
Sarah Meyer gave a Survivor Task Force update at the May presidential release. Access her update directly.
The Survivors Task Force invites Federationists and members of the blind community to attend an additional open calls to review the the NFB Code of Conduct Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and to collect feedback on the Code of Conduct itself, on May 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Captions and Spanish language interpretation will be available for access. Aggregated concerns collected during the Code of Conduct feedback sessions will help inform the Code review, which is presently underway. Access the Zoom and agenda details.
Read a recent Voice of the Nation's Blind blog post from Robert Stigile, The People In My Life Don't Believe Me: How to Proceed After Sexual Abuse .

The NFB Code of Conduct Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) were published to address the process that is in place as of March 2021. As the code of conduct and complaint process are reviewed and changed, these questions and answers will be updated as quickly as possible to reflect any revisions that are made. Feedback is currently being received from external experts, the NFB Survivor Lead Task Force, and you.
The Survivors Task Force invites Federationists and members of the blind community to attend one of two planned open calls to review the Code of Conduct Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and to collect feedback on the Code of Conduct itself. Scheduled calls are on Thursday, April 15 and Sunday, April 18 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm eastern. Find the tentative agenda, 1CapApp, and Zoom participation information below. Spanish language interpretation will be available for access. Aggregated concerns collected during the Code of Conduct feedback sessions will help inform the Code review, which is presently underway. Access the Zoom and agenda details.
Read a recent Voice of the Nation's Blind blog post from Cheryl Fields, Surviving Domestic Violence: I Found My Way Out

One of the steps we are taking to support the intentional culture shift towards full accountability is including a process to acknowledge and verify that those who register for convention will abide by the Code of Conduct. Anyone who registers for convention will need to check a box to acknowledge and verify that they read and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct.
Lend your talents and voice to help further support our organization's culture shift, please sign up for one or more of the branches by submitting the Safety & Support Volunteer Registration Form if you are interested in volunteering.
Our three branches are holding regular open calls for survivors and allies to get involved in our efforts or to bring concerns. Please join and learn more about our initiatives. Dates and registration available under upcoming events and the branch sections.
Read a recent Voice of the Nation's Blind blog post from Sarah Meyer, Did I Say That was OK with Me? Understanding Consent and Boundaries

Training, facilitated by RAINN, will begin on March 23, 2021. During this initial level-setting training, the audience includes: national board, national division boards, affiliate boards, NFB training center students, NFB training center staff, NFB training center boards, NFB national office staff, 2021 Scholarship Committee, and the Survivor Task Force.
Our survivor-led taskforce has established three branches to accomplish the mission to ensure a safe, healthy environment throughout our movement. More details below.
Our three branches are holding open calls for survivors and allies to get involved in our efforts or to bring concerns. Please join and learn more about our initiatives.