November 2023

President’s Message

Dear Friends,

I often write about our national movement in this monthly letter. Some of you receiving this letter may not realize that the power in our nationwide movement comes from our coordination of a network of state affiliates. I recently had the opportunity to participate in the annual state affiliate conventions of the Federation in Florida and Kansas. While each of these affiliates is independently run by local blind people who elect their representative blind leaders, the common bond of collective action is evident when you participate in these local meetings. In both states, I was inspired by the aspirations of local blind people who are pushing to raise expectations in government programs, state legislatures, and in local business communities.

Our state affiliates provide a democratic framework for every blind person in local communities to be part of determining the advocacy work that is carried out. When blind people cannot attend one of these affiliate conventions, their hopes and dreams are represented at these affiliate conventions by local leaders who are elected to represent constituents in their local chapter. This is similar to our national convention where our blind members not in attendance are represented by affiliate delegates to the convention. The beauty of this model is it encourages our members to engage in lively discussions—sometimes debates—about how to best carry out the work of the movement.

My learning is always accelerated by getting in the mix of our members in these affiliate conventions. From learning the life hacks that blind people are using to participate in local community groups on terms of equality, innovative policy approaches that are being taken to create opportunities for the blind and feeling the deep emotion in personal stories about discrimination and the joy of finding the organized blind movement. I work hard at these conventions to share the wisdom of my own lived experience as a blind person, but I often leave feeling like I have gained more than I have given. The power and wisdom in our Federation community is a deep resource that cannot be matched by any agency for the blind and I am deeply grateful for it in this time of Thanksgiving.

The other day I was interviewing a candidate for employment with the Federation. They asked me why I enjoy serving in the Presidency of the Federation. I do not have time to give my full answer here but, in short, I told them that what we do in our movement is authentically driven by a diverse range of blind people. My role is to know and synthesize the hopes and dreams of as many blind people as possible. This means I have the blessing of knowing the hearts of thousands of people in parts of the country that most of my neighbors have never even heard of. In carrying out that work, I trust those blind people and that is where the joy and lifelong learning comes in for me.

As a supporter of our movement, you do the same thing. You trust us to carry out our mission and to use the dollars you contribute for good in the world. That is a blessing, an awesome responsibility, and sometimes a great challenge. However, it is something we are thankful for the opportunity to pursue. Thank you for your part in our democratically driven blind people’s movement. We hope that you are thankful for the work we are doing and send our best wishes to you and your family in this season of gratitude.

Sincerely,
Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind

Democratically Elected Leadership

The National Federation of the Blind is a transformative membership and advocacy organization distinguishable from agencies for the blind in a plethora of ways. The most important distinguishing characteristic is the fact that we democratically elect our leaders at the local, state, and national levels. We are proud to be the blind leading the blind. With a few exceptions such as our National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, the majority of our leaders must be blind, and in fact our entire national Board of Directors is made up of elected blind people. 

One of our newer members, Michelle, expressed the value of our democracy:

“It is very important to have elected national leaders in any organization as large as ours. Any successful franchise or business needs a CEO, just like our organization needs an elected president, vice president, secretary, and so on. National leaders are able to collaborate and mentor state leaders and each other, which trickles down to mentoring and collaborating with local leaders and members. An organization needs strong roots, foundation, thick trunk and branches, healthy leaves. Ineffective organizations result from troubled organizing. Together we are better and when members have a vote on elected officials at each level it empowers them.”

We ensure a representative form of governance through the participation of Federation members in policy making and elections of leaders at all levels. As blind people we want to drive our own collective action and determine our own future. Learn more about our democratic process on our history and governance page.

Latest News at the NFB

Karla Gilbride Heads EEOC

Karla Gilbride was sworn in as the General Counsel of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on October 23. With more than fifteen years of experience representing workers and consumers and judicial clerkships, Karla is eminently qualified, and she is the first person with a known disability, blindness, to head the commission. Karla is familiar to Federationists as a former scholarship winner and a speaker during general sessions at our 2023 National Convention. Learn more in the EEOC bulletin announcing Karla Gilbride's swearing in.

Blind Equality Achievement Month in the news

Federationists participated in Blind Equality Achievement Month activities throughout the country and gained valuable press coverage. Read about two blind women who celebrated by skydiving, a Florida community’s walk, Ohio hosting a White Cane Awareness Day celebration, and more by visiting our NFB in the News page.

American Action Fund Accepting Registrations for Annual Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest

The National Federation of the Blind and the American Action Fund have again partnered to sponsor the Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest. Registration is open now and the contest begins on December 4. This year there is a new category for teachers of blind students. Registration remains open until the end of the contest on January 22.

Santa and Winter Celebration Letters Available in English and Spanish

Every December the National Federation of the Blind sends letters in Braille to young blind children. To include all children, those English or Spanish letters are either from Santa or a winter celebration letter. A print copy of the letter is included in the mailing which also contains fun holiday activities. Order a Santa or Winter Celebration letter for your child or student.

Take Action This Month

Throughout our local chapters and state affiliates to our national headquarters and diverse committees, the National Federation of the Blind is an organization of collective action. Here’s what you can do to get involved this month.

Important Dates

We certainly are a busy organization. Don’t miss these upcoming events, workshops, and deadlines.