National Federation of the Blind of Colorado to Welcome Leaders from Across the Nation at 60th Annual State Convention

National Federation of the Blind of Colorado to Welcome Leaders from Across the Nation at 60^th Annual State Convention

by Kevan Worley

They will come from Georgia, Tennessee, New Mexico, Oregon, California, just some of the affiliates to be represented at this weekend’s convention of the NFB of Colorado October 30 through the morning of November 2 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows. Why do they come? They come for Colorado hospitality, a welcoming spirit, and Federation camaraderie. They come for a dynamic, informative, entertaining, program that highlights possibilities for people who are blind. They come because it is a program that directly deals with the challenges all of us who are blind face to live the lives we want, ensuring the protection and advancement of our civil rights, rehabilitation reform, Braille literacy for all who want it, access to technologies of every kind, and application. They come for the personal stories of pain, transformation, and triumph. It will be an inspiring agenda. NFB of Colorado has set a standard of excellence often envied and often emulated.

Over this past year, our affiliate chapter and community development director, Jessica Beecham, and I have been honored to travel to our California affiliate for some targeted chapter building and member engagement. The beauty of a national Federation family is how we share what works from affiliate to affiliate. This weekend, the President of the NFB of California, veteran activist, and longtime teacher of blind students, Mary Willows, will be with us. We will also welcome the new treasurer of the NFB of California, Rochelle Houston. We are especially proud to have these two dynamic Federation women with us.

They will hear the first banquet address ever delivered by James Brown of Tennessee, the President of our Tennessee affiliate. Last summer, James Brown was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind. This weekend, he will serve as National Representative for the first time.

But wait, there is more. Terry C. Smith is also from Tennessee. Terry is the Business Opportunity Specialist for the National Federation of the Blind Entrepreneur Initiative. He will report to our convention on issues and actions of importance to people who are blind in business. Terry directed Services for the Blind in Tennessee for many years before retiring two years ago to take on his current position providing analysis and advocacy in the area of Randolph-Sheppard and entrepreneurship for the Federation.

Those who are regular readers of this Blind Coloradoan blog know about the dreadful condition of the Colorado division of Vocational Rehabilitation. As a director who built strong rehab programs for the blind in Tennessee, Terry will be appalled at the woeful state of vocational training and employment placement services available, or should we say not available, to Colorado’s blind citizens. Perhaps, he will have suggestions from the perspective of a director who built a high quality program in the volunteer state. While here, he may volunteer to advise and assist less committed Colorado bureaucrats.

Also attending, Carla McQuillan, President of the NFB of Oregon, has been with us before. Carla always brings her unique perspective and special brand of humor. Curtis Chong, Treasurer of the NFB of New Mexico, and longtime Federationist, is nationally respected for his knowledge of, and advocacy for, appropriate access technology.

Mellissa Smith, no relation to Terry, is also from Tennessee. She will be attending her first NFBCO state convention.

For some of our Federation family members, the Colorado State Convention is a homecoming of sorts. Garrick Scott, President of the NFB of Georgia, attended the Colorado Center for the Blind.

Members of our Federation family, from across the nation, will Twist and Shout with us on Thursday evening as Art Schreiber, another out-of-stater, New Mexico, brings his tales of travels with the Beatles to life along with the music of Colorado’s own Fab 4 Beatles tribute band. Tickets are still available for that event. Out of state colleagues will take part in our deaf-blind seminar, an action-packed sports and recreation session. We know they will enjoy a scary good time on Friday evening as chapters host Halloween hospitality. They will observe our blind students in action, and I bet there will be some fundraisers in which they can participate. We will be glad to have their cash for the cause.

In the Federation, we share a common bond of love, hope, kinship, and determination. So, to our out-of-state friends, our family is your family. We welcome your wit, wisdom, and enthusiasm. We hope we have some ideas you can take home to help you build the Federation. We know you will enjoy your Colorado convention experience. We hope you will return home inspired to reach for new heights of excellence. Above all, welcome and have fun.