[fcb-l] SHARING CONCERN
Edwards, Paul
pedwards at mdc.edu
Mon Mar 12 10:42:34 EDT 2012
Thanks, Sheri. Please feel free to pass this message to any you think might need to see it.
FCB absolutely and categorically recognizes the right of any organization to make whatever rules they see fit to make.
We welcome NFB members in our organization. I am not sure how we would come down on having somebody be an officer in both organizations. I think there are some real loyalty issues that are potentially involved with this. Some American Council affiliates are considering this question now.
We take open membership seriously but you would expect us to do that given our extreme emphasis on democracy.
1961 is 51 years ago. Both organizations have a lot to be proud of and both groups believe fervently that the way they do things is better.
I want all of us to focus on the fact that both organizations have done a lot for people who are blind. There is still a lot more to do and, where we can, we need to work together to make life better for folks who are blind, most of whom aren't members of either of our organizations.
We in FCB have always been able and will continue to be able to work cooperatively with NFBF. We thank NFBF for their role in making the lives of Floridians who are blind better!
Paul
Paul Edwards, Director
North Campus Access Services
11380 Northwest 27 Avenue
Miami FL33167
PHONE: (305) 237-1146
FAX: (305) 237-1831
CELL PHONE: (305) 984-0909
HOME PHONE: (305) 692-9206
ABILITY COUNTS
-----Original Message-----
From: fcb-l-bounces at acb.org [mailto:fcb-l-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf Of Sherri
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2012 8:42 AM
To: fcb-l at acb.org
Subject: Re: [fcb-l] SHARING CONCERN
Thanks for passing this along. I will try to find the policy and send it to
her. It is not as strong as David Evans states.
----- Original Message -----
From: "sheila" <sayoung125 at att.net>
To: <fcb-l at acb.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 10:23 PM
Subject: Re: [fcb-l] SHARING CONCERN
>I have tried to understand your issue, but this is not something that needs
>to be put out on the list serve.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Cathy Koyanagi" <cakoyanagi at samobile.net>
> To: <pmaurer at nfb.org>; <drevans at bellsouth.net>; <pedwards at mdc.edu>;
> <president at nfbflorida.org>
> Cc: <rmilliman at insightbb.com>; <info at acb.org>; <fcb-l at acb.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 1:13 AM
> Subject: [fcb-l] SHARING CONCERN
>
>
>> NFB AND ACB Dignitarites and members,
>> I have a Rebuttal to an email sent to my by NFB West Palm Beach Chapter
>> President, David Evans. Please note that each is numbered. His email
>> quote is first, followed by 'Cathy-Alice Rebuttal.
>>
>> I should mention that as a professional courtesy, I did send an email
>> to NFB State President Dan Hicks prior to sending this email to you.
>>
>> I can not beliefve the implication that it is the policy of NFB to not
>> allow anyone into a chapter who is a member of ACB. Tthese are two
>> signigicant and esteemed organizations working on a common mission.
>> For David Evans to make that statement and banish me from the chapter
>> is simply inappropriate.
>>
>> I have also attached something that will be an indicator of who I am.
>>
>> Respectfuly,
>> Cathy-Alice Koyanagi
>> 321-474-0721
>>
>>
>> 1. DAVID EVANS QUOTE FROM HIS EMAIL: First of all, this was a private
>> message, shared with only the members of our NFB list and the two
>> people I copied. t was not meant for you. .
>> CATHY-ALICE REBUTTAL: For the record, I have been a paid member of the
>> NFB since last year and more recently with the NFB Palm Beach Chapter.
>> I am on the NFB mailing list and receive the email that is sent to this
>> ‘private’ list.
>> 2. DAVID EVANS QUOTE FROM HIS EMAIL: Second, it is the prerogative of
>> the Chapter President to appoint Chairs of committees and its members.
>> CATHY-ALICE REBUTTAL: While it may be the prerogative of the president
>> to appoint members (depending on what the Bylaws say), it is also my
>> right as a member to question. It is not typical for a President to
>> table items without a vote of the membership. I just found it
>> unprofessional that at last month’s meeting you stated that this matter
>> would be discussed at the next meeting. This type of behavior derails
>> trust and credibility in your position as a leader and a chairman.
>> 3. DAVID EVANS QUOTE FROM HIS EMAIL: At the meeting, you jumped right
>> up to take the job as chair of our Slate committee and I was caught off
>> guard and let you have the job without thinking it out.
>> CATHY-ALICE REBUTTAL: Let’s be clear here, I suggested that there be a
>> committee to better organize the process. I was seriously surprised
>> that there was no utilization of members or established committees.
>> When a member volunteers, it should be thought of as a wonderful thing.
>> I was surprised that you arbitrarily and unilaterally postponed the
>> vote because ‘Carolyn and 2 other members were at a children’s
>> Valentine party.’ Again, if you were caught off guard, then it seems
>> that you are perhaps resistant of any help from members outside of your
>> ‘inner circle’. This only inhibits chapter growth. I had asked you
>> many times previously and recently for copy of the Chapter By-laws and
>> Constitution. I recently emailed you stating that I needed to see what
>> the By-laws state in regard to ‘nomination committee’, For example, is
>> the Vice President the chair of the nomination committee? Without a
>> copy of the Bylaws it is impossible for me (or anyone) to tell, but
>> typically this committee would have been established long before this
>> (perhaps even as a standing committee).
>> 4. DAVID EVANS QUOTE FROM HIS EMAIL: I knew immediately that
>> something was wrong, but I let it stand while I checked some things
>> out. I have also appointed someone else to fill out our Slate of
>> Officers . I hereby must retract your appointment as certain things
>> have come to my attention.
>> CATHY-ALICE REBUTTAL: Since I have not been given the opportunity to
>> respond to any matters of gossip, innuendo or even slander, it is
>> difficult to reply to this. Did you give me the courtesy of talking to
>> me about any such matters?
>> 5. DAVID EVANS QUOTE FROM HIS EMAIL: You are the serving FCB Chapter
>> President and as such cannot serve on a NFB Chapter Board nor as a
>> chair of a committee. There is a National policy that says that No
>> member or officer in the American Council of the Blind , or its
>> affiliates, can serve on an NFB Board of Directors or as a committee
>> chair. In fact, duel membership is strongly discouraged.
>> In researching this, I have found no indication of that National
>> Policy, especially as it pertains to chapters or affiliates. I will be
>> asking the NFB and FCB for their formal policies on these matters.
>> How can you or NFB ‘strongly discourage’ dual membership? Has this NFB
>> chapter ever removed a member for also being a member of the ACB/FCB?
>> Do you also disqualify members of Lions or other organizations from
>> your membership?
>> 6. DAVID EVANS QUOTE FROM HIS EMAIL: Now as to the Slate Committee,
>> the NFB will not let the ACB/FCB pick our leaders anymore than the two
>> major political parties will let the other pick the people who will
>> lead them. It would be a conflict of Interest and unethical on your part.
>> CATHY-ALICE REBUTTAL: My purpose is to work for the benefit of the
>> blind community and my belief is that the NFB and FCB chapters should
>> be working towards a common goal and NOT be in competition or conflict
>> with each other.
>> 7. DAVID EVANS QUOTE FROM HIS EMAIL: We are a private Non-Profit
>> organization and do reserve the Right to maintain control over who can
>> and can not be a member.
>> CATHY-ALICE REBUTTAL: Are you familiar with the NFB constitution? In
>> looking at the NFB constitution, there is protocol as to how to handle
>> situations. Do you know what a majority vote means? Do I meet the
>> criteria to be banished from ‘your’ chapter?
>> 8. DAVID EVANS QUOTE FROM HIS EMAIL: This is a practice followed by
>> many such organizations such as Lion's Clubs International, which I
>> know that you are familiar with.
>> CATHY-ALICE REBUTTAL: The Lions have a very well-defined process of
>> removing a member and this is discussed in much detail in the Lions
>> Constitution and Bylaws. Compare this process to what you have done.
>> The Standard Lions Club Constitution and Bylaws can be obtained from
>> the Lions Clubs International site. But, since you are a Lion, you
>> already know this!
>>
>> 9. DAVID EVANS QUOTE FROM HIS EMAIL: I know that you have attended
>> our meetings before and are active in the Blindness Community, but this
>> was the first meeting that you chose to join our organization and you
>> did not disclose your affiliations and rank in the FCB.
>> CATHY-ALICE REBUTTAL: For the record, I had attended the chapter
>> meetings 2-3 times, and then was in Daytona for 8 months. Upon my
>> return, I became employed. I began to attend the chapter meetings
>> again. Is this a crime? If you check your records you will notice
>> that I did join previously. I did not know that I HAD TO DISCLOSE MY
>> AFFILIATION and ‘RANK’ with FCB. What do you mean by ‘rank’? Do you
>> mean office? If you could have been more organized and have new
>> members fill out an application, regardless I still believe it is not
>> NFB’s business what other organization I am involved in. But it
>> certainly appears to be a great concern in your conspiracy theory. And
>> perhaps, a new member could be given a folder with Board contact
>> information, copy of Chapter By-laws, Constitution, listing of areas
>> for volunteering in Chapter, etc.
>> 10. DAVID EVANS QUOTE FROM HIS EMAIL: I am sure that this message
>> will likely make you upset and angery and I will have our Treasurer
>> remit your membership fee, by check.
>> CATHY-ALICE REBUTTAL: As I could not predict your emotional state of
>> mind or anxieties, I certainly do not expect you to attempt to predict
>> mine.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Original message:
>>
>>> Dear Cathy,
>>
>>> I am sorry for my slow response to your e-mail, but I needed to check
>>> some
>>> things out first.
>>> First of all, this was a private message, shared with only the members
>>> of
>>> our NFB list and the two people I copied. It was not meant for you. .
>>> Second, it is the prerogative of the Chapter President to appoint Chairs
>>> of
>>> committees and its members.
>>> I exercised that right in appointing Carolyn as she expressed interest
>>> in
>>> doing it some time ago and has the experience having been a Chapter
>>> President and State Board member and has helped me in hosting most of
>>> the
>>> very successful state conventions that have been held here in Boca
>>> Raton, 7
>>> conventions in all.
>>> I will seek the assistance of other chapter members as needed, some of
>>> whom
>>> have helped before.
>>> At the meeting, you jumped right up to take the job as chair of our
>>> Slate
>>> committee and I was caught off guard and let you have the job without
>>> thinking it out.
>>> I knew immediately that something was wrong, but I let it stand while I
>>> checked some things out. I have also appointed someone else to fill out
>>> our
>>> Slate of Officers .
>>> I hereby must retract your appointment as certain things have come to my
>>> attention.
>>
>>> You are the serving FCB Chapter President and as such can not serve on a
>>> NFB
>>> Chapter Board nor as a chair of a committee.
>>> There is a National policy that says that No member or officer in the
>>> American Council of the Blind , or its affiliates, can serve on an NFB
>>> Board
>>> of Directors or as a committee chair. In fact, duel membership is
>>> strongly
>>> discouraged.
>>
>>> Now as to the Slate Committee, the NFB will not let the ACB/FCB pick our
>>> leaders anymore than the two major political parties will let the other
>>> pick
>>> the people who will lead them. It would be a conflict of Interest and
>>> unethical on your part.
>>> We are a private Non-Profit organization and do reserve the Right to
>>> maintain control over who can and can not be a member. This is a
>>> practice
>>> followed by many such organizations such as Lion's Clubs International,
>>> which I know that you are familiar with.
>>
>>> I know that you have attended our meetings before and are active in the
>>> Blindness Community, but this was the first meeting that you chose to
>>> join
>>> our organization and you did not disclose your affiliations and rank in
>>> the
>>> FCB.
>>
>>
>>> I am sure that this message will likely make you upset and angery and I
>>> will
>>> have our Treasurer remit your membership fee, by check.
>>
>>
>>> David Evans, NFB Chapter President
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Cathy Koyanagi" <cakoyanagi at samobile.net>
>>> To: <drevans at bellsouth.net>
>>> Cc: <lbanes at lighthousepalmbeaches.org>
>>> Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 10:09 PM
>>> Subject: NFB CONFERENCE
>>
>>
>>>> David,
>>>> I was surprised to see the NFB post from Carol Lapp that read: 'David
>>>> requested that I join the events committee so I will be on the
>>>> conference
>>>> call.' I recall at the recent meeting that I recommended that the
>>>> chapter
>>>> get organized and have a person chair this committee. You did not seem
>>>> interested in this organizational and leadership idea. In fact, you
>>>> stated
>>>> that at the next meeting we would talk about it, which is March and
>>>> leaves
>>>> 3 months to organize, delegate, etc.
>>
>>>> Now it is evident that now you have reconsidered it per Carol Lapp's
>>>> post.
>>
>>>> Perhaps it would have been a more appropriate and democratic way to
>>>> have
>>>> asked at last months meeting if there were any volunteers to assist. By
>>>> selecting someone who has had this type of role in NFB, it works
>>>> against
>>>> the potential for new members to get the experience. The terrible
>>>> twist
>>>> is that this is a way to stimualate membership and by not encouraging
>>>> new
>>>> or members who have not had the opportunity - then it is a way that we
>>>> end
>>>> up losing members, because they are not given purpose, opportunity, and
>>>> chance for leadership.
>>
>>>> QUESTIONS:
>>>> 1. Will other chapter members have an opportuntiy to participate in
>>>> this
>>>> call? Or is it just Carol? Is she the 'committee'?
>>>> 2. Will our chapter have a committee for this conference to plan,
>>>> organize, and implement the necessary task and duties so our chapter
>>>> will
>>>> reflect as functional and organized?
>>
>>
>>>> Willing to be of service,
>>>> Cathy-Alice Koyanagi
>>
>>>> --
>>>> Email services provided by the System Access Mobile Network. Visit
>>>> www.serotek.com to learn more about accessibility anywhere.
>>
>> --
>> Email services provided by the System Access Mobile Network. Visit
>> www.serotek.com to learn more about accessibility anywhere.
>>
>
>
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