[mountainstate] Membership

[J.Rayl]

Hi.  Well, <LOL> the stupid thing about Greyhound is that we have to go all the way around red Robbin's Barn just to get from Hagerstown (once you get there) to get to anywhere else in the state.  Like, to get to Wheeling, its al the way to Columbus first, then back to Wheeling.  I don't think so!  To Charleston and that area, its all the way down into VA, then up.  Again, I don't think so.  Some of you might have the time to go around riding on busses, but I don't.  <LOL>!
So no, its not much of an option as I said earlier.

I think a far better approach is several:
One, people who can drive need to be far more inclusive of others.  I realize some have this concept of, its my trip, my car, my time.  Well, that is all fine and well, and I've been there with my sighted guys as well ...however, I made it a point to include other people who were blind in "my time", "my car" and "my life" to ensure they got to our convention.  I'd appreciate the same courteousy extended to me.
Secondly, we could utilize all-encompasing services such as did Romney, e.g., getting a van from local chapters.  However, that means planning / commitment from members, and it also means some help from the sighted people within our chapters (again which tri-county did not have this year, therefore our members did not get to convention).
And barring that, there is absolutely no reason in this day and age not to incorporate technology into the business meetings by utilizing conferencing.  However, this will necessitate a change in the way business meetings are managed and run and a study of how ACB (Mitch) handles his meetings would be strongly advisable at this point.

Jessie Rayl
thedogmom63 at frontier.com
www.facebook.com/Eaglewings10
www.pathtogrowth.org

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Cain, Deborah 
  To: Mountain State (West Virginia) Council of the Blind discussion list 
  Sent: Friday, September 23, 2011 10:15 AM
  Subject: Re: [mountainstate] Membership


  Hi everyone, 

   

  Thank you Vicki for your thoughts and suggestions.  I, for one, welcome people from other states.  It has always been my belief that in addition to informative presentations and meetings at conventions, it is important and just as valuable to allow people a chance to tour the area, participate in fun events and activities and socialize.  WV has an abundance of wonderful opportunities for fun and adventure.  These can be learning experiences as well.  It's an excellent way for people who are new to blindness and low vision to get involved and for members and guests to participate in things they might not otherwise have a chance to do. 

   

  Transportation is certainly a hurtle that most have a difficult time surmounting.  Those who can drive or have made arrangements with friends and/or family members to get to conventions could certainly offer a ride to others who do not have those options.  The Bylaws do not stipulate when or where the convention must be held; only that an annual meeting will take place.  Is there Grayhound service anywhere in the State other than the partnership Mountain Line in Morgantown has with them whereby one can buy Greyhound tickets and make a connection from Morgantown to the station in Pittsburgh?  Last I knew Wheeling still had Greyhound service.  Doesn't mean that it would work for people though.  Definitely worth exploring.

   

  The other ideas and suggestions offered are good as well.  

   

  Debbie



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