1. Please introduce yourself, indicate the position you are seeking, and explain why you are interested in serving in this role.
I am running as incumbent for my second term on the board of publications. As a new leader in ACB, it was a privilege to win your vote last year, and it's my sincere hope I've been a catalyst for positive change. Many folks asked why I hadn't announced my candidacy earlier, but this occurred because people who believed in me thought I’d be great on this board, long after candidates' statements were due. After some encouragement, I ran from the floor, and thanks to you, won!
This round I feel fully qualified to make even more meaningful contributions.
2. What do you consider your strongest contribution to ACB at the national, state, special-interest affiliate, or local chapter level? Please explain why you view this as your most significant contribution.
Previously the board of publications rotated the secretarial position, but I assumed it and will continue to flourish in this role, so there is more continuity. For example, I carefully record and track the commitments each individual makes, so I can gently remind them of a task they have agreed to undertake.
I initiated the Affiliates in Action column in the Braille Forum so we can learn what our disparate affiliates are up to, and also to get ideas for our own affiliate. By learning about other affiliates, we make our own affiliates more dynamic and that encourages new members to join and old members to stick around.
I also took our large print guidelines and created a Microsoft Word template that's easy to use. You don't need to know anything about large print to apply it to your documents and automatically make them accessible to our low-vision members.
From these examples, you can see I'm not the person who sits on my rear in meetings contributing only by seconding motions.
3. In your view, what is the most important challenge currently facing ACB? How would you work to help address this challenge if elected?
The challenges ACB faces in growing membership numbers can be assisted by the board of publications because we all help to manage the conversation list to inform members. We also have a regular training for ACB communicators which ensures people who produce newsletters and announcements for their affiliates keep their members engaged. New members only join an organization that is active, and communication is the key to effectively marketing us. I am part of this team and will continue with your vote to be there.
I also write regularly for The Braille Forum and other affiliates’ newsletters to keep their content intriguing. Members will leave a stale organization, which isn’t going to be a description of ACB!
4. What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the blindness community we serve, and how would you work to advance meaningful change in this organization?
Changing ACB means listening to members and bringing up their issues to ACB leadership. Representing you matters to me.
Ray Campbell said back in the 2017 candidates forum, when he was running for board of directors, “you listeners are our hiring managers.” I hope you join the board of publications meetings on zoom to ensure that the volunteers you hire are doing what you expect.
My motto is "you can be the change you seek" and if you vote for me this year, you will continue to observe this motto in action.