by Penny Reeder
Are you an active member of ACB? Do you belong to a state or special-interest affiliate? Would you like to come to the ACB convention in Louisville?
If you can answer any of these questions affirmatively, and if you have never before attended a national ACB convention, then apply to the First-Timer’s Contest, and the Durward McDaniel Membership Development and Retention Fund may pay your way to Louisville.
In 1994, the ACB board of directors established the Durward McDaniel Fund to honor McDaniel who was so passionately committed to the blindness movement which ACB represents. Each year, the fund allows two members of the American Council of the Blind, one from each side of the Mississippi River, to experience the camaraderie and empowerment that a national convention can provide.
If you have been wishing for a windfall that might allow you to come to Louisville, submit your letters of application. ACB welcomes the opportunity to reward deserving members in this way, and to give you the experiences and opportunities which only a national convention can afford.
Here’s how to apply: Write us a letter. Address it to: First Timer’s Contest, American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th Street NW, Suite 1004, Washington, DC 20005
Tell us, in your letter, about yourself and about your commitment to the American Council of the Blind. Talk about the activities which you have participated in, about your reasons for belonging, and for wanting to attend the national convention. Ask the president of your affiliate to write, or to designate a representative, to write a separate letter on your behalf. This letter should give the selection committee some additional sense of your accomplishments and involvement in activities relevant to the work of ACB and its affiliates.
All materials submitted on your behalf must be received by the selection committee no later than May 15, 2000.
As the McDaniel Membership Development and Retention Fund grows, through accrual and donations, ACB hopes to be able to acknowledge the contributions and dedication of more of its members by sponsoring their convention attendance, and to fund other special programs which will increase membership and reward service and commitment. At the moment, however, we must limit our sponsorship to only two deserving members. If you have never before experienced the friendship and excitement which are the hallmarks of ACB national conventions, take advantage of this opportunity, and submit your letters of application as soon as possible. Remember, your letters must be received no later than May 15, 2000.