by Michael Garrett and Jean Mann
As a member or a supporter, you can play a major role in helping ACB continue to thrive when you participate in the Monthly Monetary Support (MMS) program. We all know that ACB does marvelous work that impacts the lives of people who are blind or low vision all over this country and beyond. Think about where you’d be if you couldn’t access the advocacy, education, and even the entertainment that comes from being a part of ACB.
Every day things happen because of, or as a result of, some action that ACB takes. This means that our members and the blindness community in general benefit. There are numerous aspects in a blind person’s life that ACB has influenced significantly. From employment to transportation, from housing to education, or from social interaction to technology developments, ACB is at the forefront of advocating, educating and encouraging legislators, agencies and individuals to provide equal opportunity for those of us who are blind or have low vision.
Many of you donate to the annual Community-a-Thon, join ACB walk teams, and participate in ACB’s auctions. These are all very worthy causes, and ACB appreciates your supporting them. But the funds raised by these endeavors are, for the most part, restricted as to how they are used. Monies received through the MMS program, on the other hand, are unrestricted, and help defray the everyday operational costs of running an organization like ours.
The ACB staff and leaders do an amazing job with meager resources. Just think how much more ACB could accomplish if more of our members and supporters were to participate in the MMS program. To date, approximately 3.6% of our membership contributes to MMS. Some of those proceeds go back to state and special-interest affiliates. However, those unrestricted funds which remain with ACB are crucial in allowing the day-to-day activities to continue.
For as little as $10 per month, more if you’re able, you can help ACB continue to do the work that impacts our lives. Go to ACB’s website, www.acb.org, click on Resources, and then under Ways to Give, you’ll find information about ACB’s Monthly Monetary Support (MMS) program. Or call ACB’s Minnesota office at (612) 332-3242 and ask to speak with Chris Sawyer or Nancy Marks Becker. They’ll answer any questions you may have and get you set up if you choose to donate on a monthly basis or increase what you’re already giving. If you prefer to make an annual donation to MMS instead, they’ll help you with that also.
Stay tuned for information about our activities at this summer’s conference and convention. And please, help ACB continue to thrive in 2025!