Compiled by Ardis Bazyn, ACB Membership Chair
The theme for the conference and convention seminar was "What outreach mechanisms work for growth." The first panel was "What interactive activities and awards might encourage more participation?" Becky Dunkerson of ACB Diabetics in Action talked about their classes related to diabetes or pre-diabetes. She outlined how they partner with new diabetics to assist them while they are still learning. She also described their other outreach mechanisms: newsletter for members, email lists, and open community calls.
Sheila Young from Florida Council of the Blind mentioned their various state awards, chapter awards, and positive topics for monthly calls. She talked about their interactive sessions at their state convention and the many related activities. They also encourage new participation. Some other offerings are new member orientation, open board meetings where they allow questions, inviting members to join committees, announce list, member list, social events, stipend for transportation for events, invitations to local chapters, talks about ACB involvement, spotlight member articles, and special podcasts. To receive stipends for attending events, the criteria is: they must attend at least two meetings in person, write a 500-word article after convention or other event, and have to be an active member.
Pamela Loch from Bay State Council of the Blind explained their free membership for first-year affiliate members. They also have email lists, social media posts sharing information about upcoming events, and in-person events. They get large print and Braille business cards and brochures from Perkins School for the Blind. They circulate a speaker list for other organizations. They ask new people to spread the word about their activities. Their membership application asks them to share their interests and what opportunities they'd like.
Ardis Bazyn from Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America talked about RSVA activities. They have a quarterly newsletter for members, but additions are placed on the website after the next issue is published. They have several email lists: one for the board, one for announcements, one is an open discussion list, and another for BEP staff, as well as a members-only list for the Vendorscope to be sent. They give awards for various levels of distinction, hold two conferences -- one with ACB in the summer, and the Sagebrush BEP training conference, generally held in February. They also have a monthly community call called the RS Vendor check-in call for anyone to join on various topics related to the BEP program or general blindness-related topics. They give a free membership to new members.
The second panel topic was "What website links or call to action items would draw people to respond." Steve Longmire from the Georgia Council of the Blind mentioned important things to consider for your website: interactive links -- surveys, convention links (including registration), invitations to join including an application link, invitations to participate in committees or chapters, and a calendar of events. A donation button is necessary, too. Place a list of your chapters with contact information and a map link so that people can find the nearest chapter. Websites can have a link to past newsletters and social media links. The site should be easy to navigate and have a contact form so that interested people can get in touch with you. Georgia has a communications committee to decide on what should be on the site. Its app can be downloaded from Apple or Google.
Sheila Young outlined the information available on the Florida website: an "about us" link, chapter list with contact information and meeting place, past newsletters, timely info on upcoming events, annual convention dates and registration, Facebook link, advocacy information, history of the organization link, a resource link, a donate page, and a membership page that includes an application to join.
Jeremy Johansen from the Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs said there should be a list of resources for members, a link for new people to join with a payment link, and a contact form. IVIE has a membership directory on its website that provides information about each member as well as what business they run. There are links to the calendar of events and articles about conventions and other activities. The website should be usable by both visually impaired and blind people, and it should include a contact email for the web designer, just in case there are issues with the site.
Contact the ACB Membership Committee via email, abazyn@bazyncommunications.com, if you have questions or suggestions for upcoming activities or calls.