THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR Fall 1979

 

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A publication of the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND, INC.

 

Fall, 1979

Volume III, Number 3

 

Alfred P. Maneki, Editor The Braille Spectator 9736 Basket Ring Road Columbia, Maryland 21045

 

Address Correction Requested

 

THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Inc.

 

Alfred P. Maneki, Editor 9736 Basket Ring Road Columbia, Maryland 21045

(301) 992-9607

Associate Editors: Beth Schuster Althea Pittman

Recorded on cassette by: Connie McCraw

 

Organizational officers:

Willie Thompson, President 3435 Lynne Haven Dr.

Baltimore, Maryland 21207

(301) 521-3107

Alfred Maneki, first vice president 

Lloyd Rasmussen, Second Vice President 

Althea Pittman, secretary

Georgia Myers, treasurer

 

THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR is published quarterly as a newsletter to members of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland and others who share an interest in the work of this organization. The recorded edition, available on cassettes, can be obtained from the editor upon request.

Changes of address and additions to the circulation list should be sent to the editor. Address all news items, articles and letters to the editor.

 

BALTIMORE CHAPTER HOLDS FIRST ANNUAL WALK-A-THON

by Bill Munck

Sunday, October 21st was the perfect fall day for a Walk-a-Thon - sunny, mild temperature, no wind - not a cloud in the sky! Johnny Unitas was the Honorary Chairman of the first annual Walk-a-thon sponsored by the Greater Baltimore Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. He, Arlene Gashel and Bob Gibson (representing Gino's Restaurants) made a handsome trio in the picture

on the front of the Walk-a-Thon brochures. More than a hundred people

walked 18 kilometers (11 miles) and went home with tired feet to collectthe money pledged by friends and neighbors.

Gino's Restaurants served free soda pop to walkers and workers and threeof our seven check points were located at Gino's restaurants. ManyGino's Restaurants in the Baltimore area helped distribute Walk-a-Thon brochures prior to the day of the walk.

The Headquarters of the Maryland Historical Society also served as a check point on the route of the Walk-a-Thon and this organization was helpful to us in many other ways.

The Walk-a-Thonbegan and ended at the Inner Harbor in downtown Baltimore.Micky Fin, of WFBR volunteered his time as MC for the day. He distributed prizes to some walkers who finished and provided entertainment.Mark Plants of the Sligo Creek Chapter was the

first NFB person to finish - running the entire route. The first person to complete the route was also the last to start. He was a Gino's employee. Many walkers and workers found that they were looking at themselves on TV that evening and in the newspaper the next day. At least three television channels and two newspapers covered the event.

The route was laid out like a crooked figure eight, one loop circled through downtown Baltimore, the other passed by the new National Center for the Blind and Fort McHenry. The Steering Committee, chaired by Bill Munck, dealt with fifteen departments of city government and five separate police districts. We received compliments from the city on the day of the Walk-a-Thon because everything moved smoothly and people conducted themselves so well.

Preparing for this event was a lot of work, but the committee feels the work was very productive. The first year is the hardest. In time the Greater Baltimore Chapter plans to raise thousands of dollars with this event. Already a great many people have learned a great deal about us.

At its November meeting the Greater Baltimore Chapter voted to turn over all proceeds from this Walk-a-Thon to the national treasury of the NFB.

We wish to acknowledge the assistance provided by the following organizations: Gino's Restaurants, the Maryland HistoricalSociety, the Maryland Academy of Science, Charles Center Inner Harbor Management, the Baltimore Red Cross, the Baltimore HiltonHotel, the Baltimore Envelope Company, the MD-D-DC Press Association, WCAO Radio, WFBR Radio, 1/JBMD Radio, WBJC-FM, WBFF TV-45, WJC TV-1.J,

WBAL TV-4, The Sun papers, and Catholic Review.

 

THE THIRTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION

 

Maryland Federationists began to arrive early Friday evening, October 26, in College Park for this affiliate's Thirteenth Annual Convention.This Convention was typical of that kind of convention that Marylandershave come to expect - an agenda filled with many interesting items, an inspiring banquet program, and fun-filled parties well past the midnight hour. We summarizehere the major Convention highlights.

Friday evening: At the traditional Board meeting whichcommences Convention activities, the Board of Directors approved the establishment of an Associates contest similar to the national contest

with prizes to be announced later.

Saturday morning: The morning session was devoted primarily

to a panel discussion of agency representatives and a panel discussion of blind consumers - with a common topic, The Future of Services to the Blind in Maryland.The heated exchange between blind consumers and agency representatives, especially the representativesof the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Maryland School for the Blind,clearly indicated the difficulties encountered by blind consumers in dealing reasonably with the majority of officials responsiblefor services to the blind.

Saturday evening: The banquet was attended by Congresswoman Spelman and a host of members of the General Assembly. President Jernigan delivered a superb banquet address - its theme, "Whatever became of Amos and Andy."

Sunday morning: The Convention adopted a new constitution. This being an odd-numbered year, two members were elected to the Board of Directors - Ralph Thompson and Al Saile. The Convention adjourned promptly at noon.

GREATER CUMBERLAND CHAPTER PAYS TRIBUTE TO GRACE DAVIS

 

The Greater Cumberland NFB of Maryland is sorry to give notice of the passing of one of the oldest members of Maryland and the National Federation of the Blind.

Mrs. H. Grace Davis of the John F. Kennedy Homes died November 3, 1979, in Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient for two days. Her death occurred a week after she had attended the Convention in College Park.

Born in this city, June 14, 1889, she was a daughter of the late Perry and Jane (Cessna) Deetz.

She had, earlier in life, been a tightwire performer with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus and was teamed with the late Frank Florentine who was a long-time manager of the old Strand Theater, in Cumberland, Maryland. During the winter, she traveled on a vaudeville circuit. She was also a formeremployee of the old Wellington Glass Factory.

Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Annamae Rollings, who will be 100 years,November26, 1979, and Mrs. Hazel Quinn, who is 85 years old, both of Warren, Ohio.

Grace Davis has attended the last seven State and National Conventions andwas recognized as the oldest member in attendance at the Miami Convention.

The Greater Cumberland Chapter, along with the NFB of Maryland, gives thanks for having her and knowing her. She made our work easier, and her presence will be sorely missed.

Commenting on Grace's death, Ruth Twigg says: "Grace and I were roommates and buddies, and I will miss her, and I know the Federationists over the State will miss her too."

 

SPECKS

by Mary Freeman

 

• Raymond Lowder, president of the Baltimore Chapter, has a new telephone number: 325-2118.

   

• Federationists are reminded to mail pledges made at the banquet to Georgia Myers, 518 Washington Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502, as soon as possible. Checks should be made payable to National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.

   

• Marla Williams, 1101 North Calvert Street, Apt. 904, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, is collecting pennies, to be donated to the l\'FB treasury. Her goal is to collect $840.00 worth of pennies, since

  if laid in a row they would stretch for a mile. Marla Williams would appreciate receiving pennies from everyone.

   

• It is always encouraging to learn of members being elected

  to important positions in civic, social, and religious organizations. Last May Georgia Norford, president of the Greater Hagerstown Chapter was elected president of the Knights of Columbus in the Hagerstown area. She was also elected Regent of the Catholic Daughters' Court, Hagerstown #27J. It is believed that she is the only blind Regent in the country.

• In October, the Church of Christ, Silver Spring, held a banquet at which Bobby Bobo of the Sligo Creek Chapter was honored. He

was given recognition for establishing a Ministry for Single Adults.

• We can all be proud when one of us is called to fulfill a public obligation. On November 5,     Al Maneki of Columbia served on a jury hearing a criminal case in Howard County Circuit Court. Al reports that he had to first convince court officials of his ability and willingness to serve as a juror. In many states blind people are not allowed to serve on juries. It is hoped that more of us here in Maryland will be given this opportunity.

• Jim Omvig reports that Orlo Nichols was recently named the Social Security Administration's Outstanding Handicapped Employee of 1979. Orlo now qualifies for consideration as the Federal Government's Outstanding Handicapped Employee of 1979, Congratulations to Georgia, Bobby, Al and Orlo.

• The 1980 legislative session in Maryland is rapidly approaching. 1% are all reminded to attend our Day in Annapolis on Thursday, January 24. We will be meeting with our legislators during the day and have our annual legislative banquet that evening at the Annapolis Hilton - cocktail hour, 6:JO; dinner, 7:30. A planning meeting will be held in the Annapolis Hilton on the evening of January 23, Chapter presidents will have additional details shortly. Let's all be in Annapolis on January 24.

 

• Chapter Elections.

  • At its October meeting the Greater Baltimore Chapter elected the following officers: Raymond Lowder, president; Althea Pittman, first vice president; Marc Maurer, second vice president; Mary Freeman, secretary; Grace Sanchez, treasurer; Ron Metenyi, Mary Nunn, Viola Johnson, Goldie Thomas, board members.

  • The Vendors Chapter held elections during its luncheon at the College Park Convention: Pat Capuano, president; Bill Munck, first vice president; Betty Main, second vice president; Skip McClay, secretary; Harry Cook, treasurer; Bobby Bobo, Joe Bayard, Pete Ruppert, Don Glover, board members.

  • The Students' Chapter was granted its charter at the Convention banquet, Its officers for the coming year are: Althea Pittman, president; Sylvia Matthews, vice president; Jerry Pittman, secretary; Charles Winn, treasurer. A seminar for blind students in Maryland is planned for Saturday, January 12, 1G70, q AM to 4 PM, at the National Center. Welcome aboard, Students' Chapter.

• Ruth Twigg reports from the Greater Cumberland Chapter:

Our Chapter holds its meeting once a month on the second Tuesday at BISM. We received an invitation from the Cumberland Mall to put a stand on Baltimore Street during its Grand Opening, October 18^th to 20^th. We plan to sell scissors and anything else we can come up with. We had nine members attending the State Convention. We received a letter from the Cumberland Jaycees asking us to nominate a candidate for outstanding work in his field. We nominated Jearl Conrad, for his help with the blind and success in business with his vending stand.

• BISM reminds us about its volunteer reading program. If you have any materials you wish to have recorded, contact Jean Agin

  at 233-4567. BISM also has an Aides and Appliances Catalog available in Braille and large print. Blind persons throughout the community are welcome to participate in BISM's evening and Saturday activities. If you wish to know the month's activities, call Ed Lynch at 233-4567.

 

 

• Trish Miller reports on Maryland's recruitment of NFB Members at Large with Associate contributions. She reminds us of the nation­ wide and State-of-Maryland contests in progress for recruiters of the largest numbers of Members at Large from June 1, 1979, through May 31, 1980. The Members at Large program is extremely important for the progress of the organized blind movement. The following list is current as of the middle of November: 

 

Member's Name	Number of Associates	Contributions
Jim and Sharon Omvig	15	$213.00
Trish Miller	12	276
Kenneth Jernigan	10	245
Bill Munck	10	155. 00
Al Maneki	8	99
Steve Machalow	6	115
Pat Gormley	5	81,00
Sue Haynie	4	40
Mary Ellen  Anderson	3	110
Ron Metenyi	3	32
Marla Williams	3	32
Ralph Sanders	3	30,00
Jerry Pittman	2	111,00
Clarita Golender	2	20
Jean Agin	1	50,00
Shirley Morris	1	25
Judy Sanders	1	25
Kathleen Chapman	1	11,00
Anna Katherine Jernigan	1	10

 

 

Maryland Totals: 20 recruiters, 91 associates, $1,680.00

National Totals: 185 recruiters, 687 associates, $12,828.00

 

• On behalf of the Board of Directors of the NFB of Maryland and the editorial staff of the Braille Spectator, we extend the season’s greetings and best wishes for a happy and prosperous 1980.

 

 

RESOLUTIONS

 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND RESOLUTION 79-1

Whereas blindness is, manifestly, an economic liability because of massive denial of opportunity for employment and;

whereas blind persons incur extra costs in daily living because of their blindness, particularly those seeking self-improvement and;

whereas 43 states now provide optional supplements to SSI, with these supplements being federally administered in 26 states and state-administered in 17 states and;

whereas the current: Maryland federally administered supplement to SSI, unfortunately, benefits very few blind citizensand;

whereas Social Security law permits supplementation of benefits to various categories of recipients at various levels and;

whereas Iowa provides a federally administered SSI supplement to blind persons only and California, Massachusetts and Nevada provide federally administered SSI supplements to all eligible recipients, but with larger amounts going to the blind than to the aged and;

whereas $208,00 per month for an individual and $312.00 per month for a couple, currently the maximum Federal SSI benefits, fall far short of providing subsistence, especially for blind persons with families and;

whereas bills designed to establish a reasonable SSI supplement for blind persons have twice passed the Senate and once passed the House;

 

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the members of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, in convention assembled in the city of College Park, Maryland, on this 27th day of October, 1979:

that the members of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland vigorously support a legislative proposal to establish a federally administered state supplement to SSI for blind persons of not less than $50.00 per month and:

be it further resolved that the members of this organization commend Delegate R. Clayton Mitchell for his hard work on behalf of this proposal during the 1979 legislative session and;

 

be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to every member of the Maryland General Assembly.

 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND RESOLUTION 79-2

Whereas the Governor’s Office for the Coordination of Services to the Handicapped directed by Richard Dunne,

has created a special task force of agency representatives and consumers to review the problems of services to the blind pointed out by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland and;

whereas an exhaustive survey of data on services to the blind provided by all state agencies has been completed and;

whereas written comments and responses to this survey have been submitted to Mr. Dunne's office by all members of this task force and several consumers and;

whereas Dr. Dunne has yet to offer his final recommendations for solutions to these problems to the Governor only recently indicating to us his desire to have all materials reviewed by an independent agency and;

whereas Hr. Dunne has apparently made little effort to

final recommendations to the Governor by September 1979, as promised and;

be it further resolved that this organization call upon Hr. Dunne to continuously maintain communications with us through the chairman of our legislative committee and;

be it further resolved that this organization pledge its support to work cooperatively with the Governor of Maryland and his appointees in all matters pertaining to the blind of Maryland.

 

 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND RESOLUTION 79-3

 

Whereas the legislative program of the NFB of MD has encompassed various aspects of the social, economic and educational welfare of the blind, such as a solution to the vendors problems, insurance incrimination, supplemental security income and rehabilitation services and; 

whereas in some instances, we have found it necessary to deal with additional unanticipated legislation pertaining to    the blind, and;

whereas, due to the complexities of the legislative process, it has been necessary for us to re-evaluate our legislative priorities

and strategies during the course of the legislative session;

 

now, therefore, be it resolved by the NFB of Md, in convention assembled in the City of College Park, MD, on this 27th day of October 1979,:

that a vote of confidence be extended to the officers, board of directors and legislative committee of this organization for their decisions and actions rendered during the last session of the General Assembly and;

be it further resolved that for the 1980 session of the General Assembly the officers, board of directors and legislative committee of this organization will again assume all responsibilities for arriving at the final judge ents regarding legislative priorities and strategies.

 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND RESOLUTION    79-4

Whereas the right to a free education for all children, including those who happen to be blind, is mandated by law and;

whereas the Maryland School for the Blind is the institution specifically established for the education of those blind children who do not attend the public schools and;

whereas public funds are used to defray the costs of educating blind children who are in the public schools and also those who attend the Maryland School for the Blind and;

whereas there is a recognized need to maintain high educational standards for all children and that the maintenance of such standards begins at the policy making level - the board of directors and;

whereas, in the interest of assuring high standards of services to the adult, the State of Maryland has mandated that the board of directors of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland be appointed by the Governor of the State and similar mandates apply to an increasing number of agencies using largely public funds to defray the cost of op ration and;

whereas, through appointment by the Governor, the State Board of Education and, by election, the local Boards of Education are responsible to the public and;

whereas the use of public funds to provide the highest possible standard of education for the students attending the Maryland School

for the Blind cannot be assured be­ cause the board of directors of the Maryland School for the Blind is self-perpetuating, with their appointment, tenure and removal not being subject to the approval, or even the scrutiny, of any public official;

 

now, therefore, be it resolved by the NFB of Md, in convention assembled in the City of College Park, MD, on this 27th day of October 1979:

that the members of the National Federation of the :2lind of Maryland vigorously support legislation to mandate that

the Governor of Maryland be responsible for the appointment of the board of directors of the Maryland School for the blind and;

be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to all the members of the Maryland General Assen1bly and the Governor of the State of Maryland.

 

NATIONAL FEDERATION  OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND RESOLUTION 79-5

Whereas Title XX of the Social Security Act as amended provides for special services to blind persons and;

whereas these services can include transportation to medical and other community services, the development of independence through training in travel with a cane, the building of a positive self-image through a variety of social rehabilitation activities, the maintenance of a safe living environment through assistance with minor home repairs and

other vital services and;

whereas these services are needed critically by individuals who are above the normal employment age and approximately 70% of blind persons are over the age of sixty, approximately 40% of them living in physical and social isolation and;

whereas federal funds are provided to each state for Title XX services on the basis of an approved state plan. identifying the services to be extended, with the amount of funds provided to each state being determined by the general population of that state as a percentage of the total population of the nation and;

whereas the Title XX federal funds made available to each state represents approximately 75% of the total funds that become available in that state for Title XX services, the other approximately 25% being made up of state and local funds and;

 

whereas our neighboring state of Pa., out of its $213,763,000 of federal, state and local Title XX funds, identifies and allocates

$3,177,333 for Title XX services to the blind, while Maryland, out of its approximately $74,646,000 of federal, state and local Title XX funds, identifies and allocates only $43,320 for Title XX services to the blind

and:

whereas an examination of the foregoing figures reveals that Pa. is identifying and allocating for Title XX services to the blind approximately 1.49% of its available Title XX fW1ds, while Maryland is identifying arid allocating for Title XX services to the blind only about 0.06% of it available Title XX fW1ds and, on the basis of its· blind population of about 24,000 persons, Pa. is identifying and allocating approximately 132.39 in Title XX-funds for each blind person in the state, while Maryland, on the basis of its blind population of about 9000 persons, is  identifying and allocating only approximately $4.81 in Title XX funds for each blind person in the state an ;

 

whereas many other states equal or exceed the funds per blind person that Pa. is identifying and allocating for Title XX services to the blind and;

whereas the Department of Human Resources has indicated that it is considering reducing or eliminating the Title

XX funds identified and allocated for Title XX services to the blind of Maryland;

 

now, therefore, be it resolved by the NFB of Md, in convention assembled in the City of College Park, MD, on this 27th day of October 1979 that the members of the Nati\mal Federation of the Blind of Md. endorse and strongly support legislative and/or ad­ ministrative action or action by any other means deemed appropriate by the board of directors and the legislative committee of the National Federation of the Blind of Hd.

to secure an equitable increase in the funds identified and allocated for Title XX services to blind citizens of Vid.

 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND RESOLUTION  79-6

 

Whereas the NFB of Md. has expended significant effort and resources in the reorganization of services to the blind in Hd. and;

 

whereas these efforts have stimulated tremendous interest within the blind community and in state government circles and;

 

 

whereas our call for reorganization of services to the blind has been based on the sound premises that:

1. independent state agencies for the blind provide the best possible structure for the delivery of services to blind persons;·

2. in Md., services for the blind are fragmented or obliterated by being divided among or integrated into several different structures result n in lack of coordination and efficiency;

3. the present system causes confusion, lack of communication, and, most importantly, lack of quality services to blind persons;

    

   now, therefore, be it resolved by the NFB of Md., in convention assembled in College Park, Md., this 27th day of October, 1979;

    

   that this organization reaffirms its commitment to the

   improvement of services to the blind in: Md. and;

   be it further resolved that the officers, board of directors-, legislative committee and the membership take all necessary action to bring about these needed reforms.

    

    

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND RESOLUTION79-7

Whereas the ultimate goal of the National Federation of the Blind is to secure the complete integration of the blind into the larger society, sharing the same rights and privileges as well as the same responsibilities and liabilities as others and;

whereas the National Federation of the Blind has long recognized the fact that the real problem of blindness is not physically being blind, but is found in the negative and erroneous social attitudes about blindness - attitudes which portray the blind as helpless, hopeless human beings rather than as equal partners in society and;

whereas, because of these mistaken attitudes, the blind are often deprived socially, legally and economically - a situation which has resulted in massive unemployment or under-employment, placing many blind persons in a condition of severe economic need and;

whereas, in recognition of this social problem, the Maryland General Assembly has seen fit to balance the social scales by establishing a state tax exemption of $6000.00 on property owned by blind persons and;

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whereas, due to the current sharp rate of inflation, several concerned Maryland legislators have recently introduced bills to increase the amount of the property tax exemption;

 

now, therefore, be it resolved by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, in convention assembled in the city of College Park, Maryland, this 27th day of October,1979;

that this organization and its members, in recognition of the economic discriminations which are practiced against the blind, go on record in the 1980 session of the General Assembly in support of an increase in the tax exemption to

$9000.00 annually and;

be it further resolved that this position is taken solely because of the current social climate and economic dis­ crimination which exists, and not by reason of any belief that the blind are innately less fortunate or less able to share in the responsibilities and liabilities of full citizenship and;·

be it further resolved that, as soon as the Maryland General Assembly has established an adequate supplement to Social Securities' SSI program so that blind persons who truly are in economic need will have sufficient funds with which to live, or as soon as rehabilitation services for the blind are improved in this state so that the blind have decent training which results in improved employment opportunities, this organization will return to the General Assembly on this same topic for two reasons

to thank the Assembly for reco9Dizing the economic implications of society's attitudes about blindness by previously granting the tax exemption and,

secondly, to take all possible steps to eliminate the ex­ emption altogether, so that we will have the opportunity to share in social responsibility alongside our sighted peers and;

be it further resolved that the president and/or legislative chairman of this organization send a letter to each member of the General Assembly in support of an increase in the tax exemption to $9000.00 annually.

 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND RESOLUTION 79-8

Whereas Blind Industries and Services of Md. (BISM), under the management ofRalph Sanders, has evolved from a custodial agency operating in the red to a progressive, dynamic agency operating in the black and; whereas under present management BISM has developed an industries division providing employment opportunities for blind production workers at higher than minimum wages, while increasing its                 volume of sales and productivity, thereby proving that a properly managed program of industries for the blind need not rely on payment of slave wages to be solvent and;

whereas BISM, under present management, is teaching blind people the alternative techniques they must use to live independently and to function successfully in competitive employment and;

whereas BISM is now undertaking a comprehensive place1nent and counseling effort and;

whereas BISM staff members are      instilling a sense of dignity and self-worth in those they serve because they recognize the normality of blind people and are aware that the real burden we bear is   the dead weight of myths and misconceptions about blindness;

 

now, therefore be it resolved by the members of the National Federation of the Blind of Md., in convention assembled in College Park, Md.,this 27th day of October, 1979;

that commend the management of BISM for                   its outstanding efforts in behalf            of blind Marylanders and;

be it further resolved that we will fully support this service provider, which listens to and acts upon the expressed needs and concerns of those it serves.

 

CONSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND

 

ADOPTED BY THE 1979 CONVENTION OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION

OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND ON OCTOBER 28, 1979

 

ARTICLE I                     NAME

 

The name of this organization shall be the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.

 

 

 

ARTICLE II                   PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the general welfare of the blind of Maryland and the nation, and to function as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind.

 

 

 

ARTICLE III                 MEMBERSHIP

Section One              ACTIVE MEMBERS

At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Active membership shall be of two (2) classifications: active members who are affiliated with local chapters and active members who are not affiliated with local chapters.

1.         All active members of local chapters shall automatically become members of this organization, with the right to vote, serve on committees, speak on the floor and hold office.

   1. Any person who is not affiliated with a local chapter may become an active member of this organization by a majority vote of the active members present and voting at a convention or by action of the Board of Directors.

   Section Two             ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

   Any person may be elected to associate membership in this organization either by the convention or the Board of Directors.  Associate members shall have all the rights and privileges of active members, except that they may not vote, hold office, or serve on the Board of Directors. Associate members shall not pay  dues.

   CONSTITUTION - N.F.B. OF MARYLAND

 

 

Section Three              EXPULSION

 

Any member may be expelled for misconduct, or for violation of this Constitution, by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at any regular business session of this organization, or by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. The state convention of this organization may reinstate any person who has been expelled unless such expulsion has been confirmed by the National Convention or by the Board of Directors of the National Federation of tl1e Blind, in which event the person may not be reinstated except by the National Convention or by the National Board. Any person who feels that he/she has been unjustly expelled from this organization may appeal to the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind, which may (in its discretion) consider the matter and make a binding decision.

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV               LOCAL CHAPTERS

 

Any organized group desiring to become a local chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland shall apply for affiliation by submitting to the President of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, a copy of its Constitution and a list of the names and addresses of its members and elected officers. When the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, either in Convention assembled or by action of its Board of Directors shall approve the application, it shall issue to the local chapter a Certificate of Acceptance. Annually, on or before February 1, each local chapter shall provide to the Secretary of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland a current list of its members and their addresses. At the same time, each local Treasurer shall forward to the State Treasurer the state dues for each member in the chapter, and a detailed financial report of the chapter for the past year. The fiscal year of this organization shall be the calendar year. As new members enter local chapters, their names and addresses shall be sent without delay to the Secretary of the state organization and their state dues will be sent without delay to the Treasurer of the state organization. No group shall be accepted as a chapter and no group shall remain a chapter unless a majority of its voting members are blind. The President, Vice President,

(or Vice Presidents) and at least a majority of the Executive Committee or Board of Directors of the local chapter must be blind. The President of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland shall be an exofficio member of each local chapter. In the event of dissolution of a local chapter, or if (for whatever reason) the local chapter ceases to be a part of this organization, its assets shall become the property of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. Each local chapter is required to contribute at least twenty-five percent of its net annual income to the state organization. Any chapter which fails to meet this requirement may be suspended by action of the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.