Category: Let's talk
Hey Ya'll! Ok- I should probably come right out and say it- I'm not an NFBER what so ever- can't stand them- don't believe in anything they stand for, and lastly, went to one of their training centers and had a terrible experience this go-round... so with all that said- I will be moving to Texas within the next few months, and was hoping to network with other blindies around the area where I'll be living... and since I'm not an NFB member (and from all that I've stated above) I refuse to involve myself with their organization..... does anyone know about the ACB? One of my friends (she lives in MN) told me about the organization (I was getting it confused with the AFB) of which I do belong to access world... but then I did a little research, and was wondering if ya'll are members of the ACB and what the differents between the NFB/ACB are?? I was going to try to attend the state convention in June- but I don't know how likely that will be as I'm not yet a resident of TX... but before I jumped into becoming a member of the ACB etc etc etc.... I figured I'd do some research, first... so if there are any members or any former members of the ACB on here- who can give me some insight into the organization--what are the conventions like?? (I've been to 2 NFB conventions and had a very terrible experience) so I was wondering the differences between each organization since I was/am looking to get involved with the ACB but before I proceed any ferther, I'd like a little more information. Thanks to anyone who could help me out- I really appreciate it! Hope this all made sence!
Amber
ACB and NFB were once a single organization. They split over basic philosophy a long time ago. They have both done some good things, and they aren't as openly antagonistic to each other as they used to be. In brief, ACB believes in improving things for blind people by working within the system to change things. NFB up until quite recently, believed in confrontational methods to improve things. That is, challenging organizations externally. The ACB is smaller than NFB, but it has a interesting convention. In general, NFB members tend younger, and ACB members tend older. ACB is more democratic in style, NFB is more top down autocratic. In my opinion, they both have done good things,and they both have behaved poorly at times.
hmmm... okay.. thanks for the info! I really appreciate it... that's what I kinda figured out from reading their site... hmmm... still gonna do some research though.
Amber
My husband was a presenter at their state conference in Texas last year. We had a great time. Like a previous poster said, ACB does seem to be made up of older people but I think they're trying to bring in younger folks as well. There are many chapters in Texas. I Do a google search for ACB Texas and you'll find their sight with info on the chapter where you're moving.
To what part of Texas are you moving?
Hey there! Thanks for all your help! I'm looking at attending the state convention in Houston-- to meet some fellow Texans... I'm 23, I'll be 24 in August-- sounds like I'm the exact age group there looking for lol... I've been in contact with the Dallas area folks, and am working on attending the state convention now... I'll be moving to North Texas in either the end of June or the beginning of July... thought this would be a perfect oppertunity for me to get involved in the blind community... since I'm not an NFBER... That's awesome you live in north Texas too! That's awesome your husband was a presenter there last year. Are you near the Dallas area as well?
Amber