Compiled by Ardis Bazyn, ACB Membership Chair
On Sunday, July 7 from 4 to 5:15 p.m., the ACB Membership Committee will present “Keys to the Convention.” Several membership committee members will give valuable information to first-time attendees and those who have not attended for a while. This is for in-person participants only. Presentations will explain various sessions, business meetings and voting, as well as guide dog info, exhibit info, and some social events. Hand-outs will be available for in-person attendees in braille and large print.
The annual ACB Membership Committee Seminar will be held Thursday, July 10, 2024, from 4 to 5:15 p.m.
Ardis Bazyn, ACB Membership Committee Chair, Thornton, Colo., will facilitate the seminar. The 2024 theme is “Positive Strategies for Membership.” The first panel will discuss “What Techniques Affiliates Have Used to Improve and Grow Affiliate Membership.” Speakers will be Carla Ruschival, President, ACB Families and Library Users of America, Louisville, Ky.; Doug Powell, President, Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, Falls Church, Va.; and Jeff Bishop, Accessibility Specialist, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. Panelists will share their efforts to get new members, programs they present to keep them interested, and some benefits they give to members.
Panel 2 will talk about “How to Have Successful Meetings Which Make Everyone Feel Valued.” Speakers will be Julie Brannon, Immediate Past President, Washington Council of the Blind, Puyallup, Wash.; Doug Powell, President, Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, Falls Church, Va.; and Jeff Bishop, Accessibility Specialist, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. Speakers will share what techniques they’ve used to lead affiliates to make everyone feel comfortable being involved, such as the importance of agendas, asking for suggestions, and having open meetings. The winners of the affiliate growth awards will be announced.