by Charles S.P. Hodge
As I reflected on the breadth, depth and range of issues discussed and promoted at the legislative seminar held in late March in Washington, D.C., it struck me that as blind Americans generally, and as ACB members in particular, we are confronted every day with a mind-boggling array of challenges. ACB is at the very cutting edge on these crucial public policy matters attempting to do its very best to represent the interests of all blind Americans. Our national organization has earned and deserves our gratitude for its advocacy efforts on our behalf. As concerned blind citizens we have a responsibility to do what we can to support and sustain these constructive activities.
As an ACB life member myself, I would like to challenge and request all "Braille Forum" readers to examine your consciences and pocketbooks and determine if it is possible to become a life member yourself in order to foster ACB's ongoing advocacy programs. ACB life membership dues are admittedly substantial, $1,000, but this stiff dues payment can be split into up to five more manageable annual installments of $200 apiece. In addition, ACB affiliates and local chapters may wish to purchase a life membership on behalf of a truly deserving member. Individuals, affiliates or local chapters who may be interested in taking action to affirmatively respond to my challenge will want to speak with ACB's chief financial officer, Jim Olsen, in the Minneapolis office during normal weekday business hours at (800) 866-3242 to learn more about ACB's life membership program. If you decide to join the honor roll of life members, you and a companion will receive an invitation to attend a special reception for ACB life members and friends in the president's suite during the upcoming national convention in Pittsburgh in early July. Also, during the upcoming convention, new life members will be publicly honored and thanked when their life membership plaques are presented during one of the general sessions at the convention. I am looking forward to welcoming a banner new class of life members this July at our Pittsburgh convention.