Marcia Nigro Dresser
167 Green Street
Reading, MA 01867
Home: 781-944-3586
Cell: 781-439-5211
Email: [email protected]
1. Introduce yourself and talk about your experience within ACB and other organizations.
I am Marcia Nigro Dresser, and I am seeking a third and final term on the Board of Publications. I live in Reading, MA (the town where I grew up), with my husband, Steve, and our five-year-old Maine coon cat, Marissa. I have been employed for 27 years as a teacher of the visually impaired. I'm retiring at the end of June, and I certainly have mixed emotions! I'm looking forward to pursuing other goals, however. Steve and I are expanding our business, Jennco Productions, and I hope to get involved in Internet radio and do some voiceover work. My hobbies include spending time with friends, singing, reading (sitting down with a good braille book when possible), swimming, and tandem bicycling.
I have been a member of ACB since 1978, and have held the offices of vice president and secretary in several affiliates. I served as president of the Connecticut affiliate from 1995-99, and of the National Association of Blind Teachers from 2003-07. In March, I was elected president of the Bay State Council of the Blind. Being at the helm of a medium-sized affiliate is quite challenging, but very rewarding, and I'm very fortunate to have a wonderful board of directors behind me as I learn the ropes. On the national level, I currently serve on the ACB credentials committee and the Education Task Force.
Outside of ACB, I served as secretary of the Association of Massachusetts Educators of Students with Visual Impairments. I am currently secretary of the Reading Democratic Town Committee and, in March, I was elected as a Town Meeting member. Being involved in town politics is exhilarating! My leadership experiences in ACB are proving to be very valuable as I embark on these new endeavors.
4. What specific talents and experience qualify you for the board of publications?
From an early age, I've been very interested in all aspects of the media. I do a considerable amount of writing as part of my work as a teacher, and while carrying out my responsibilities in ACB and on other committees. I am honored to serve as the current secretary of the BOP. In addition to secretarial duties in several organizations, I have served as newsletter editor for the Bay State Council of the Blind, the National Association of Blind Teachers, and the Connecticut Council of the Blind. I wrote, edited, and recorded public service announcements for the Connecticut radio reading service for fifteen years. Since August 2007, I have hosted a monthly radio show, "Council Connection," for the Bay State Council of the Blind, which is broadcast on the Massachusetts radio reading service and on ACB Radio.
I have certainly learned a lot during the past four years on the BOP, particularly regarding the Internet as it relates to ACB. As we wrestle with the issues that come before us--ACB Radio, content and formats of The Braille Forum, the ACB Web site, social networking, matters of copyright, and so much more--I usually come away from our meetings with a new perspective on something. I am very proud of the work we are doing and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve for a third term.
5. How do you see the role of the board of publications as it relates to ACB's Internet and social networking presence?
Full disclosure: Aside from an account on LinkedIn, which I hardly use, I have no immediate plans to join other social networks. Although I always listen carefully, and learn, and weigh in where I can on this issue during our meetings, I defer to those on the BOP with expertise in this realm. My strengths are in other areas, as I stated previously.
I believe that the role of the BOP is to oversee and assist with ACB's endeavors regarding the Internet. Tremendous progress is being made with regard to the Web. Several folks are working extremely hard overhauling the ACB Web site. Back issues of The Braille Forum are being archived so that they are easily accessible. ACB Radio is a fantastic source of information and entertainment. The ACB Conference and Convention, as well as several state conventions, are streamed live on ACB Radio so people from around the world can attend without leaving home.
The BOP was instrumental in initiating ACB's Twitter feed. It is important to realize, however, that maintaining a meaningful presence on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook requires constant monitoring and updating, often several times a day. Such maintenance would require a dedicated staff, and a dedicated person on the BOP, for just this purpose.
Our current Internet staff is stretched to its limit. As important as social networking has become, it is vital that we complete the work of revamping the ACB Web site before delving further into social networking. In addition, it is absolutely essential that ACB continues to engage with members who do not have access to the Internet!
Candidates for 2012 ACB Board of Directors and Board of Publications
- Berl Colley for ACB Board of Directors
- Dan Spoone for ACB Board of Directors
- Doug Powell for ACB Board of Directors
- John McCann for ACB Board of Directors
- Ken Stewart for ACB Board of Directors
- Michael Garrett for ACB Board of Directors
- Sara Conrad for ACB Board of Directors
- Charles Hodge for ACB Board of Publications
- Denise Colley for ACB Board of Publications
- Marcia Dresser for ACB Board of Publications
- Thomas Mitchell for ACB Board of Publications