by Allen Casey
If you followed “The ACB Braille Forum” during the past two issues, you read the exciting news about a special leadership opportunity. If you missed the initial announcements, you should know that ACB has received a grant from JPMorgan Chase & Co. to promote the growth of new leadership for the future. The JPMorgan Chase funding will enable ACB to bring 10 members to the national conference and convention in Minneapolis – two DKM First-Timers and eight DKM Leadership Award recipients.
Here are the questions you should ask and the answers you need to know.
What are the eligibility requirements?
All applicants must be age 18 or older; blind or visually impaired; member in good standing of ACB. Those applying for the DKM First-Timers program must not have attended a previous national conference and convention.
What is expected of the recipients?
Recipients are expected to attend the convention from the opening session Sunday evening, July 3, through the Friday evening banquet, July 8, as well as participate actively in convention activities, including the daily general sessions, workshops and seminars.
What financial support will ACB provide?
ACB will provide round-trip transportation; hotel accommodation (double occupancy); per diem stipend for meals and incidentals; convention registration fee; reception and banquet tickets.
How does one apply for the First-Timer and Leadership Awards?
Each First-Timer applicant must submit (1) a personal letter of application outlining his/her objectives in applying to become a First-Timer; a brief summary of your background, education and affiliate experience; how the First-Timer selection will benefit you and your community; and (2) a letter of recommendation from the president of your state or special-interest affiliate confirming and describing the applicant’s participation in affiliate and community activities and evaluating the applicant’s potential as a leader.
Each Leadership Award applicant must submit (1) a personal letter of application briefly summarizing his/her education and relevant experience, indicating the number of years as an ACB member, and previous conventions attended, if any; description of your role as a leader; assessment of what you bring to ACB; and (2) a letter of recommendation from the president of your affiliate addressing your contributions to the affiliate, ACB and community organizations; and a description and assessment of your demonstrated leadership skills and potential.
What happens after the application is submitted?
Immediately after the April 1 closing date, the DKM committee will review all applications. Telephone interviews will be scheduled with eligible applicants, after which the committee will meet to evaluate the applicants and make its selections. All applicants will be advised of the committee’s decisions as soon thereafter as possible.
To whom should we send our applications?
All application materials must be received in the ACB national office not later than April 1 and should be directed to Kelly Gasque, [email protected].
To whom should questions about the applications and selection process be directed?
Refer all questions to DKM committee chair Allen Casey, [email protected].
ACB and the DKM committee encourage members who aspire to leadership roles to avail themselves of this unique opportunity provided by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and submit their applications before April 1.