For more than 20 years, the DKM First-Timers Program has been in existence. Efforts to introduce the program and identify new leaders for the furtherance of ACB has been directed by designated DKM committee members and chairpersons. A majority of committee members have been previously selected as DKM First-Timers, and a number of these individuals have gone on to serve on multiple ACB committees and as chapter, state and special-interest affiliate officers, including the office of president, of their respective affiliates. For the benefit of new ACB members, the acronym “DKM” refers to Durward K. McDaniel, the founding father of ACB.
The selection process includes two recipients being chosen as DKM First-Timers — one from east and one from west of the Mississippi River. The DKM committee reserves the right to recognize two recipients from the east or west if there are no qualified applicants from one of the specified areas.
For details on how to apply, visit: http://acb.org/2019-first-timer-awards
Testimonials from former DKM First-Timers Award winners:
Becky Dunkerson:
“It truly was an honor and an experience that I will treasure forever. The convention provided me with a different perspective of what leadership is and showed me more about ACB and the convention itself.
“The DKM reception was very nice and it was awesome to see a room full of past winners and to talk with some ‘old-timers’ of the committee.”
Graham Steel:
“I enjoyed the workshops I attended and learned much. What a great chance to gather information in multiple areas. I believe the workshop I liked the most was the Leadership Institute where we role-played different situations, and the lady in charge was Rebecca Bridges.”
Nicholas McNeill:
“During the leadership-oriented workshops, I learned not only of leadership improvement traits but how to implement and use them in scenarios that have happened, or could potentially occur, in my direct personal experience. I found them to be one of the most interesting aspects of my trip.
“[Listening to] speakers who are making and influencing a positive impact on and for the visually impaired community was one of the many aspects to the general sessions, which I very much enjoyed.”