by Kenneth Semien Sr.
You are invited to apply to join the Class of 2023 DKM First-Timers by completing the first-ever online application for consideration. The link to apply will be announced on various ACB lists and on the website. The Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) First-Timers award connects two recipients — one from east and one from west of the Mississippi River — with possibilities and opportunities to enhance their lives through personalized leadership development activities. Recipients will come together in Schaumburg, Ill. for the 62nd annual ACB conference and convention from June 30-July 7, 2023.
If you are an ACB member who has never attended an in-person ACB conference and convention, desire to learn and grow personally, and meet the criteria below, we invite you to learn more about and participate in ACB’s primary leadership development program.
To be eligible for consideration, each applicant must be age 18 or older; blind or visually impaired; current on ACB membership dues, and never have attended an in-person ACB conference and convention.
Applicants will undergo a 30-minute interview with a team of DKM committee members in mid-April. In addition, a letter of recommendation must be submitted by the applicant’s state or special-interest affiliate president. Applicants must be sure that they meet the award criteria before requesting a letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation should include the applicant’s demonstrated leadership qualities, potential, and contributions on any level within the organization or in their local community.
The DKM program and ACB honor recipients by funding round-trip air travel and supporting transportation, hotel accommodations (double occupancy), per diem allowance for meals and incidentals, reception, banquet tickets, the general convention registration fee, and other pre-determined activities. Tours and other fun activities are not covered by the program.
The responsibilities of each recipient include, but are not limited to, attending the full week of conference and convention activities from Friday, June 30 through the end of Thursday, July 6; participating in daily general sessions and the Keys to the Convention seminar, along with special-interest and committee seminars, while making efforts to interact with ACB leaders and fellow members
The applicant submits an online application, and the affiliate president submits a letter of recommendation) to Kelly Gasque, [email protected]. The application and letter must be received in the ACB national office no later than April 3rd. The DKM Committee will select the 2023 First-Timers during the latter part of April. Recipients will be notified shortly thereafter. 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 mentioned above. All questions should be sent to DKM Chair Kenneth Semien Sr., [email protected], or dial (409) 866-5838.