by Kenneth Semien Sr.
Complete your online application to become a member of the Class of 2024 Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) First-Timers by April 3, 2024.
Prepare to experience an array of opportunities to learn and grow personally as you connect with other like-minded individuals. We’ll get together in Jacksonville, Florida for the 63rd annual ACB conference and convention from July 5-12, 2024 and become more familiar with ACB’s wealth of inclusive convention activities. The Class of 2024 DKM First-Timers will be able to enjoy the privilege of connecting with members of previous classes, ACB leaders, and others from around the nation.
As an ACB member who has never attended an in-person ACB conference and convention, you’re invited to learn more about and participate in ACB’s primary leadership development program.
To be eligible for consideration, each applicant must meet specific requirements, which include being age 18 or older; blind or visually impaired; an ACB member in good standing (current on membership dues), and never have attended an in-person ACB national convention. Applicants must be able to travel independently, navigate the convention hotel, and request support when necessary. Another step of eligibility will be the expectation of undergoing a 30-minute interview with a team of DKM committee members during mid-April. In addition, a letter of recommendation from a state or special-interest affiliate president must be submitted. Please refrain from asking your chapter president to submit a letter of recommendation.
Applicants are encouraged to be sure that they meet the award criteria before requesting that their state or special-interest affiliate president write and submit a letter of recommendation on their behalf. The online application should be completed in full with all necessary information that introduces the applicant, including the complete name, physical address, email address containing the applicant’s name, along with a home and cell number, introduce yourself to the committee, include reasons for applying for the award, share a brief summary of education and experience related to your community service, contributions to your respective affiliate and/or chapter, while sharing the significance of the First-Timers award to your personal or career development.
The detailed letter of recommendation should include specific references to the applicant’s demonstrated leadership potential and contributions.
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, leadership institute, reception, banquet tickets, the general convention registration fee, and other activities determined by the committee. Optional 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, July 5 through Friday, July 12; participating in daily general sessions and the Keys to the Convention seminar, along with special-interest and committee seminars, while interacting with ACB leaders and fellow members.
The applicant submits an online application, and the affiliate president submits a letter of recommendation to Kenneth Semien, Sr., [email protected], which must be received no later than April 3, 2024. The DKM Committee will select the 2024 First-Timers during the latter part of April. Eligible applicants will be notified shortly thereafter. The selection process will conclude with two recipients being awarded 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. All questions should be sent to DKM Chair Kenneth Semien Sr.,
[email protected], or dial (409) 866-5838.