by Zelda Gebhard
Be bold as you take the next step in ACB leadership. Become a member of the Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) First-Timers Class of 2025.
Take a positive step in your leadership journey as you learn and connect with others during the 64th annual ACB Conference and Convention from Friday, July 4 through Friday, July 11 in Dallas, Texas. Experience personal growth by participating in the many convention activities. As a DKM First-Timer, you will have the opportunity to connect with previous DKM recipients and other leaders in ACB.
To be eligible for consideration, you must have never attended an in-person ACB Conference and Convention either as a member or non-member. You must be age 18 or older, blind or visually impaired, a current ACB member, a member for at least two consecutive years of an ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or an ACB member at large serving on an ACB committee.
If you meet the above requirements, you are ready to complete the online application form. A recommendation form must also be completed online on your behalf by the president of your referenced qualifying ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or if you are an ACB member at large, by the chair of the ACB committee on which you serve.
Both the application and recommendation forms must be received by the deadline of April 1, 2025.
The next step includes a 30-minute interview with a team from the DKM Committee in mid-April.
ACB provides recipients 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 activities determined by the committee. Funding for tours and other optional activities is not included.
If chosen, you must arrange for all necessary accommodations that allow for your attendance and full participation in the entire week of in-person convention, including attendance at all general sessions and active participation in other predetermined events as well.
Selection by the DKM Committee will occur in late April following the review of the application and recommendation forms and interviews. You will be notified shortly thereafter. The process will conclude with two recipients being selected 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 Committee Chair Zelda Gebhard at [email protected] or (701) 709-0262.
We encourage you to take your next step in ACB and apply to become a DKM First-Timer.