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2012 has arrived and for that I am thankful. We are all aware of the negative impact the budget crises has triggered within our agency. Unlike January of last year, we at least have a budget in place and are fully aware of the parameters and the financial challenge. What most everyone wants to know is how it will impact them – and VIEW is no exception.
The IRS will no longer sponsor individual Recognized Employee Organization (REO) conferences, which is unfortunate. There was significant delay in approving any 2011 conferences because of the financial situation. Some REOs cancelled their conferences; however, given that we already had a contract with the hotel and the strong likelihood 2011 would be the final opportunity to have ANY support for a VIEW conference, we decided to proceed. The last minute approval and resulting contract re-negotiations took a toll on everyone involved. Yet despite having only a few weeks notice our conference chairs, Kim Carmichael and Arietta Woods, along with their committees put together a phenomenal conference. The workshops were outstanding – absolutely outstanding. The benefit of those workshops to the agency and the employees simply can not be overstated.
Our new chapter officers are in place and the National Governing Board (NGB) elected. The individuals elected to serve as your NGB officers are: myself as President, Arietta Woods as Vice-President, and Cynthia Kitchens as Secretary. I look forward to continuing to work with them to further solidify VIEW and pursue the issues of import to you and all Visually Impaired employees.
We will continue addressing accessibility concerns, which is of primary importance. You have probably noted various emails from Tom Carroll, who devotes much time in this arena. Also, the revision of our bylaws will soon be submitted for acceptance. Cynde Kitchens and her committee have worked hard to create a document that will both support and serve us well. It will allow each chapter more flexibility to meet the needs of their respective members. Additionally, we have a group now working on the design of our web page. This will reduce the work load of the officers and committed chairs, provide more information to members, improve communication, and encourage more member involvement. I especially look forward to all members getting to know each other better via this medium.
I want to give a large thank you to the out-going officers for all their time, efforts, and support. And please join me in welcoming our new officers. As with any volunteer organization, these volunteers and your involvement keeps VIEW going.
My best to each of you as 2012 unfolds.
Joyce Williamson, VIEW National President