Executive View
Page 4
Notes from the Chair
Within the blind community, there is a common saying that: "Braille readers are leaders".
Progress and innovation by the blind in New Zealand over the last century supports this claim.
Louis Braille's unique dot-based code developed around 1825, has spread throughout the world offering the gift of literacy to millions and making education and employment of the blind a reality.
The Wellington Braille Club (WBC) was an icon of braille literacy for 74 years. The club was started by a dedicated band of volunteer transcribers in 1930, and in April this year, formally wound up operations. Many of us live richer lives because of the regular commitment this outstanding group of skilled volunteers have made, bringing pleasure and education through the magic of braille. WBC has produced thousands of books for generations of Kiwi braille users. New Zealand literature always featured strongly among the titles selected for brailling. The club's work will live on in the Foundation's unique library collection. Our sincere thanks to all those who transcribe the written word into braille.
Towards the end of September all voting members should receive an election pack in the post as the Board begins an annual cycle of electing three Directors. Voting will close at 4pm on 21 October.
Getting to know directors and what they do for the organization is often quite difficult. To break the ice, in this and coming issues I would like to introduce you to some of our directors and their successes.
Geraldine Glanville is the Chair of the Board's Policy sub-committee and editor and compiler of the Board's current policy manual. As well as writing and reviewing board-level policies, the sub-committee has developed a questionnaire to enable the board to carry out an annual self-evaluation of its own performance. It is currently working on the creation of a cultural policy in collaboration with Ngati Kapo.
Finally, please remember the Foundation's AGM at 5.30pm, 29 October in the Liverpool Street premises, Hamilton. Do come along. Meet friends. Have your say, and help run your Foundation.
Page 5
Chief Executive's view
As we approach our annual fundraising campaign - Blind Week - it seems like an ideal opportunity to reflect on the successes of our fundraising team.
In their latest achievement our fundraising team has excelled itself again bringing in a major deal with Vodafone. Vodafone has chosen the Foundation as one of the organisations to benefit from its corporate social responsibility programme.
A team of 20 Vodaphone staff have been inducted into the Foundation, and Vodafone will be giving us a gift of $100,000 this year.
As evidence of the team's professionalism and hard work, the Fundraisers Institute of New Zealand awarded three of their six annual awards to our team for Blind Week 2002; the 2003 Direct Mail Programme and the 2003 Michael Hingson tour. The efforts of fundraising have also ensured that, at the end of our financial year in June, we were ahead of budget.
Jeanette Manson our Divisional Manager Fundraising and her talented team deserve our congratulations and with a target of $15 million for this new financial year they have our support!
With an eye to the future and the implementation of our Strategic and Business plans, gaining recognition for the expertise of blind people is a key to growing jobs and a huge challenge we face over the next three years.
One of our improvements is establishing a placement service - matching the skills and experiences of blind and vision-impaired looking for work with the right employers.
At the government level the Office of Disability Issues is setting up a register of skilled people with disabilities to fill governance positions on Crown bodies and to advise on disability issues. The goal is to foster leadership by disabled people.
This is one of limited opportunities to have our voice heard and effect the change in employer perception that blind and vision-impaired New Zealanders DO have the same right to employment as sighted individuals.
I believe that we will succeed!