Originally Aired on ACB Media

The membership seminar examined outreach methods for organizational growth. The first panel discussed interactive activities and awards that could increase participation and retain members. The second considered website links and calls to action that could encourage more responses.

Speakers: Becky Dunkerson, Diabetics in Action, Des Moines, IA; Sheila Young, Immediate Past President, Florida Council of the Blind, Orlando, FL; David Kingsbury, President of Bay State Council of the Blind, Boston, MA; Ardis Bazyn, First Vice President, Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, Thornton, CO

Speakers: Steve Longmire, Georgia Webmaster and app developer, Decatur, GA; Sheila Young, Immediate Past President, Florida Council of the Blind, Orlando, FL; Jeff Thom, Immediate Past President, Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, Sacramento, CA

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Originally Aired on ACB Media

Affiliate leaders explored how to create and distribute accessible newsletters across email, web, audio, mobile, and other formats. The discussion focused on how content was shared, discovered, consumed, and reused, along with best practices, workflows, and accessibility considerations. Participants viewed demonstrations of GLOW and SwiftLetter, including tools for editing, audio generation, and streamlined publishing. Sponsored by the ACB Board of Publications, the session examined effective practices and how affiliates could move from producing newsletters to building a more effective communication system across multiple formats.

Facilitator: Jeff Bishop, Director, ACB Board of Publications, Tucson, AZ

Panelists: Melanie Sinohui, Low Vision Alliance, Phoenix, AZ; Greg Lindberg, Next Generation, Orlando, FL; Ralph Smitherman, Braille Revival League, Brandon, MS; Reginald George, Washington Council of the Blind, Yakima, WA; Heather Mears, Washington Council of the Blind, Walla Walla, WA

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Originally Aired on ACB Media

The session addressed effective committee management for chairs and officers. It examined ways to turn meetings from discussions of problems into planning sessions that produced meaningful action toward organizational goals.

Speaker: Kenneth Semien Sr., Berl Colley Leadership Training Committee Member, Beaumont, TX

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Originally Aired on ACB Media

Participants explored becoming emerging leaders, taking on greater responsibility, and succeeding as committee members. The session addressed pathways from chapter participation through affiliate leadership to national office.

Speakers: Berl Colley Leadership Training Committee Members; Kenneth Semien Sr., Beaumont, TX

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Originally Aired on ACB Media

Mitch and Donna Pomerantz described organizing the Pasadena Host Lions Club's response to the Eaton Fire. The fire had begun on January 7, 2025, and ultimately destroyed 9,000 homes and buildings, including the homes of five club members. The speakers discussed helping the Altadena, northern Pasadena, and Sierra Madre communities recover, offering a real-life account of action and leadership.

Presenters: Mitch Pomerantz, President, and Donna Pomerantz, Secretary, Pasadena Host Lions Club, Pasadena, CA

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20250709 1730 Turn Big Dreams into Great Leaders with DKMC Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2025, on ACB Media 2 Participants met the 2025 DKM First Timers and learned how big dreams become reality. Join them and past recipients for a time of sharing and fun!

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20250709 1600 Improving Membership Outcomes by Bridging the gap between Seniors and Younger Members Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2025, on ACB Media 2 Participants joined the membership committee for a two-part session. Panel 1 Fostering Trust between generations. This panel gave tips for working together with members of all ages. This provided benefits for using the wisdom of older members and taking advantage of the excitement of new members. Presenters: Amanda Selm, Immediate Past President Next Generation, Louisville, KY, Jeff Thom, ACB Advocacy Chair, Sacramento, CA, and Sheila Young, Immediate Past President Florida Council of the Blind, Orlando, FL Panel 2 Providing ACB resources to new members. This session highlighted many ACB Programs and documents that many members may not have heard about or been able to use. Participants can then pass on this information to all of their members. Handouts were available at the event. Presenters: Scott Thornhill, ACB Executive Director, Greensboro, NC, Jeff Thom, ACB Advocacy Chair, Sacramento, CA, Sheila Young, chair ADP Performing Arts, Museums and Parks subcommittee, Orlando, FL, Larry Gassman, ACB Media Coordinator, Fullerton, CA, and Dan Spoone, ACB Director of Operations, Orlando, FL.

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20250705 0900 Achieving Unity in the Face of Disagreement Originally Broadcasted July 5, 2025, on ACB Media 3 In recent years, American Society has become increasingly polarized around political and other differences in belief. As ACB is a microcosm of society, it is likely our affiliates and local chapters are facing polarization among members. This program helped leaders explore how they can achieve unity in the face of disagreement to help move their organization's programs and activities forward. Through sharing information and role play, we hope participants come away from this activity with tools that will help you be an affective leader in the face of all that is happening around you. Presenter: Rahel Tesfaye, Graduate Student, Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dallas TX.

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