Announcing the ACB Next Generation 2021 Annual Elections
The 2021 ACBNG election will commence Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at 12:00 AM(EDT) and conclude on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 11:59 pm (EDT).
The ACBNG Board of Directors is asking ACBNG members to vote on the
following positions and proposed amendments to the ACBNG Constitution
and Bylaws.
The positions for election are:
• 5 Director seats (term ending in 2023)
The candidates for these positions are:
Kaila Allen from Arizona
Monica Carpenter from Iowa (incumbent)
Kristen Kelling from Michigan
Nicholas Mcneil from Florda (incumbent)
Onkar Nerurkar from Hawaii (incumbent)
Courtney Nuestro from California
Melanie Sinohui from Arizona
Cassie Trosper from Origan
Tyanne Wilmath from Origan
The 2021 ACBNG election will commence Tuesday December 14, 2021 12:00 AM
(EDT) and conclude on Tuesday December 21, 2021 at 11:59 pm (EDT).
ACBNG members who have paid their dues by the record date of November 8
are eligible to vote in the election. Each member is able to cast one
ballad.
ACBNG must receive the votes of fifteen percent of the members entitled
to vote in this election, or at least seventeen votes, for this election
to be valid. a two-thirds (2/3) vote is required for the proposed
amendments to be adopted.
Voting system
ACBNG will be using ElectionRunner. ACBNG members will be voting online.
ACBNG members will receive an email on the start date December 14, 2021
from ACB Next Generation via ElectionRunner please check your email.
This email will contain notes for screen reader users and a unique link
to the ballot.
ACBNG has elected to proceed under §29-405.20(f) of the DC Nonprofit
Code. This absolves us from having to provide a list of our members, and
if a member asks for the information, the member would have to state why
they are asking for this information.
ACBNG Nominating Committee
Matt Selm (Chair)
Anthony Akamine
Maria Kristic
American Council of the Blind Next Generation
2021 Annual Election Candidate Bios
Kaila Allen (AZ).
Please tell us a little bit about yourself (e.g. what you do for work,
your favorite hobbies, accomplishments). etc…
I am a happily married mother of two that lives in Mesa, Arizona where I
enjoy taking bike rides and going for picnics in the park when the
weather permits. I work with Future Insight as a Assistive Technology —
Activities Facilitator. I am a DKM first timer award recipient.
Please share what previous experience and strengths you would bring to
the ACB Next Generation Board of Directors.
I am a volunteer with the American Council Of The Blind (ACB)
facilitating and organizing programs and events for ACB Crafters. I
currently serve on the Next Generations Program Committee. On a local
level, I am involved with Convention planning committee.
Please tell us why you are running for a seat on the board of directors?
If I am invited to join the board of directors, I will be able to assist
my community more directly and continue to help my community members to
have events and programs that uplift them while also helping me refine
and obtain more leadership skills.
Is there anything else that you would like for us to know about yourself?
I am a very determined person with high levels of ambition to help
myself and others succeed in making dreams come true no matter what
limitations we have to overcome.
Monica Carpenter (IA).
Please tell us a little bit about yourself (e.g. what you do for work,
your favorite hobbies, accomplishments). etc…
I am a mom of 4 boys that loves the fiber arts. I also have 4 pets and
love spending time in nature and in the water. I am currently holding a
Director seat on the ACB Next Generation board and would love to
continue to help shape the future of ACB through this awesome special
interest affiliate.
Please share what previous experience and strengths you would bring to
the ACB Next Generation Board of Directors.
As previously stated I currently am on the Board of Directors for ACBNG.
I feel I have brought an open mind and the ability to accept everyone no
matter where they have come from to the affiliate. I am also full of
ideas on how to improve our affiliate as we move on into the future. I
have a lot of experience with social media and am willing to learn more
on how to improve this in a ever changing world. I have helped raise
over $3000 for ACBNG as the Fundraising Committee Chair, and helped
bring together a well attended program during the ACB National
convention. I am very happy to reach out to other affiliates and try to
build relationships for ACBNG and the rest of ACB. I also enjoy helping
others discover their strengths and developing them.
Please tell us why you are running for a seat on the board of directors?
I am running for a seat so that I can continue helping ACBNG develop
the future of ACB. I believe that ACB over all is a space where we are
free to be an individual in the blindness culture, and want to help be
one of the people to grow into the future.
Is there anything else that you would like for us to know about yourself?
As a parent, and being alone for the first 10 or so years of my blind
parent journey, I also have a strong desire to help blind parents
connect and learn how to make raising kids maybe not a struggle. I am
not sure what this looks like in the future. Maybe a partnership with
ACB Families, but I am happy to figure this out with ACBNG.
Kristen Kelling (MI).
Please tell us a little bit about yourself (e.g. what you do for work,
your favorite hobbies, accomplishments). etc…
I currently work as a contract employee for my local health department
increasing awareness and education about health issues, including COVID
very part-time. I am also a volunteer receptionist at Association for
the Blind and Visually Impaired and Disability Advocates of Kent County.
Some of my hobbies include singing, working with the youth group at
church, spending time with friends and family, and reading.
Please share what previous experience and strengths you would bring to
the ACB Next Generation Board of Directors.
I currently am the secretary within my state affiliate. I also serve on
two transportation committees; one is the Consumer Advisory Committee
for Seniors and Disabilities for my local transportation authority, and
the other is a committee through Disability Advocates called Concerned
Citizens for Improved Transportation. Not only do I serve on several
committees within ACB Next Generation, I currently chair the membership
committee within my state affiliate and within my local chapter. Some of
my strengths include careful attention to detail, the ability to get
things done thoroughly, the ability to manage stress well and perform
under pressure, and the ability to be open to others’ thoughts and
ideas. I am dependable and have the ability to be organized and manage
my time well.
Please tell us why you are running for a seat on the board of directors?
I am running for a seat on the board of directors because I would like
to see ACB Next Generation grow, and I would like to assist in that
process.
Is there anything else that you would like for us to know about yourself?
I am someone who is very passionate about ACB Next Generation’s mission,
and if elected, I would work to move our organization forward.
Nicholas McNeill (FL).
Please tell us a little bit about yourself (e.g. what you do for work,
your favorite hobbies, accomplishments). etc…
I’m currently working as a server at a Japanese Sushi restaurant, as
well as a Canvasser (getting people registered to vote). I also have
owned a media business that focused in Photography and Video production;
Overcoming a visual impairment and working in a visually intense field,
I believe my limitations are irrelevant to the goals I set. Some hobbies
include traveling, adventure sports, hunting, camping, and game nights.
I set goals to reach and accomplish, every week, month and year, and
sometimes I don’t meet them, but I’m always working to improve and be
the best I can be. I’ve also recently jumped out of a plane at 18,000′,
and landed safely; after this adrenaline rush, I proposed to my partner
and they said YES!
Please share what previous experience and strengths you would bring to
the ACB Next Generation Board of Directors.
This election would be my second term as a Board of director in ACBNG;
also serving on multiple committees in our affiliate. I am involved in
my State committees as well as a state affiliate; I’ve also served on
boards and committees with my local chapter.
Please tell us why you are running for a seat on the board of directors?
Participating and investing time in what I value, provides value and
enjoyment to my progression in life! I believe in this affiliate and
want to put in efforts to see it grow and succeed!
Is there anything else that you would like for us to know about yourself?
As serving on Board of Directors since our first ACBNG election, and
being involved in my local and state chapters, as well as being chosen
for a DKM First timers scholarship through ACB, I believe my election to
the Board would continue to progress our mission! I am working towards
getting into law school and with my dedication, I look forward to be
working in the civil rights field.
Onkar Nerurkar (HI).
Please tell us a little bit about yourself (e.g. what you do for work,
your favorite hobbies, accomplishments). etc…
My name is Onkar Nerurkar. I am applying to be considered for a director
position on the ACB Next Generation’s Board of Directors. I currently am
a director on the board and I am applying for reelection for 2022.
I am currently in my second year at Virginia Tech, enrolled in their
Master of Information Technology (MIT) program. On top of going to
school, I work as a contractor for the Polus Center for Social &
Economic Development as their web developer. In my prior jobs, I have
worked as a help desk specialist and an assistive technology trainer.
I have been involved in my community for over ten years. Not just with
my ACB state chapter, but with other organizations as well. One of these
organizations is Special Olympics Hawaii. I have been an athlete for
soccer, basketball, and track & field. For the past ten-plus years, I
have been an assistant coach for track & field, soccer, and bocce ball,
working with athletes with a variety of disabilities.
I have been with my state chapter, Hawaii Association of the Blind, for
as long as I can remember. My dad started taking me to meetings when I
was young. As I got older, I started getting more involved in
committees. More on that in the next question.
In my free time, I enjoy camping, hiking, going to the beach, traveling,
and spending time with family and friends. Along with the outdoorsy
things I love tinkering with technology and coding.
Please share what previous experience and strengths you would bring to
the ACB Next Generation Board of Directors.
As I mentioned above, I am applying to be considered for a director
position on ACB Next Generation’s Board of Directors. I have been
involved with ACB Next Generation since its inception and took part in
its road to affiliation with ACB. Other than being a director I have
held other positions such as the Programs Committee Chair, as well as
sat on the website and membership committees. Currently, I am working on
a new project for this affiliate setting up Google Worsace for
nonprofits, and as we are growing taking the role of the IT admin
managing our online and digital assets.
With all my experience and community service combined, I can provide ACB
Next Generation a leader that is committed, hardworking, and ready to
work with members and community leaders to help carry out the mission
and vision of ACB Next Generation.
Please tell us why you are running for a seat on the board of directors?
I am running for a seat on the board because I would like to have the
opportunity to continue to grow my knowledge and skills as a young
leader. The skills I am learning now are not only benefiting me as an
individual but allowing me to spread my knowledge and help other people
to learn to be strong leaders. Continuing to serve as a director will
help prepare me to take on other leadership roles within ACB and other
affiliates. Most importantly, I am enjoying the work I do for ACB Next
Generation and am proud to see how far we have come as an organization.
It has been a pleasure working with everyone and I would like to
continue the good work and value we are providing to the ACB community.
Is there anything else that you would like for us to know about yourself?
I would like to mention that I have been given the opportunity to sit on
the ACB International Relations committee. I took this opportunity
because my time with ACB Next Generation has shown me the leader I can
be. By gaining experience on this committee I hope to develop my
leadership skills more and bring that back to ACB Next Generation to be
a stronger leader for our members.
Courtney Nuestro (CA).
Please tell us a little bit about yourself (e.g. what you do for work,
your favorite hobbies, accomplishments). etc…
I am currently pursuing my Bachelors Degree in Human Development with an
emphasis in Counseling Services. My many hobbies include knitting,
crocheting, drawing, painting, and reading. Furthermore, I enjoy getting
involved in my community by knitting and crocheting hats for those in
need along with speaking on the behalf of organizations that are
important to me. For example, I have assisted the Rady Children’s
Hospital Organ Transplant Department win a $20,000 grant and spoke about
my patient experiences at the hospital’s Kidney Transplant Symposium.
Additionally, I promoted the importance of special education services in
front of department leaders of the Riverside County of Education. Also,
I have lead blindness awareness presentations in front of students of
various ages. Further, I have also won first place in the Spring 2019
Mt. San Jacinto College Speech Competition, and I have also been awarded
the Heart of Extraordinary Service Award by the Riverside County of
Education.
Please share what previous experience and strengths you would bring to
the ACB Next Generation Board of Directors.
I possess strong writing and verbal communication skills that I utilized
to help create and edit promotional materials during my time working on
the Public Relations Committee of ACB Next Generation. Likewise, I have
applied these skills when speaking on the behalf of Rady Children’s
Hospital and the Riverside County of Education in addition to presenting
blindness awareness presentations to students of various ages.
Please tell us why you are running for a seat on the board of directors?
Joining ACB Next Generation has allowed me to get involved in a great
community of people who are similar to myself. I am so thankful to have
found a vibrant group of young adults who are ready to get involved in
their community. I am applying to become a board member of ACB Next
Generation because I want to help this affiliate continue to serve as a
platform for young adults to develop in ACB for years to come.
Is there anything else that you would like for us to know about yourself?
I am extremely dedicated to being a team member, and I am committed to
doing what I can to help my team-mates reach the finish line. While I am
a flawed human who will inevitably make mistakes, I will always own up
to my wrong doings and rectify the error. If I am elected as a member of
the Board of Directors of ACB Next Generation, I will participate in
discussions and make decisions that will ensure the long-gevity of this
affiliate for years to come.
Melanie Sinohui (AZ).
Please tell us a little bit about yourself (e.g. what you do for work,
your favorite hobbies, accomplishments). etc…
My name is Melanie Sinohui and I have been an ACB member since the
mid-90s starting out in Fort Worth, Texas. I currently live in Phoenix,
Arizona where I have worked for a telecommunications company where I am
currently a project manager in Customer Experience.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a Public Relations
concentration from the University of North Texas and a Masters degree in
Project Management.
I enjoy reading, writing, singing, cooking, traveling, wine tasting
especially in the Santa Ynez Valley in California and, of course,
spending time with family and friends.
Please share what previous experience and strengths you would bring to
the ACB Next Generation Board of Directors.
I bring two decades of professional and non-profit experience to my
hopeful election as a Director on the ACB Next Generation Board of
Directors.
I was elected as a Director on the ACB of Texas Board for the 2002-2006
term, being the youngest elected to the board and was appointed the
chair of the state convention committee in 2002. I was honored by being
selected as the Durward K McDaniel First-Timer for the West in 2005. I
have held the office of Secretary in three of the four local affiliates
I’ve been a member of. I am currently the Vice President of the Central
Arizona Council of the Blind, a Director on the Arizona Council of the
Blind, Co-Chair of the Arizona Convention Committee, Secretary and
Publications Chair of the Council of Citizens with Low Vision, member of
both the ACB Employment and DKM Committees, Chair of the ACB Next
Generation Convention Committee for the 2021 and 2022 national
conventions, Chair of the ACB Next Generation Publications Committee
Newsletter Subcommittee and have been a member of the ACB Next
Generation Programs, Public Relations, and Constitution and By Laws
Committees over the past year and a half.
I have extremely strong written and verbal communication skills as I
have written and edited for several book and newspaper publications and
I present to senior executive leadership on a regular basis for the
Fortune 15 company I work for. I do data analysis to tell the current
state of a project/situation and am a facilitator of workshops to
identify what needs to change and how to develop the best next stage of
that project/situation. I a m also hyper-organized, sometimes to a
fault. I am often sought out to lend a listening ear or provide guidance
based on my experiences. I am not a yes-man, I provide constructive
decent whenever applicable and use as much data as possible to defend my
position. I also am someone who takes ownership of my actions, admits my
mistakes and does what I can to right any wrongs.
Please tell us why you are running for a seat on the board of directors?
I am running for a Director seat on the ACB Next Generation Board of
Directors because I have found a home in ACB Next Generation. When I
found this organization at the 2020 ACB national convention, I found a
group of people who understood what I was experiencing in my chapter in
life. who grew up in the same world I did and had similar ways of
thinking and understanding of how my generation interacts in the world
today. I jumped in feet-first to this organization and want to do
everything I can to help it thrive and be here for generations to come
as this connection was something I was missing and I don’t want anyone
to miss out on that again. I see my peers get closer, network, find
confidence in each other and build each other up to be the best they can
be. I seek to help represent our membership, many of whom I talk and
work with on a weekly basis, on the board and help give them an
additional voice.
Is there anything else that you would like for us to know about yourself?
I just want to thank everyone for their consideration in voting for me
to represent them as a Director on the ACB Next Generation Board of
Directors.
Cassie Trosper (OR).
Please tell us a little bit about yourself (e.g. what you do for work,
your favorite hobbies, accomplishments). etc…
My name is Cassie. I am currently a full time student working on my
bachelor’s degree in applied psychology with a minor degree in
anthropology/sociology and a concentration in social welfare. I am also
a single mom of 3 kids. My oldest 2 sons are almost 18 and 14 and live
in Washington State with their dad and my youngest Abi is 7 and l livs
with me. In my spare time I enjoy working on community related
activities. I am a Army Veteran so I stay involved with the Veterans
administration and American Legion. I am also currently the interim
secretary for ACB of Oregon as well as the secretary for my Oregon
chapter. I am very passionate about advocacy and really enjoy helping
people find their way and giving positive encouragement and helping see
their potential.
Please share what previous experience and strengths you would bring to
the ACB Next Generation Board of Directors.
I have worked as president of my veterans club at my previous college. I
also have Vice president experiance working as Vp of
communication/marketing with another chapter at my college. I hold 2
current secretary positions. I also have a background in leadership
roles and feel that I can bring a strong leadership option but also
know how to deffuse situations and bring people together to achieve a
common goal.
Please tell us why you are running for a seat on the board of directors?
I am a very new member of ACB Next Generation. But I feel that I I am
ready to help Next Gen brgin to show what we can do in ACB. I would love
to be able to be more of a part of the Next Generation board and help us
make a big impact in ACB as a group and even even extending into our
individual communities and affiliates.
Is there anything else that you would like for us to know about yourself?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to run for a ACB Next
Generation director position. If elected I am willing to do everything I
can to make sure I am a involved participant in Next Generation to help
us become an amazing, if we can get any more amazing, group for ACB.
Tyanne Wilmath (OR).
Please tell us a little bit about yourself (e.g. what you do for work,
your favorite hobbies, accomplishments). etc…
My name is Tyanne Wilmath. I am a mother of 2 girls who 5 8 and 5. I am
a guide dog user, and currently have a male black Labrador named Ian.
I enjoy reading, crocheting, loom knitting, hula hooping, and hanging
out on clubhouse.
Some of my accomplishments outside of ACB, include serving on the boards
of both dragon boat teams that I have been a part of.
Please share what previous experience and strengths you would bring to
the ACB Next Generation Board of Directors.
Since 2011 I have been on the board of my local ACB chapter. I have held
the positions of secretary, treasurer, and currently I serve as vice
president. I was just voted in as second vice president of our state
affiliate. Forthe past year I have been serving on the programs and
public relations committees of ACB Next Generation. Now I am the chair
of the programs committee.
I run meetings efficiently, I have good leadership skills. I get stuff
done. I am a good listener.
Please tell us why you are running for a seat on the board of directors?
I feel that I would bring a new perspective to the board. I want to see
this affiliate be the best it can be.
Is there anything else that you would like for us to know about yourself?
I love that there is a group for the younger members of ACB
Proposed Amendments:
Please note that five amendments were passed in June of 2021.
Amendment 2021-06: Allowing support members to chair committees.
Original Language:
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP; REQUIREMENTS; RIGHTS; RECORD DATE:
C. Rights of Voting Members: The rights accompanying each type of
membership are as follows:
3. Supporting members: Supporting members shall have the same rights as
at-large members except that they may not serve in elected office or
chair committees.
Amended Language:
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP; REQUIREMENTS; RIGHTS; RECORD DATE:
C. Rights of Voting Members: The rights accompanying each type of
membership are as follows:
3. Supporting members: Supporting members shall have the same rights as
at-large members except that they may not serve in elected office.
Proviso: If this amendment is passed, the board of directors will draft
a policy that gives priority to members at-large and affiliate members
when appropriate.
Purpose: This allows for older members with more experience to be able
to help run the organization without diminishing the integrity of the
board of directors being 40 or under. This gives those members the
ability to teach those with less experience and help is succession
planning.
Amendment 2021-07: Presidential appointment of committee members for
advisory committees
Original Language:
ARTICLE IX: COMMITTEES:
D. Advisory Committees:
2. The President shall appoint the chair of each Advisory committee.
Chairpersons must be at-large or affiliate members between the ages of
eighteen (18) and forty (40) years. The chairpersons of the Advisory
committees shall appoint their committee members and shall have the
right to appoint such sub-committees as they may deem necessary. A
majority of the members of an Advisory committee shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business. Advisory committees may conduct
meetings by teleconference or via the use of similar communications
technology in accordance with the provisions of Article VII, Section D.
of this Constitution.
Amended Language:
ARTICLE IX: COMMITTEES:
D. Advisory Committees:
2. The President shall appoint the chair of advisory committees. The
President shall appoint the members of each Advisory committee in
consultation with the chair. Chairpersons must be at-large or affiliate
members between the ages of eighteen (18) and forty (40) years. The
chairpersons of the Advisory committees shall have the right to appoint
such sub-committees as they may deem necessary. A majority of the
members of an Advisory committee shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. Advisory committees may conduct meetings by
teleconference or via the use of similar communications technology in
accordance with the provisions of Article VII, Section D. of this
Constitution.
Also impacting:
BYLAW II: STANDING COMMITTEES’ DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Original Language:
The following committees, consisting of at least three members each, a
majority of whom are blind or visually impaired, shall be established to
function as needed. The President shall appoint the chair and members of
each Board committee and the chair of each Advisory committee
Amended Language:
The following committees, consisting of at least three members each, a
majority of whom are blind or visually impaired, shall be established to
function as needed. The President shall appoint the chair and members of
each Board committee and the chair and members of each Advisory committee
Purpose: To provide greater oversight of the composition of advisory
committees by providing a roster of appointments and removals as
updated, to allow for the even distribution of committee assignments, to
moderate individuals from serving on too many committees and thusly
decreasing an individual’s overall effectiveness, to identify
individuals who’s talents may best serve the committee, and to bring our
practices in closer alignment with ACB.
Amendment 2021-08: Removal of committee chairs and committee members.
BYLAW II: STANDING COMMITTEES’ DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
C. A committee chair or committee member may be removed during their
one-year term by a simple majority vote of the board of directors.
Purpose: to provide a mechanism to remove committee members and chairs.