As my husband busied himself with the typical spring cleanup of the yard, my four-year-old son happily splashed in his kiddie pool. Running my hand across the rough surface of the table, I positioned the sander and went to work.

Power sanding seems to be a new hobby for me. As a new homeowner, I've begun to appreciate the efficiency, if not the necessity, of power tools. My initial introduction with my husband's power sander had been made with great trepidation, but as our home improvement projects progress, I've found time spent working to improve our new home to be times of reflection and meditation.

As the surface of the picnic table smoothed under the hum of the sander, my mind wandered and my thoughts began to focus on a conversation I had weeks earlier with a blind man in Connecticut. The contact had not been related to my work as a member of the Connecticut affiliate, but, as often happens when talking with another blind person, we began to discuss issues of importance to the blind community and our conversation came to focus on the Federation.

It was clear by the man's comments that he was not a member and that he was not interested in becoming active with the organization. Our dialogue continued and at one point the man commented how informed I was on blindness related issues. I explained that was one of the reasons I was a Federationist, connecting with newly blind individuals, helping to promote a positive approach to blindness, learning from other competent blind persons, knowing about advances in technology or programs bettering the lives of blind persons. Simply put, I enjoy helping and being helped through my affiliation with the National Federation of the Blind.

I had not convinced the man, but I had not been trying. It wasn't that my comments weren't persuasive. It was evident; he had made up his mind. I've come to realize and often ponder over the reasons some people would prefer not to be involved with the Federation. Before our conversation ended, the man told me about an article written by a woman who had once been very active in the National Federation of the Blind. The article, he told me, was titled "Why I am not a Federationist."

My curiosity was peaked. I asked him if he could forward me a copy by e-mail. I was interested in reading the article. I couldn't imagine a plausible argument for not joining the Federation. As an active member, I thought the article might help me when reaching out to others who are newly blind or who have not chosen to be active in the Connecticut affiliate.

The article was forwarded shortly thereafter. Approaching it with an open mind, I read with interest, but was not convinced. In fact, I found that the article contributed very little insight or understanding to why individuals choose not to be members of the NFB. There was some talk of democracy or the lack of democracy in the Federation.

As a member, I attend annual state conventions and vote for affiliate officers. As an officer on a chapter level, as well as a member of the state board, I am involved in discussions, debates, and decisions. I vote.

In Connecticut, our state lotto slogan is "You can't win if you don't play." My take on democracy, specifically the democracy of the NFB, is you can't vote if you are not a member.

While the sander continued to hum beneath my hands, I began mentally listing the reasons why I remain a Federationist.

Top Ten Reasons Why I Remain a Federationist:

#10 Braille Reader's Are Leaders! Because I lost my sight as an adult, Braille literacy seemed an impossibility. I learned the code, but didn't believe I would ever enjoy reading in Braille. Braille was a chore, but I missed the feel of a book in my hand and the turning of the page. I wanted to be in touch with the words, but a voice in my head sabotaged my every attempt. That was, until I joined the Federation. Advocating for Braille literacy is a priority of the National Federation of the Blind, and "impossible" is a word not easily associated with NFB philosophy. Members encouraged me to pursue my reading with vigor. With dedication and effort, I became Braille literate, learned I could enjoy reading books in Braille, and increased my reading speed. Braille literacy made sharing the joy of reading with my preschooler a reality. Learning to read in a medium specific to my needs has improved my personal life and professional prospects. 97% of employed blind individuals are Braille readers.

#9 Education. The National Federation of the Blind works to improve educational opportunities for blind children and adults. Through their legislative efforts, such as the Instructional Materials Accessibility Act of 2002, the NFB makes full participation and equal opportunity to education and educational materials not only possible, but also probable. As the saying goes, "Knowledge is Power". The frustration of inaccessible texts is known by all blind individuals, but is probably most felt by blind students. Education is the key to success. The persistence and dedication of the NFB is helping to make schoolbooks, all schoolbooks, accessible. As Dr. Maurer so eloquently put it in a press conference on Capitol Hill on April 24th, "Books! Books! Give us books! We want books!"

#8 Independence. Through events like White Cane Safety Day, the Federation not only promotes public awareness, but also independence. When I lost my sight at age twenty, I rejected the cane. It made me feel disabled and handicapped. I chose to learn the cane techniques for the sole purpose of gaining access to a guide dog. Ten years later, I still travel primarily with a dog, and the freedom of that choice I cannot deny. I am forever grateful to The Seeing Eye Inc. for providing me with a solution to my fear of the white cane. Despite the fondness I have for my dog, after the birth of my son I found holding on to a guide and to an infant to be more challenging than blindness itself. At this point, I was an active member in the Connecticut affiliate and was becoming more comfortable with my status as a blind person. I found the cane easier to use when chasing my child around at family picnics or gatherings at friends' homes. In 1998, I decided to take my cane to the National Convention in Atlanta. With a pang of guilt, I left for the airport without my guide. Spending a week in Atlanta with only a cane to help me around, I realized the importance of having cane skills. The NFB helped me to realize that a cane didn't make me disabled. My attitude about it was the disabling factor. As my guide nears retirement, I use a cane and my dog, depending on which fits the needs of the situation, and I am a confident traveler whether it is a harness or a white cane in my hand.

#7 Friendship. Through The National Federation of the Blind, I have built a number of friendships and, time after time those friendships make the difference in my successes. Whether it is encouragement to pursue a goal I find challenging, an ear to listen to my complaints, or a support mechanism ensuring my successes are met, friendships forged through my affiliation with the NFB enrich my life in a multitude of ways.

#6 Advocacy. Before I was capable of advocating for my rights, the Federation provided an advocate. As I've grown, I've learned to advocate for my own needs and have found I can help others who are in need. The National Federation of the Blind taught me to fight for what I believe in, investigate the possibilities, and pursue changes that will help to make the road smoother for the next generation of blind persons.

#5 Opportunity. My involvement with the NFB has given me a wealth of opportunities that I may have never experienced otherwise. From advocating legislative issues on Capitol Hill to attending seminars and conventions all over the country, I have met successful blind professionals from all over the world. Not only have I been inspired by these meetings, I was educated. I learning that possibilities were endless, I pursued my goals and chose my own career path, rather than being boxed into a blind friendly job.

#4 Information and Resources. When I need answers that aren't easily found, a call to the Outreach Office usually results in options. Whether I'm looking for a product, a contact in a particular field, or specific information on an issue, the Outreach Office has the answer or a good idea where to look.

#3 Belief. Sharing the philosophy with other members has resulted in a stronger belief in my abilities. I have gained confidence and courage through my active involvement. Belief led to curiosity and, with Federation friends, I attempted things I never thought possible. From water-skiing events on Lake Zoar to horseback riding outings with the Southern Connecticut Chapter, I put the Federation philosophy and determination to work. With that can-do attitude, I pulled myself up on water-skis, despite swallowing gallons of lake water in the attempt.

#2 Sharing. Sharing the philosophy of the NFB leads to all of the above mentioned benefits. Additionally, active membership makes me feel good. Not only am I'm making a difference in my own life, but the NFB also offers me the opportunity to reach out to others that have yet to achieve the same level of independence and self-confidence that I have.

#1 Power tools. The National Federation of the Blind said I could use power tools. And, simply put, I do!

For more information, E-mail us at: info@nfbct.org