Below are the local affiliate committees and programs.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Chair: Bettye Johnson
Email: bettyeljohnson@att.net

The National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is committed to promoting equity and inclusion of a diverse global community. Our diverse community includes, but is not limited to, the intersectionality of ability, age, religion, race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation. We are committed to honoring the lived experiences of those with congenital and acquired blindness; those with different geographic backgrounds, different languages, labor and socioeconomic status in the exchange of ideas, opinions, and actions. Through advocacy, awareness, and educational activities, we strive to advance policies and practices that cultivate a climate of awareness and understanding; acceptance and opportunities for advancement; and respect for the dignity of all people.

Door Prize Committee

Chair: Tanya VanHouten
Email: nfbaratlarge@gmail.com

The NFBAR (National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas) Door Prize Committee plays an essential role in creating a fun and engaging atmosphere at the annual state convention by organizing and distributing door prizes during general session. These prizes are typically collected in the months leading up to the convention through generous donations from individuals, businesses, and community partners. By coordinating this effort, the committee helps foster enthusiasm, encourage attendance, and build a strong sense of community among those who are blind or low vision.

Federal Legislative Committee

Team Leader: Nena Chadwick
Email: nchadwick@nfbar.org

The NFBAR Federal Legislative Committee is tasked with monitoring and responding to federal legislation that impacts the blind and low vision community. Members of this committee provide timely updates on pending legislation, alerting the NFBAR’s membership about actions that need to be taken to advocate for or against specific laws that could affect the rights and opportunities of blind individuals. Through these efforts, the committee ensures that the blind community's interests are effectively represented in the legislative process.

Fundraise Committee

Chair: Rikki Tate
Email: rikil72653@gmail.com

The Fundraise Committee plays a vital role in securing financial resources and building strategic partnerships to support the NFBAR’s advocacy, outreach, and programs for the blind community. This committee plans and executes impactful fundraising events, develops sponsorship opportunities, and fosters collaborations with businesses and community organizations. By expanding our network and increasing visibility, the Fundraise Committee helps ensure the sustainability of our initiatives, empowering those who are blind or low vision to live independent and fulfilling lives.

Historian

TBD

This person coordinates with the Jacobus tenBroek Library at the national office with having all historical documents for the state affiliate, chapters, committees, and groups archived.

NFB-NEWSLINE®

Coordinator: Jahmal Lovato
Email: lovatojahmal@gmail.com
Website: www.nfbar.org/nfb-newsline

NFB-NEWSLINE® is a FREE service that allows blind and print disabled individuals to listen to over 500 publications.

Nominating Committee

Chair: TBD

The NFBAR (National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas) Nominating Committee plays a crucial role in the organization’s democratic process by selecting and presenting qualified candidates for elected positions during the annual state convention. In the months leading up to the convention, the committee carefully evaluates potential nominees to ensure they embody the leadership, values, and dedication needed to serve the blind and low vision community. Uniquely, this is the only committee within the affiliate on which the affiliate president does not serve as an ex officio member, preserving the integrity and independence of the nomination process.

PAC (Pre-Authorized Contribution) Plan

Coordinator: TBD
Website: www.nfb.org/pac

The PAC Plan is a method where individuals or groups of individuals can pre-approve a certain amount of money, as little as $5, each month ($0.17 a day) and have those funds contribute to programs at the National Federation of the Blind. These programs include the distribution of free literature, funding the Free White Cane program, funding the Free Slate and Stylus program, fund legal battles, assisting with the national scholarship programs with funding, and provide free web hosting through NFBNet.org.

Public Relations Committee

Chair: TBD

The Public Relations Committee drafts messages, advisories, and written communications in a clear and professional manner using standard punctuation, grammar, and spelling. These communications aim to promote the work of the NFBAR throughout Arkansas, sharing the organization’s achievements, events, and advocacy efforts with the public.

Resolutions Committee

Chair: TBD

The Resolutions Committee reviews various issues impacting the blind community and discusses what actions are necessary for presenting resolutions at the NFBAR State Convention. These resolutions serve as official policy statements of the affiliate, guiding the organization’s advocacy efforts and positions on critical issues affecting blind individuals.

State Legislation Committee

Chair: Nena Chadwick
Email: nchadwick@nfbar.org

The NFBAR State Legislative Committee is responsible for monitoring and responding to legislation at the state level that affects the rights, independence, and opportunities of blind and low vision individuals in Arkansas. Members of this committee provide timely updates on proposed bills, policy changes, and regulatory issues, alerting the NFBAR’s membership about actions that need to be taken to support or oppose legislation impacting the blind community. Through grassroots advocacy, education, and direct engagement with state lawmakers and officials, the committee ensures that the voices and interests of blind Arkansans are effectively represented in the state legislative process, helping to shape a more accessible and inclusive future for all.

Vehicle Donations

Coordinator: Clint Chadwick
Email: fix_itrus@yahoo.com
Website: https://nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/vehicle-donations

The National Federation of the Blind’s Vehicle Donation program accepts almost any vehicle, including cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. All donations may be eligible for a tax deduction on the donor’s federal income tax return, and the NFB receives an average of $360 for each donated vehicle.

Web Coordinator

Brian Mackey
Email: bmackey@nfbar.org

The web coordinator is responsible for the upkeep of the affiliate site with informative information, to raise expectations and to provide information to the visitor to learn the skills, techniques to live the life you want; blindness is not what holds us back.