Kentucky Council of the Blind

Serving blind and low vision Kentuckians

KCB Committees

Committees assist the Board of Directors in carrying out the work of the organization. KCB has standing committees outlined in the KCB Constitution. The President may also appoint any other committees as deemed appropriate. Committee chairpersons who are not officers, directors, or chapter representatives on the KCB Board serve as ex officio non-voting members of the Board of Directors.

A list of 2009 KCB committees and a brief explanation of their duties follows.

MEMBERSHIP

The Membership Committee consists of at least three members, plus one representative from each chapter. This committee shall conduct membership campaigns designed to attract new members, retain current members, encourage former members to renew their memberships, and assist in locating individuals who have moved and for whom no forwarding addresses are available.

Debbie Kuczwara, Chair

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS/RESOLUTIONS

The Constitution and Bylaws/Resolutions Committee receives all proposed amendments to the KCB Constitution and, in consultation with the submitter, prepares them for presentation to the membership. Proposed amendments must be distributed in writing to the membership 14 days prior to the annual convention at which they will be considered.

This committee also receives, writes and/or edits resolutions related to the organization and to the blind and visually impaired. Resolutions may be presented to the Board of Directors or to the General Assembly for consideration. Upon passage, all resolutions will be distributed to the membership in writing.

Jim Shaw, Chair
Bill Deatherage
Adam Ruschival
Bill Wright

DEVELOPMENT AND BUDGET

The Development and Budget Committee is responsible for creating a budget and for raising funds to be used by the organization. Development programs may include fund-raising campaigns, writing of grants, development of donor lists and other activities as deemed appropriate by the committee and approved by the Board of Directors. All development efforts must be submitted to, and approved by, the Board of Directors prior to implementation.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Nominating Committee compiles a slate of candidates for the Board positions to be filled by election at the annual KCB convention. the Committee must be sure that all candidates are eligible to run for their respective offices, as stipulated in the Constitution. The slate shall be published to the entire membership not less than 14 days prior to the business meeting at the convention.

Bill Deatherage, Chair
Deanna Scoggins
Tim Huff

INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY

The Information and Publicity committee is responsible for the composition and distribution of newsletters, press releases, and other similar materials designed to publicize the work of the organization. This committee is also responsible for the coordination of radio, television and Internet projects conducted by the organization.

Carla Ruschival, Chair
Jim Fenn
Michael McCarty
Ed Phillips

CONVENTION

The KCB Convention committee is responsible for planning and coordinating the annual convention of the Kentucky Council of the Blind. The Committee selects a theme, secures appropriate facilities, and co-ordinates programs, exhibits, meal functions and entertainment.

Angela McCarty, Chair
Mary Bartley
Joey Couch
Debbie Kuczwara
Beth Phillips
Carla Ruschival
Gerry Slusher
Bill Wright

PROGRAM

The Program Committee plans and conducts informational and educational programs of interest to the general membership, or that may be designed to appeal to a specific segment of the membership. Programs may be planned in cooperation with the membership committee to attract or retain specific populations in the organization.

LEGISLATION AND ADVOCACY

The Legislation and Advocacy Committee assists individuals with issues related to discrimination, the obtaining of appropriate services, and other concerns. This committee may also work with the Resolutions Committee in the formulation of organization policy concerning proposed legislation and/or regulations. This committee is responsible for the communication of such views to appropriate individuals and government bodies.

AWARDS

The Awards Committee receives nominations for awards and recognitions presented by the Kentucky Council of the Blind. The Committee selects award recipients and is responsible for obtaining appropriate recognitions (plaques, certificates etc.). The committee may propose new awards or write guidelines for existing awards. All such guidelines and proposed awards must be approved by the Board of Directors prior to implementation.

Bill Wright, Chair
Gerry Slusher
Frank Campbell

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

This special Committee was first established in 2007, and is charged with developing and distributing information and applications for KCB scholarships awarded at the state convention. The committee receives and reviews applications and selects the winners.