United Blind Leaders to Incorporate: Strengthening Our Movement for the Long Term
United Blind Leaders (UBL) is taking the next important step in our journey: we are in the process of incorporating as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.
This decision marks a key moment in the development of UBL—from a grassroots campaign into a structured, sustainable organisation with the power to influence systemic change across Australia and internationally.
Why Incorporation Matters
Incorporation will allow UBL to operate with a clear legal identity, enter into formal relationships, and manage funding in a transparent and accountable way. Just as importantly, it will ensure that our governance and decision-making processes are robust and rooted in our mission.
As an incorporated organisation, UBL will be better placed to represent the interests of blind and vision-impaired leaders, speak with authority, and scale our impact.
A Purpose-Driven Organisation
At the heart of our incorporation is a clear and unwavering purpose: to promote the leadership of blind and vision-impaired people in Australia and globally. That includes advocacy, education, and collaboration—particularly in sectors and systems where our leadership has historically been excluded.
UBL will be a registered charity, governed by a constitution that puts purpose ahead of profit and ensures that decisions reflect the priorities of our community.
Why Independence Matters
A question we are often asked is why UBL has chosen to become a stand-alone organisation rather than a branch or special interest group within an existing one. The answer is simple: our purpose is specific, and our approach is distinct.
While we have great respect for the work of existing organisations and welcome collaboration, we believe that true systemic change requires the freedom to pursue our mission without compromise. An independent structure ensures that we can speak boldly, challenge respectfully, and remain uncompromising in our commitment to centring blind leadership.
As John Simpson, UBL Cofounder and Committee Member explained during a recent discussion, “Incorporation gives us the ability to be clear about who we are and what we stand for, without being constrained by the priorities or politics of another organisation.”
UBL Cofounder and Committee Member Emma Bennison added, “We know that systems don’t shift by asking for permission. They shift when people outside the system model a new way of doing things. That’s what UBL is here to do.”
Owned by Us, Open to Allies
Our structure will include a membership base, with three classes of membership:
Blind and vision-impaired members, who will form the core of the organisation and shape its direction.
Allied members, including sighted people who share our vision and support our goals.
Director members, blind or vision-impaired members serving on the board.
We look forward to welcoming members from Australia and beyond. This approach ensures that blind and vision-impaired people remain at the centre of UBL’s work, while also welcoming the contributions of those who stand alongside us. It reflects our belief that meaningful change is led by those with lived experience—and strengthened by the support of committed allies.
Blind Leadership at Every Level
UBL’s constitution will require that board directors be blind or vision-impaired. We are also exploring mechanisms to allow for some positions to be Board-appointed, reinforcing our commitment to strong and experienced blind leadership—not just in name, but in practice.
We are creating an organisation where governance is not an afterthought, but a reflection of our values.
Next Steps
We are currently working to finalise our constitution and take the necessary steps to incorporate. Once this process is complete, we will open expressions of interest for membership and board roles.
We know that movements are sustained not just by passion, but by infrastructure, and this next chapter is about building the foundations we need to stay the course for the long-term.
We’re excited about what lies ahead, and we’re deeply grateful for the community of supporters who continue to walk with us. If you’d like to stay in the loop, keep an eye on the news section at www.unitedblindleaders.org.
This is just the beginning. Together, we are building something powerful—and we’re doing it on our terms.