United Blind Leaders Update: Shaping the Future of Blind Leadership
Dear Supporters,
Thank you for your incredible support and valuable insights. We’re pleased to share that 33 people from five countries participated in our recent survey, helping us shape United Blind Leaders’ Strategic Plan for the next twelve months.
This plan, available on our website, outlines our vision, mission, and goals as we continue advocating for blind leadership. Here’s a summary:
Our Vision:
United Blind Leaders envisions a world where blind and vision-impaired individuals are fully represented in leadership roles, especially within organisations that serve our community. We strive for a future where blind leadership drives the decisions that impact us.
Our Mission:
Recognising the serious under-representation of blind people in leadership, United Blind Leaders empowers blind and vision-impaired individuals to lead within our communities, particularly within organisations that serve us.
Strategic Goals & Objectives for the Next 12 Months:
Campaign for a Blind CEO in Key Blindness Organisations
Objective: Secure blind leadership within Vision Australia and similar organisations as they update their executive teams.
Key Activities: Launch targeted campaigns, collaborate with international organisations, and establish a benchmarking survey.
KPI: At least one blindness organisation commits to appointing a blind CEO.
Establish United Blind Leaders as an Independent Organisation and Charitable Foundation
Objective: Create a legally independent entity to ensure sustainable governance and funding.
Key Activities: Register as a non-profit, establish governance boards, and build a sustainable financial model.
KPI: Complete registration and generate core funding to support operations.
Forge Partnerships with Blindness Organisations Globally
Objective: Build a global network to authentically represent the blind community.
Key Activities: Partner with organisations and hold regular meetings to align on goals.
KPI: Signed partnership agreements with at least three organisations by year-end.
Develop Leadership Development Models in Collaboration with Key Organisations
Objective: Create programs to build capacity and confidence among emerging blind leaders.
Key Activities: Develop and pilot training and networking programs.
KPI: Deliver quarterly webinars and launch training program development.
Appointment of Vision Australia CEO:
We can also update you on recent developments with Vision Australia. While we welcomed their change in approach to CEO recruitment, our campaign continues, as we remain concerned about the Board’s commitment to appointing a blind CEO. Authentic representation remains essential, and we will keep advocating for it.
On our website you’ll find a transcript of extracts from the Chair’s address to the recent Vision Australia AGM. These comments are responses to questions we submitted ahead of the meeting, held on 31 October. You will also find the open letter to the Vision Australia Board that we have sent in response. To add impact to this advocacy please consider joining Vision Australia and emailing their Board at companysecretary@visionaustralia.org to support our open letter.
And finally; to stay connected and informed on our work please join our mailing list at www.unitedblindleaders.org/join-our-mailing-list.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we’re shaping a future where blind leadership is not just an ideal, but a reality.
In solidarity,
United Blind Leaders