National Industries for the Blind

BSC 15th

Anniversary Toolkit

Table of Contents

ContentsEvent Checklist............................................................................................................................................3(subject to localization and modification for your event)............................................................................3

Event Logistics – Pre-Event......................................................................................................................3Media Relations.......................................................................................................................................3VIP Outreach (Congressional and Community Leader(s))........................................................................3

BSC Fact Sheet.............................................................................................................................................4AbilityOne Base Supply Center (BSC) Quick Facts....................................................................................4About AbilityOne Base Supply Centers....................................................................................................4Benefits of Purchasing From AbilityOne BSCs..........................................................................................5History of Base Supply Centers................................................................................................................5About the AbilityOne Program and the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled....................................................................................................................................5About the National Industries for the Blind.............................................................................................6

Sample Invitation Letter to VIPs to attend the Base Supply Center’s ‘Customer Appreciation Day’............7Sample Letters to the Editor........................................................................................................................9

DRAFT Sample Letter from Kevin Lynch...................................................................................................9Sample Letter From a BSC Manager, Operator, Staff.............................................................................11Sample Letter From a BSC Customer.....................................................................................................13

Sample Letter to the Editor -- one.............................................................................................................14Sample Op-ed............................................................................................................................................15Sample Weekly eNewsletter......................................................................................................................16Sample Congressional Record Statement..................................................................................................17

If you have any questions regarding how to use this toolkit, please contact:

Ken Murphy, NIB, Director, Communications, NIB 703.310.0333 kmurphy@nib.org

Harlan Erker, NIB, Manager, BSC Programs, NIB 703.310.0033 herker@nib.org

Laura Reimers, Communications Consultant, NIB, 703.310.0453 lreimers@nib.org

Jessica Carter, Director, Govt Relations, NIB at 703-310-0365. jcarter@nib.org

NOTE: Golin-Harris is a contractor on this project. Please work with the NIB staff listed above as your primary contacts.

Event Checklist

(subject to localization and modification for your event)

Event Logistics – Pre-Event Determine date, time, location Research and secure local vendors (as needed) Coordinate civilian logistics w/ base personnel Arrange for a photographer

Media Relations Develop list of local media contacts Coordinate your media plans with base Public Affairs Officer Draft localized press materials (media advisories, press releases, etc.) BSC store manager submits Letter to Editor from Toolkit to local paper (3 weeks

out) Conduct initial local media outreach to TV and newspapers (3 weeks out) Draft media kit documents (fact sheets, bios of speakers, etc.) (2 weeks out) Draft talking points and remarks, as needed (2 weeks out) Identify individual to send BSC customer letter to local paper (2 to 1 week out) Submit Kevin Lynch Letter to the Editor to local newspaper (1 week out) Secure media to attend event (1 week out) Distribute media materials (Day of event) Conduct post-event follow-up, as necessary Send media clips and website links to NIB

VIP Outreach (Congressional and Community Leader(s)) Research appropriate VIPs Contact and coordinate with Installation Protocol Office Use Toolkit letter as guide to contact VIPs (3 weeks out) Conduct outreach and follow-up with VIPs Provide custom talking points to VIPs, as needed (1 week out) Coordinate media outreach with VIP staff Handle logistics for VIPs Provide post-event photos to VIP’s office for website distribution Provide content to NIB for websites

BSC Fact Sheet – 3 Pages

[Insert Pictures from BSC]

[Format]

AbilityOne Base Supply Center (BSC) Quick Facts Nearly 140 BSCs in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and

Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Superior service and support for 15 years and counting Provide employment for nearly 300 people who are blind Active members of the communities where they operate – need specific examples. One-stop shopping to several branches of the armed forces and Federal

government employees Tailored, flexible inventory for base needs – mission critical Availability to operate 24x7 to support deployments and end-of-year requirements Nearly 500,000 AbilityOne Program items are available in store, online or by catalog

About AbilityOne Base Supply CentersAbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs) harness the collective resources of a nationwide network of providers to supply superior products and services to government customers through a commercial retail-type setting. Since the launch of the first BSC in 1995, government customers have appreciated convenient access to thousands of high-quality, competitively priced SKILCRAFT® and other name brand products as well as Hazmat, IEE and other services.

BSCs partner with the leadership at their location to satisfy the specific needs of base and installation personnel. Today, BSCs are located on nearly 140 federal installations nationwide.

Benefits of Purchasing From AbilityOne BSCsIn purchasing from AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs), government customers support the employment of qualified professionals who are blind or have other severe disabilities through the AbilityOne Program. These employees produce and ship products, provide services and staff the BSCs. Additionally, service-disabled veterans and military dependents have the opportunity to join the AbilityOne team, where they continue to play a valuable role in the military communities that are significant to their lives.

History of Base Supply CentersAbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs) are retail-type stores on military installations and in many federal office buildings that are operated by AbilityOne Program-associated nonprofit agencies. Each BSC is added to the Committee's Procurement List as an AbilityOne Program "service" project, in accordance with 41 CFR, Chapter 51, which ensures that the establishment of a BSC helps accomplish the AbilityOne Program's employment mission.

In 1995, many bases found themselves without an on-base supply store. BSCs filled a gap at installations, created a convenient source of supply and job opportunities for people who are blind or severely disabled through the AbilityOne Program.

AbilityOne Program products are required for purchase. BSCs are one of several authorized distribution sources for SKILCRAFT® and AbilityOne Program products.

About the AbilityOne Program and the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely DisabledThe AbilityOne Program works with two Central Nonprofit Agencies (CNA), National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and NISH to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities through the sale of services and products sold to the federal government and U.S. military through the AbilityOne Program. The Committee for Purchase administers the AbilityOne Program through the Javits Wagner O’Day Act (JWOD).

The Committee is comprised of 15 Presidentially-appointed members, 11 of whom represent governmental agencies, and four private citizens knowledgeable about the employment problems of people who are blind or have other severe disabilities.

About the National Industries for the BlindNIB’s (www.NIB.org), mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and 88 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program (Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program).

Sample Invitation Letter to VIPs to attend the Base Supply Center’s ‘Customer Appreciation Day’

Date

For a Congressman or Senator:

The Honorable _____ _____

US Representative or US Senator

Address

City, State, Zip

For other VIPs:

Name

Title

Company

Address

City, State Zip

Dear ______ _____:

It is my pleasure to invite you to the [XXX] Base Supply Center’s ‘Community Appreciation Day’ on [Day, Month XX, 2010 from TIME] at the [XXX BASE, ADDRESS] in celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the AbilityOne Base Supply Center Program.

We’re proud that [INSERT BSC NAME] is a part of the BSC tradition of quality service and support of our local military and federal customers with a full-service and flexible on-site operation. We are proud of our [XX] years of service in [insert BASE]. Our community appreciation event will allow my store and our employees to demonstrate our commitment to the people we proudly serve everyday. You’ll also see, first-hand, the impact the AbilityOne Program has on the lives of our employees who are blind.

In fact, AbilityOne BSCs nationwide have over 300 employees who are part of the more than 40,000 blind or severely disabled people who provide services and products through the AbilityOne Program. Every AbilityOne purchase creates jobs and sustains the economic independence of people who are blind or severely disabled.

I look forward to host you [or a member of your staff] at our ‘Community Appreciation Day’ on [Month, DAY]. Your presence means a lot to me and my employees. If you or your staff have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [XXXX (phone) or at XXXX (email)]. Thank you for considering this invitation.

Sincerely,

<XXX> Base Supply Center Manager

Enclosure: [store information]

Sample Letters to the Editor

DRAFT Sample Letter from Kevin LynchWord Count: 147

Dear Editor,

I am writing to applaud the work of your local AbilityOne Base Supply Center located at [INSERT NAME OF LOCAL BSC]. AbilityOne BSCs are known for providing federal customers – including the military – with full-service, flexible on-site operations. They should also be recognized for the role they play in creating employment opportunities for people who are blind and/or severely disabled.

The AbilityOne BSCs across the country sell SKILCRAFT® products, which are made by people who are blind and/or severely disabled through the AbilityOne Program. This contributes significantly to sustaining and growing employment of more than 40,000 people who are blind or severely disabled – a population with nearly 70 percent unemployment.

2010 marks the 15th anniversary of the first AbilityOne Base Supply Center and it is a good opportunity for us to underscore the importance of this program in creating employment opportunities for a capable, but often underserved, workforce.

[name of local store] is a success story in many ways. I encourage you to find out more about AbilityOne Program, the [insert local BSC] and the people in your community who are living independent lives while serving their country as employees at their local BSC.

Sincerely,

Kevin Lynch

Chief Executive Officer

National Industries for the Blind

Sample Letter From a BSC Manager, Operator, StaffWord Count: @200 w/ inserts

Dear Editor:

I have been the manager of the Base Supply Center at [insert location] for [insert years], and it is a genuine honor to be a part of our community.

For 15 years, the AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs) have supported federal and military customers with a full-service, flexible, on-site operation. We offer one-stop shopping to America’s armed forces and federal employees with a customized inventory at nearly 140 BSCs across the country. 

[Tell your story here: write about your employees, your customers or your store]

In addition, when the government buys our SKILCRAFT® products, this enables us to employ [insert number of people] who are blind or severely disabled at our location.  We also reinvest a portion of our revenues into job training programs through [insert Associated Agency], creating even more and better jobs for people who are blind. Every purchase of SKILCRAFT® products through the AbilityOne Program helps us create employment opportunities for people who are blind or severely disabled.

The BSC Program provides a great service to our customers, community and employees. I am very lucky to be managing the [insert base name] store. It is a very rewarding experience for me and my employees, and we are very proud to be a part of our community.

Sincerely,

Name

Base Supply Center Manager

Sample Letter From a BSC CustomerWord Count:

Dear Editor –

Community involvement matters and if you are looking for a way to acknowledge businesses that puts our community first, come out to [BSC Name] during their Community Appreciation Day and show your support to a group of folks that values community.

[Write about your true customer experience]

For [insert number] years, the [BSC Name] has valued our community and our troops. [Insert manager name] and his/her team have supported federal customers with a full-service, flexible, on-site operation and always offers quality, value and convenience. Their commitment to the sales of SKILCRAFT™ products contributes significantly in sustaining and growing employment of over 40,000 persons who are blind or severely disabled, a population with 70 percent unemployment. And, [BSC Name] has never turned its back on a soldier that needed its doors to be open, and during times of deployment their doors never shut.

So on this particular day of Community Appreciation, come out to [BSC Name] and show your gratitude for the company that recognizes the importance of community values and duty to our country.

Sincerely,

Customer Name

Sample Letter to the Editor -- oneWord Count: 219

Dear Editor –

Community involvement is what makes our State great. I like recognizing businesses here providing jobs for our citizens, investing in strengthening our economy, and putting our community first. I am here to applaud our local AbilityOne Base Supply Center located at [INSERT NAME OF LOCAL BSC]. They are known for providing federal customers – including the military – with full-service, flexible on-site operations – and should also be recognized for creating employment opportunities for people who are blind and/or severely disabled.

For 15 years, Base Supply Centers across the United States have valued our community and our troops. Here at [Insert BSC name], [Insert manager name] and [his/her] team have supported federal customers with a full-service, flexible, on-site operation and always offers quality, value and convenience. Their commitment to the sales of SKILCRAF® products contributes significantly in sustaining and growing employment of over 40,000 persons who are blind or severely disabled, a population with more than 60 percent unemployment. And, [BSC Name] has never turned its back on a soldier that needed its doors to be open, and during times of deployment their doors never shut.

So as we celebrate 15 years of Base Supply Centers, I am proud to support [BSC Name] and show gratitude for the services they provide to our men and women in uniform at [insert base name].

Sincerely,

[Member Name]

Sample Letter to the Editor – two

Word Count: 190

Dear Editor –

I am writing to bring to your attention the role that [insert BSC name] plays on [insert base name] and [insert community name] as a whole. Not only do the staff and managers provide military personnel with full-service, on-site and flexible customer service, they also do so while providing meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind.

Through the AbilityOne Program, the 138 Base Supply Centers across the United States sell SKILLCRAFT ® brand products. Not only are these products made by individuals who are blind or severely disabled, but the proceeds from these products are also used to help other people who are blind or severely disabled meet community employment needs. This program is largely self sustaining and helps employ more than 40,000 people who are blind or severely disabled, a population that currently holds a 70% unemployment rate.

This year marks 15 years of service to our men and women in uniform by the AbilityOne Base Supply Centers. I am proud to support [insert BSC name] and the important role they play on our base and in our community by creating employment opportunities for people who are blind.

Sincerely,

[Member name]

Sample Op-ed Use this sample article as a model for your own op-ed article. Put it into your own words, and make it right for you.

Word Count: 332

TITLE OF OP-ED

There is something to be said for those that regardless of the barriers they find ways to succeed. This can be shown right here in our hometown. It’s an amazing untold story of can do spirit in how people with disabilities are playing a vital part in making this country and its economy strong again and how you can support their tireless work right here in REGION, TOWN NAME, OR DISTRICT.

I have been following the great work the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) has been doing for some time now. Their Base Supply Centers (BSC) are providing steady work on our military bases for people who are blind. This gives me great hope. More than 70% of Americans who are blind are unemployed. The BSC at [insert base name]

provides jobs for people who are blind, while generating income to be put back into training programs for people who are blind and back into our local economy.

The BSCs employ people with disabilities – including many service-disabled veterans and military dependents, so they are able to continue to play a valuable role in the military communities that are significant to their lives. They supply superior products and services to government customers through a commercial retail-type setting. From office supplies to hazmat products – their employees are experts on helping you find exactly what you need. Today, BSCs are located on 138 federal installations nationwide, including one at LOCAL BASE NAME, supplying everyone from soldiers deploying overseas to the offices that process payroll.

The BSCs are a great success story and an excellent example of a business in our area strengthening our community bonds. BSC Store commitment to our community is commendable, and I am proud to support their efforts. Its businesses and employees like these that keep our men and women in uniform fully equipped at a moments notice. We owe it to them to say thanks and let them know we appreciate their hard work.

NAME

TITLE (DISTRICT)

Sample Weekly eNewsletterWord count: 241

Celebrating 15 Years of AbilityOne Base Supply Centers

This week, I had the pleasure of visiting the AbilityOne Base Supply Center (BSC) at [insert base name] as part of their 15th Anniversary Customer and Community Appreciate Day. I found out that there are 138 BSCs in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guantanamo Bay. They are tailored to meet the needs of each military or federal government installation. If a base is in deployment, the BSC remains open 24/7 and will be sure to stock the items soldiers need.

Since the launch of the first AbilityOne BSC in 1995, government customers have appreciated convenient access to thousands of high-quality, competitively priced SKILCRAFT® and other name brand products. Today, BSCs are located on over 138 federal installations nationwide.

The BSC plays a critical role both on the base and in the community. For example, [insert base name] employs [insert number] people who are blind or severely disabled and through their work with their associated agency, [insert name], they provide

education, and employment training that provides workers the skills they need to meet employment needs. Additionally, the BSCs also help create employment opportunities in the community -- helping individuals to gain economic independence. Today, more than 40,000 individuals who are blind or severely disabled, a population that experiences a 70% unemployment rate.

I am encouraged by the good work that [insert BSC name] does and hope that you will take time to lend your support to their efforts.

Sample Congressional Record StatementWord Count: 387

Madame Speaker,

I rise today in support of recognizing 15 years of AbilityOne Base Supply Center (BSCs) stores across the country. AbilityOne BSCs are retail stores on military installations, operated by AbilityOne Program-associated nonprofit agencies. Each BSC is added to the Committee's Procurement List as an AbilityOne Program "service" project, which ensures that the establishment of a BSC helps accomplish the AbilityOne Program's employment mission.

AbilityOne BSCs harness the collective resources of a nationwide network of providers to supply superior products and services to government customers through a commercial retail-type setting. Since the launch of the first BSC in 1995, government customers have appreciated convenient access to thousands of high-quality, competitively priced SKILCRAFT® and other name brand products as well as Hazmat, IEE and other services.

In purchasing from AbilityOne BSCs, government customers support the employment of qualified professionals who are blind or have other severe disabilities. These employees produce and ship products, provide services, and staff the BSCs. Additionally, service-disabled veterans and military dependents have the opportunity to join the AbilityOne team, where they continue to play a valuable role in the military communities that are significant to their lives.

BSCs partner with the leadership at their location to satisfy the specific needs of base and installation personnel. Today, BSCs are located on over 138 federal installations nationwide.

The AbilityOne Program works with two Central Nonprofit Agencies, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and NISH to provide employment opportunities for people who are

blind or have other severe disabilities through the sale of services and products sold to the federal government and U.S. military through the AbilityOne Program.

NIB’s mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and 88 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program.

Through these efforts, NIB and its associated agencies provide employment and employment training to more than 6,000 individuals who are blind across the country. On this 15th anniversary of the AbilityOne BSC, we should all take a moment to visit our local BSC or associated agency to better understand the good work they are doing in our communities.

I yield back the remainder of my time.