Penny the PACRat shown at banquet just after being awarded to NFB Oklahoma at national convention. She is resting in front of NFBOK President Jeannie Massay's name card at the head table with many banquet tables visible in the background.

Adventures of a PAC Rat #1

Howdy, Y’all!!!

I’m new to speaking Okie, but apparently that’s how they say “Hello” around here. So, Howdy! My Name is Penny and I am the NFB PAC Rat. What’s a PAC Rat you ask? Well, first of all, I’m adorable. I’m not one of those big, icky rats that forage through garbage and spread disease. I am a very special little rat and I love people who are on the NFB PAC Plan. I get to hang out in the home state of the National Federation of the Blind affiliate that has the most people who either start a new PAC plan or increase their PAC plan during the national convention of the National Federation of the Blind. Now you’re probably asking, “What’s a PAC Plan?” Well, lucky for you, I’m a PAC Plan expert. “PAC” stands for “Pre-Authorized Contribution”. Through the PAC program, supporters sustain the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind by making recurring monthly donations by direct withdraw of funds from a checking account or a charge to a credit card. It’s easy to sign up. Just fill out the online form and return it to the address listed on the form. That’s all you have to do to help the blind live the lives they want.

So, as I was saying, I get to stay with the affiliate who has the most people get on the PAC Plan during national convention. I usually end up in Maryland because those crab-eaters always have the most people at convention. But this year, in an epic upset for the ages, little ole’ Oklahoma rose to the challenge and took down Maryland. So here I am, in Oklahoma for the first time ever. I’m excited to be here where all the food is fried or dipped in ranch dressing or both. No more crabs in my diet for the near future! Bring on the piles and piles of fried cheese!

My first impressions of Oklahoma are that the people are super nice and it is crazy hot. It was 110 degrees here a few days ago. Seriously, that’s madness. I demand hazard pay if it’s going to be this hot all the time. At least there is some good air conditioning where I’m staying. I have already been to my first chapter meeting and met lots of Federationists in Oklahoma. These guys are really excited to have me here and have lots of fun plans for me. Quite honestly, I’m being treated like royalty. I mean, they gave me my own blog for crying out loud. Yup, these Okies really know how to make a rat feel special.

I can’t wait to share all my adventures with you all. Oops, my bad. My editor tells me that should say “y’all”. I’ll keep working on my Okie. Talk to y’all later. Ha! Got it right that time.

Until next time…

Get on the PAC Plan. Sign up today

Penny T. Pacrat