About ANN
Mission of the American Nystagmus Network
The American Nystagmus Network (ANN) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all persons and families affected by nystagmus, through organized community support, education, public awareness, and research.
How We Started
ANN grew out of the creation of a website and an e-mail discussion list in late 1996. Its founder is Jeffrey Beall, a former librarian at Harvard University who has congenital nystagmus. Jeffrey’s e-mail list started with a handful of adults and grew to over 1400 members, comprising adults and teens with nystagmus, parents and grandparents of nystagmus children, educators, and medical professionals. Although Jeffrey is no longer an active member of ANN, we are eternally grateful for his insight and initiative in starting ANN.
Nonprofit Status
As a result of steady engagement, ANN formed a Nonprofit (501(c)3) corporation in February 1999. Also in February of that year, ANN formed an interim board and established an acting president. ANN drafted its mission statement in March and acquired the domain name nystagmus.org. In June 1999, it received a 5-year provisional tax-exempt status. ANN received its full status in 2004. The organization held its inaugural meeting and conference July 30-31, 1999 in Cleveland, OH.
Since the first conference in 1999, we have hosted regular biennial conferences around the U.S. You can find information on our website from our previous and upcoming conference. In addition to our conferences ANN has established a scholarship fund.
An All Volunteer Organization
As a result of its quick growth, ANN is run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. ANN is always looking for new members to help achieve the purpose outlined in the mission statement. Achieving these goals is not easy. One of the primary sources of income are dues paid by our members. If you are interested in supporting ANN and our mission, we encourage you to join and/or donate.
In addition to being a not for profit organization, ANN’s Board of Directors is 100% volunteer. The entire board meets monthly via conference call. Frequently individual committees conduct other calls throughout the month as needed to address regular business. On years opposite the conference, the board meets face to face for an extended working meeting with travel and lodging expenses paid for by each Director.
Get Involved
ANN is an all-volunteer run organization, and we rely on volunteers to do the organization’s work. Ann is continuously working to improve the ways we recruit and utilize volunteers to maximize their talents.