[DSM-Iowa] Draft June meeting minutes

[Emily Wharton]

Hello all, I finally got on the list!  ☺️  Below are the draft minutes. I wanted to get them out as there are some time sensitive items. If you find any errors or omissions, please email me directly at poetgeek at gmail.com Thanks much  ☺️

Draft Minutes
Des Moines Chapter
National Federation of the Blind of Iowa
Hope-Elam Church
2500 University Ave.
June 14, 2025
2:00 p.m.
Call to Order

  *   Pledge of Allegiance and Federation Pledge
  *   22 members present
  *   LEAP Students and Staff in attendance
  *   Birthdays: Nicholas Wilcox and Cindy Ray

Secretary's Report

  *   Presented by Secretary Emily Wharton
  *   April minutes approved. Motion: Luis Gutiérrez, Second: Teri Wilcox

Treasurer’s Report

  *   Presented by Treasurer David Hammel
  *   Beginning balance: $2771.30
  *   Ending balance: $2831.30
  *   $60 from pop can redemption was donated to the BELL Program
  *   Report approved. Motion: Luis Gutiérrez, Second: Helen Mejia

Presidential Release

  *   Presidential Release #550<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases/transcripts/presidential-release-550-june>

State President’s Report

  *   Presented by State President Helen Mejia
  *   Still need help at the Iowa table at National Convention.
  *   The affiliate is holding a drawing for a blanket. There will be a link to enter that will be coming out. Please share the link widely. It is $10 for one entry and 3 for $20.
  *   State Convention will be held Oct 17–19. She thanks everyone for agenda and activity ideas and asks everyone to please send any more ideas very soon as the agenda is in process.
  *   President Mejia met with Disability Rights Iowa (DRI) about accessible voting. They are putting together a training for poll workers. NFBI will be contributing to this training.
  *   Under the current federal budget, DRI will lose almost all funding at the end of September. The DD Council funding is also at risk.
  *   The ATA still has no Iowa co-sponsors.
  *   It is not too early to think of next year's Washington Seminar. It will be held starting on the last weekend in January and continuing into the next week. It is a great opportunity to make a difference by supporting federal legislation and organizational goals.

Calling Committee

  *   Presented by Chair: Roger Erpelding
  *   All chapter members should now be rceiving a call to remind them of the meeting. If you are not receiving a call, contact Roger at . 515-954-9629.

Social Committee

  *   Presented by Chair Sharon Omvig
  *   Christmas in June: Ham and fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, 7-layer salad, rolls, and apple pie

Membership Committee

  *   Presented by President Becky Young
  *   Getting portal up to date.
  *   Karly Prinds voted in as a new member.
  *   There are 5 IDB students going to convention

Chapter President Report

  *   Kenneth Jernigan Leadership Program applicants have until June 30th to apply. The application requires an essay or audio speech. This is a very worthwhile program that helps you learn what is going on at the national level and make new friendships with leaders from across the country.
  *   BELL Academy has been canceled for this year.
  *   The affiliate is attempting to get a refund on the apartment rentals.
  *   The BELL Committee will be getting information to families for next year's program in September.
  *   The BELL Program will be moved to in June 2026.
  *   NFB's monthly presenting of IDB Business of Blindness classes are staffed through the end of the year.

Program

  *   Bob Ray, Shawn Mayo, and Roger Erpelding shared why they joined the NFB.
  *   LEAP students talked about their plans, answered questions, and won prizes.

Other Business

  *   The Social Committee is moving the chili dinner to December. August will be a potluck deli feast. Contact Sharon with what you are bringing.
  *   Scott Van Gorp announced that Chelsea Van Gorp accepted a position in Mississippi. Scott will be staying in Des Moines for the time being.
  *   April Edrington has offered to host a banquet watch party for those not attending the convention in person. Contact Bob Ray if you are interested in joining.
  *   50/50 Drawing: $45 won by Laura Van Lent, $45 donated to the church for use of space
  *   Motion to adjourn: Helen Mejia, Second: Luis Gutiérrez, approved

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