[Fabs] Annual Business meeting Minutes, 2022

[sewar Quneibi]

Below are last month's minutes. See y'all at today's meeting at 6 PM!

All the best,

Sewar Quneibi
Secretary, Florida Association of Blind Students
Board Member #2, National Federation of the Blind of Florida of Tampa

*52nd National Federation of the Blind of Florida Annual State Convention*

*Florida Association of Blind Students *

*Annual Meeting*

*October 8, 2022*

*1.     **2:30 PM Call to Order *

*2.     **Ice Breaker/ Roll call *

*Present: Vice President Z’Leah Liburd, Secretary Sewar Quneibi, Treasurer
Meliora Hatcher, Marketing Committee: Grace Patterson and Thomas Dukeman, *

*Yassir Boborquez, Fahad Amjad, Veronica Hyatt, Christina Copley*

*Guest: NFB Rep John **Pare**, NABS Rep **Kenchuk Tella, **NFBF President
Martinez.*

*3.     **Presidential Report: VP Liburd*

*A brief report about the re-formation of FABS with the four current
officers was given. Additionally, the current marketing committee and the
social medias that have been established was acknowledged. As well as,
praising FABS’ membership growth, the basket committee’s accomplishment,
and the success with the Krispy Kreme fundraiser. *

*4.     **John Pare (National Rep) Remarks *

*Pare is the executive director for Advocacy and Policy for the NFB office.
He discussed the importance of advocacy and making a difference. He also
expanded on legislation and how to get involved. Pare encouraged easy
techniques, such as pre-written templates that people can fill out and send
to their representatives. Pare further discussed the different outlets
blind individuals can use for assisstance other than the division of blind
services. *

*5.     **Affiliate Address by NFBF President Martinez*

*President Martinez briefly talked about FABS’s place within the NFBF, its
growth, and the importance of getting involved. *

*6.     **Kenchuk Tella (NABS Rep) Report *

*Tella introduced his position as a NABS rep for FABS. He spoke on his
beginnings in NABS and how he came to be on the board.  He talked about the
content committee and its upcoming projects. Also, there is a podcast that
discussed a wide range of topics related to the interests of the blind
community which comes out every month. More information regarding the
podcast will be sent through the listserv. *

*7.     **Treasurers report: Meli Hatcher *

*An informal report was presented. *

·      *Amount calculated before convention expenses: $2,393.30*

·      *Convention expenses*

-         *Hospitality Suite Donation: $200*

-         *Door prizes: $50*

-         *Exhibit Table: $25*

-         *Basket Donation: Around $150*

·      *incoming and outgoing totals will be presented in the next
treasurer’s report. *

*8.     **Secretary’s report: Sewar Quneibi *

*The minutes from the month of September were discussed. *

*Fahad motioned to accept report. Thomas seconded. All were in favor. *

*9.     **Expectations for the division *

*Topics regarding expansion of the division, creation of a board, and
future fundraiser with the hope for a fundraising committee. *

*10.**Membership Dues*

*Annual membership dues were collected, $10. Names and emails of members
were also collected. Elections *

*An election for the 3 positions of the board was carried out. The results
included:  **Yassir Boborquez as board member #1, Veronica Hyatt as board
member #2, and Christina Copley as board member #3. *

*11.**Adjournment: 4: 30 PM*

*Sewar motioned to adjourn. Thomas seconded. All were in favor. *

*NFB Pledge*

*I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
constitution.*