<html class="apple-mail-supports-explicit-dark-mode"><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div dir="ltr">\ufeff<meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><div dir="ltr">Hello students and supporters,<br><div dir="ltr">See the message below from the Florida affiliate regarding financial sponsorship assistance for national convention.</div>Message:<br><blockquote type="cite" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><div dir="ltr"><div class="WordSection1" style="page: WordSection1;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Good morning, Florida Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">We are so excited to announce that your NFB of Florida Affiliate is once again launching our annual NFB National Convention financial assistance sponsorship program. If you are already making plans to be in Austin, Texas for the NFB\u2019s 86<sup>th</sup> annual National Convention, then this sponsorship program might be just what you need to lighten the load on your wallet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This year, your Affiliate is offering 6 (six), $200.00 sponsorships to awardees. Of course, we understand that Florida will be well represented at National Convention, and we wish we could give everyone a sponsorship, but that doesn\u2019t mean that you shouldn\u2019t consider applying. If we have more eligible applicants than sponsorship awards, we will give preference to first timers and to those who have not previously, (or recently), been awarded a National Convention stipend.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Below you will find a link to the application. The form is a Google form and is pretty straight forward and quite easy to complete. There appears to be a couple of quirks to the form, but we are working to correct those. When entering phone numbers, do not use special characters like hyphens or dashes. Just enter the 10 digits of a phone number without any special characters or spaces. Also, if you struggle with the radio buttons that are associated with the event type to which your application is directed, you might need to just check all the buttons and under the edit field for, \u201cother\u201d, simply write the word, National. We know that you are applying for the National Convention and won\u2019t have an issue with those buttons.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The deadline for submitting your application for assistance is Monday, June 1<sup>st</sup> at 11:59 PM ET.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Sponsorship Committee Chair, Russ Davis. Certainly, you may also seek advice and guidance from your local Chapter or Division President. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Before completing the application for financial assistance from the Affiliate for our upcoming incredible National Convention in Austin, please be aware, that there are some expectations connected to this sponsorship award. Award recipients are expected to<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Complete the application fully and completely and must submit the application before the deadline of 11:59 PM ET on June 1<sup>st</sup>, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Recipients of this grant must demonstrate through written and oral means a genuine interest <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">in, and commitment to the effort of the National Federation of the Blind of <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Florida.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Applicants will be contacted by a Sponsorship Committee member by phone to discuss and review their application.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Applicants should complete the National Convention in-person early registration process by the previously announced deadline date of May 31<sup>st</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Applicants can further demonstrate their commitment to attending National Convention by having made arrangements for lodging and transportation prior to their interview with a committee member.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Recipients of the grant are expected to complete the following:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Attend three of the five general sessions (of your choosing)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Attend Two workshops (of your choosing)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Attend the Florida Caucus.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Assist with a convention activity, (if assigned by an Affiliate leader).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">complete a post-convention self-report activity<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">You can access the NFB of Florida National Convention financial assistance Sponsorship form by clicking on the below link.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYdRjW477Wn9973GooKzgLOGPrH60R1PeRSj_w2LkBR7EfLQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106265456214088400758" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">National Convention sponsorship form</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p></div></div></blockquote><div style="display: block;" class=""><div style="-webkit-user-select: all; -webkit-user-drag: element; display: inline-block;" class="apple-rich-link" draggable="true" role="link" data-url="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYdRjW477Wn9973GooKzgLOGPrH60R1PeRSj_w2LkBR7EfLQ/viewform"><a style="border-radius:10px;font-family:-apple-system, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;display:block;-webkit-user-select:none;width:300px;user-select:none;-webkit-user-modify:read-only;user-modify:read-only;overflow:hidden;text-decoration:none;" class="lp-rich-link" rel="nofollow" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYdRjW477Wn9973GooKzgLOGPrH60R1PeRSj_w2LkBR7EfLQ/viewform" dir="ltr" role="button" draggable="false" width="300"><table style="table-layout:fixed;border-collapse:collapse;width:300px;background-color:#E5E5E5;font-family:-apple-system, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;" class="lp-rich-link-emailBaseTable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="300"><tbody><tr><td vertical-align="center" align="center"><img alt="C8dpOCvuDfNRw1sHQgvC06OY9IkBu0SrfgIM8B-QEXjWZIoyqVPNO8-GDlXhHi_3_yhZcJA-T7saYAw=w1200-h630-p.png" src="cid:DE5B2587-7D3C-49FA-91E7-25A09A7E0F26"></td></tr><tr><td vertical-align="center"><table bgcolor="#E5E5E5" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="300" style="table-layout:fixed;font-family:-apple-system, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;background-color:rgba(229, 229, 229, 1);-apple-color-filter:initial;" class="lp-rich-link-captionBar"><tbody><tr><td style="padding:8px 0px 8px 0px;" class="lp-rich-link-captionBar-textStackItem"><div style="max-width:100%;margin:0px 16px 0px 16px;overflow:hidden;" class="lp-rich-link-captionBar-textStack"><div style="word-wrap:break-word;font-weight:500;font-size:12px;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis;text-align:left;" class="lp-rich-link-captionBar-textStack-topCaption-leading"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYdRjW477Wn9973GooKzgLOGPrH60R1PeRSj_w2LkBR7EfLQ/viewform" style="text-decoration: none" draggable="false"><font color="#000000" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);">National Federation of the Blind of Florida Financial Assistance Application Form</font></a></div><div style="word-wrap:break-word;font-weight:400;font-size:11px;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis;text-align:left;" class="lp-rich-link-captionBar-textStack-bottomCaption-leading"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYdRjW477Wn9973GooKzgLOGPrH60R1PeRSj_w2LkBR7EfLQ/viewform" style="text-decoration: none" draggable="false"><font color="#A2A2A9" style="color: rgba(60, 60, 67, 0.6);">docs.google.com</font></a></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></a></div></div><blockquote type="cite" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><div dir="ltr"><div class="WordSection1" style="page: WordSection1;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><o:p><br></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">With gratitude,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Russ Davis, Committee Chair<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Ph. 904-993-8433<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;">Email: <a href="mailto:russell@radiorusty.com" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">russell@radiorusty.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><br></p></div></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"></p></span></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></blockquote><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Niklas Ham</span><br><blockquote type="cite" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">Secretary - Florida Association of Blind Students</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">Board Member 2 - Florida Statewide Chapter, National Federation of the Blind of Florida</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">Public Health Candidate - University of Florida</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="mailto:students@nfbflorida.org" target="_blank">Click here to email the Florida Association of Blind Students</a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">Learn more about FABs</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(17, 85, 204); vertical-align: baseline;">Visit our LinkTree<a href="https://linktr.ee/nfbfabs" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/nfbfabs</a></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Follow us on:</p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><a href="https://instagram.com/fabs_nfb" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Florida-Association-of-Blind-Students-FABS/100079313452079/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><a href="https://tiktok.com/@blind_students_fl" target="_blank">TikTok</a></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><br></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Live the life you want.</p></div></div></div></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.</p></span></div></div></div></div>
</div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div></div></body></html>