[Greater-Baltimore] Spring 2021 Minute Message from the Movement

Thu Jul 1 19:30:13 UTC 2021

Spring 2021 Minute Message 

Fellow Federationists:

We are the State's premier civil rights organization on blindness.  We have
recently celebrated the enactment of the Juneteenth National Independence
Day holiday, we celebrate the right of everyone to love who we love during
Pride Month, and we recognize that every individual has something valuable
to contribute to the world not in spite of but because of our unique
differences.  And yet, we have a tremendous way to go, as evidenced by the
continued challenges related to racial, religious, socio-economic, gender,
sexual orientation, and  other inequities faced by our members.  We will
continue to work to make sure every Federationist feels welcome, included,
and valued in the NFB of Maryland, and we will celebrate our differences
just as we value our shared experiences around blindness.

Happy National Convention Season! It has been an incredibly busy few months
for the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.  We are busy working
on a myriad of projects related to hosting the 2021 NFB National Convention.
We are also working hard on shoring up our safety and support efforts
nationally and on the state level.  We launched our NFB of Maryland
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and it has been planning
activities, events, and informational releases.  We hosted two COVID-19
vaccination clinics for our members.  And of course, we have worked
tirelessly on improving access to information, systems, services, and
resources in numerous areas.  As we move into the summer, we will continue
the momentum on these and a number of other initiatives.  Please read below
for information and activities around the State.

NFB National Convention Is Coming!

The National Federation of the Blind 2021 Annual Convention, held anywhere
and everywhere, will soon be upon us.  This convention promises to be the
biggest and best in history, even bigger than last year's record-breaking
convention.  The Convention will take place Tuesday, July 6 through
Saturday, July 10, 2021.  

This year, Maryland is the host affiliate of the NFB National Convention.
Our members have worked hard planning tours, the opening ceremony, Fit
Breaks, LOL Comedy Night, Scrubs sales, articles, Presidential Release
recordings, contests, and various other activities to showcase our Maryland
and Federation pride.  Read more about these activities later in this
newsletter.

The agenda, which contains Zoom access information for all of the events and
general sessions, is available at  <https://nfb.org/convention>
https://nfb.org/convention.  It is also available on Newsline and via the
Crowd Compass mobile application.  Please be sure to download the #NFB21
mobile application from the app store in order to use CrowdCompass.

Our chapters and divisions have worked hard to register people for the
national convention because we believe this is a truly life-changing
experience.  In order to show our appreciation for our members, friends, and
supporters who register for the NFB National Convention, we will be holding
a drawing if Maryland wins the attendance banner.  First prize is $100,
second prize is $50, and third prize is $25.  We can only draw for this
token of appreciation if Maryland has the highest attendance of all
affiliates, and so please encourage your fellow convention attendees - or
those interested in attending their first convention - to register.
Registration remains open through Convention, but we need folks to register
by July 5 if possible.

NFB Rookie Roundup - Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 8:30PM

All convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a welcoming Zoom
meeting Tuesday, June 29 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. EDT. President Riccobono and
Chairperson of the Board Pam Allen (our Maryland 2020 National
Representative) will be on hand to kick off the convention a week before it
starts and preview its activities. 

Click this link to join:  <https://zoom.us/j/99605070015>
https://zoom.us/j/99605070015
Or dial: +1 301 715 8592
Zoom Webinar ID: 996 0507 0015
One-tap mobile: +13017158592,,99605070015#

NFBMD Convention Orientation - Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 8:00PM

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will once again be hosting
a National Convention Orientation for Marylanders on Thursday, July 1, 2021
starting at 8:00PM.  All Marylanders who are attending an NFB national
convention for the first time, attending a virtual NFB national convention
for the first time, or who just want information about the Convention  are
welcome.  We will be discussing what to expect, Maryland-specific events and
activities, and mentoring and getting assistance during the convention.

Click this link to join:  <https://zoom.us/j/6248138327>
https://zoom.us/j/6248138327

Meeting ID: 624 813 8327

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,6248138327#

NFBMD Caucus- Friday, July 9, 2021 at 11:00AM

We will be holding the Maryland Caucus during the NFB National Convention,
and it promises to be action-packed.  Come to meet the NFBMD State
Scholarship winners, our National scholarship winners, discuss the
resolutions that will come before the convention, and so much more!  This is
a very important event, so please plan to attend. 

Click this link to join:  <https://zoom.us/j/6248138327>
https://zoom.us/j/6248138327

Meeting ID: 624 813 8327

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,6248138327#

NFBMD Hosts LOL Comedy Night - Monday, July 5, 2021

NFBMD is hosting LOL Comedy Night, a competition for blind comedians, in
connection with the NFB National Convention.  This event will kick off the
convention festivities on July 5 beginning at 7:30PM Eastern.  The Master of
Ceremonies will be Marilee Talkington, a blind actor who starred in NCIS.
Nine blind comedians will perform, and the membership will vote on the
winner.  The top two winners will receive a cash prize.  This promises to be
fun and an energetic way to start the Convention. 

Click this link to join:  <https://zoom.us/j/98598715785>
https://zoom.us/j/98598715785

Meeting ID: 985 9871 5785

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,98598715785#

NFB Convention Host Affiliate Tours: From Maryland and Beyond!

The NFBMD National Convention Host Committee has planned four exciting tours
in connection with the NFB National Convention.  All tours are virtual and
free of cost.

B&O Railroad Museum Tour: Maryland on the Rails

Tuesday, July 6, 2021 - 12:00PM - 1:30PM

This virtual tour will examine how before 1827 Maryland became an ideal
location for the B&O Railroad, and as a result, how the B&O Railroad has
continued to contribute to the robust history of this state.

Click this link to join:  <https://zoom.us/j/95781371847>
https://zoom.us/j/95781371847 

Meeting ID: 957 8137 1847

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,95781371847#

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Tour

Tuesday, July 6, 2021 - 2:00PM - 3:30PM

On this virtual tour, you will learn about the nation's first space flight
center that now also has the largest combined organization of scientists and
engineers dedicated to increasing knowledge of Earth, the solar system, and
the universe via observations from space.

Click this link to join:  <https://zoom.us/j/98911837672>
https://zoom.us/j/98911837672 

Meeting ID: 989 1183 7672

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,98911837672#

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Tour

Tuesday, July 6, 2021 - 4:00PM - 5:30PM

Virtually experience Harriet Tubman's world through exhibits that chronicle
the life of this resourceful woman and the many others that helped her run
the Underground Railroad. Most people underestimated her tenacity and
strength.

Click this link to join:  <https://zoom.us/j/96125671553>
https://zoom.us/j/96125671553 

Meeting ID: 961 2567 1553

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,96125671553#

NFB Jernigan Institute Tour

Wednesday, July 7, 2021 - 12:00PM - 1:30PM

This unique tour will be conducted by Mary Ellen Jernigan and Melissa
Riccobono, who know the building quite well. They will share stories about
the vision, development, and growth of the NFB National Center for the
Blind.

Click this link to join:  <https://zoom.us/j/95107328515>
https://zoom.us/j/95107328515 

Meeting ID: 951 0732 8515

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,95107328515#

Get Your NFB Convention Scrubs

Lounge wear is the uniform of the virtual meeting so be sure to order your
comfortable NFB scrubs for national convention from the host affiliate, the
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. NFB Convention Scrubs are what
all the cool members will be wearing at virtual banquet!

This set of scrubs contains both a short-sleeved scrub top and drawstring
scrub pants, both with pockets. The set is navy blue and both the top and
pants feature a charming red crab with the NFB logo in white as well as the
words "It's a Maryland thing" in white writing.

Scrubs are available via  <http://nfbmd.org/scrubs> http://nfbmd.org/scrubs
in sizes 2X Small, X small, small, medium, large, X Large, and 2X Large.
Supplies for 2X Large and 1X Large are very limited, and we've sold out of
the 3X Large and 4X Large sizes.  Scrubs are also available in limited
supply in Tall sizes for Mediums, Larges, 1X Larges, and 2X Larges. Those
interested in tall sizes should email  <mailto:Convention at nfbmd.org>
Convention at nfbmd.org or call 443-426-4110.

 Scrubs cost $45 each (both pants and tops).

NFBMD In-Person Convention Banquet

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, in partnership with the
National Federation of the Blind, will host an in-person banquet party
during the 81st Annual NFB National Convention on July 10, 2021.  The
banquet party will take place at the NFB Jernigan Institute in Baltimore
beginning at 7:30PM.  Guests should arrive and plan to be seated by 7:15PM.

We will follow public health guidance, and masking, temperature checks, CDC
questionnaires, and other health measures may be employed based on the
determination of national and affiliate leadership.  We want to be together
and we want to make sure we are all safe and healthy.

We will be sitting in tables of eight.  Those who want to sit with specific
people should organize their table of eight and email
<mailto:convention at nfbmd.org> convention at nfbmd.org with the names of the
individuals they want assigned to that table.  Otherwise, we will assign
people to a designated table.

Tickets cost $40 for adult meals and $12 for child meals.  We ask people to
purchase their tickets by June 30, 2021 so we can plan accordingly.

Please visit  <http://nfbmd.org/banquetparty> http://nfbmd.org/banquetparty
to purchase your ticket by June 30.

If you have questions, please contact 443-426-4110 or
<mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org.

NFB SAFE Fund Resolution

In June, the NFB National Board unanimously passed a resolution that will
support survivors of trauma as we move forward.  The convention will vote on
whether or not to adopt this resolution, which is printed below.  I invite
anyone who wants to talk about it, anyone with questions, anyone wanting
clarification, to reach out to me at 443-426-4110 or at
<mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org.  

The NFB has been working incredibly hard to ensure the safety of all
members.  We see this in the work of the Survivor Led Task Force.  We see it
in the work of the Special Committee.  We see it in the work of the Training
Centers, affiliate leadership throughout the country, and in the initiatives
the Board of Directors and the President have put forward and implemented.
I whole-heartedly agree with President Riccobono that the SAFE Fund
initiative is one of the cornerstones of our focusing forward as a movement.
I'll add that I believe it is a critical initiative to help survivors focus
forward.  

For those reasons, I'll ask you to support this initiative with me.  And if
you're not sure, let's talk about it so we can understand one another's
perspectives.  We all love this organization tremendously, and we want it to
be the best version of itself.  Because of that, we are and will remain
#StrongerTogether.

National Federation of the Blind Board Resolution (Adopted June 10, 2021)

The Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind supports and
recommends the below policy for consideration and adoption by the 2021
national Convention.

WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind was established in 1940 as
this nation's civil rights membership organization of blind people; and

WHEREAS, our organization places a high value on welcoming in all blind
people to membership and creating a safe space for the exchange of
information and ideas in order to work collectively toward our common
interests as blind people; and

WHEREAS, on January 26, 2018, the Board of Directors reviewed existing
Federation policies and established a national integrated Code of Conduct to
more clearly communicate consistent expectations for appropriate behavior
throughout the membership and to detail processes for receiving,
investigating, and addressing violations of those standards; and

WHEREAS, the organization's board of directors has committed to at least
annual review and updating of the code and the processes supporting the code
including incorporating feedback from members to ensure the Federation
community is as safe and supportive as possible; and

WHEREAS, the organization acknowledges the courage of survivors in bringing
forward their stories and the pressures that may make it difficult for
survivors to feel safe in utilizing the code of conduct process; and

WHEREAS, individuals who are harmed by those who violate the Federation's
Code of Conduct may require additional support in order to heal from those
incidents and fully participate in the organized blind movement: Now,
therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED that the organization establish the Survivor Assistance to
Facilitate Empowerment (SAFE) fund in an initial amount of $250,000 as a
dedicated financial resource for providing therapy support to survivors of
incidents where the Federation's Code of Conduct is known to have been
violated; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the board of directors will have responsibility
for overseeing the fund including but not limited to reserving financial
resources for the fund, maintaining adequacy of the fund, reporting the fund
financial status to the convention, assuring confidentiality of individuals
who receive support, establishing and communicating eligibility criteria,
engaging stakeholders in the fund planning, selecting and overseeing a third
party claims administrator who will maintain the confidentiality of eligible
survivors, and taking such other actions as may be necessary to develop and
advance the fund program over time; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, consistent with the organization's Code of
Conduct, all steps will be taken in administering the fund to ensure that
survivors are protected from retaliation based upon their use of the
resources of the fund.

NFBMD National Scholarship Finalists

This year, Lizzy Muhammad Park and Mirranda Williams have been selected as
NFB National Scholarship Finalists.  Lizzy is attending Johns Hopkins
University working towards a Masters in International Relations, and she
plans to join the diplomatic corps.  Lizzy is our Maryland BELL and Youth
Programs Coordinator and a TenBroek Fellow.  Mirranda is attending Morgan
State working towards a Masters in Social Work.  She plans to work with
elderly clients.  Mirranda is a Maryland BELL volunteer and has assisted
with various state-wide and chapter initiatives.  They will compete along
with their 28 scholarship class members for a number of different
scholarships that range in amount from $3,000 to $12,000.  They will attend
the virtual National Convention and the NFBMD State convention in Baltimore
this November, so you will have the opportunity to get to know them better.
Please join me in congratulating Mirranda and Lizzy.

NFBMD Scholarship Finalists

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is pleased to announce that
this year, four students have been selected as 2020 John T. McCraw
Scholarship finalists.  Rose Warner is a rising second-year law student at
the University of Baltimore School of Law.  Laurie "McClain" Hermes is a
rising junior at Loyola University Maryland.  Noah White is an incoming
freshman at George Mason University.  Tyler Hoppe is an incoming  freshman
at Penn State University.  They will all be attending the NFB National
Convention virtually and the NFBMD State Convention in Baltimore, so you
will have the chance to get to know them.  They will receive their NFBMD
scholarships at the state convention in November provided they remain
eligible.  We are thrilled with this year's scholarship class and know you
will be impressed as well.

NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition! 

the NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition will teach critical nonvisual
techniques and Braille literacy to blind children nationwide.  Due to public
health considerations associated with COVID-19, the 2021 NFB BELL Academy
will be offered virtually rather than in person.  NFB BELL will be condensed
into three nationally taught and coordinated sessions with support from
NFBMD.  Tracks will be available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced
students.

The dates of the remaining two sessions are as follows:

*	Session 2: July 19 - July 30, 2021
*	Session 3: August 9 - August 20, 2021

Each registered student will receive Braille and other fun materials for
lessons, connect with experienced teachers, and build relationships with
other blind students and mentors.

The NFB BELL Academy is appropriate for blind and low vision children ages
four through twelve who:

*	do not receive enough Braille and nonvisual skills instruction in
school; 
*	could benefit from more Braille exposure over the summer; and/or 
*	would enjoy connecting with blind role models. 

Registration is free to families.  Participants may register by visiting
<https://www.nfb.org/form/nfb-bell-academy-home-edition>
https://www.nfb.org/form/nfb-bell-academy-home-edition.  Anyone needing
assistance with registering should contact NFBMD BELL Coordinator Lizzy
Muhammad at  <mailto:lizzy.muhammad at outlook.com> lizzy.muhammad at outlook.com
or at 484-624-9778.

NFBMD Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

NFBMD is actively working to expand our knowledge of and emphasis on
diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.  These initiatives also
include those related to sexual harassment and misconduct, consent,
boundaries, and power dynamics.  It is our intent that NFB of Maryland
activities, events, and programs be safe and welcoming to all, and to that
end we are devoting resources and time to increase our awareness and enhance
our strategies on DEI.  WE rolled out a training to all chapters in January
and February on topics related to consent, boundaries and power dynamics.
Our affiliate Board of Directors participated in the NFB-sponsored training
on sexual harassment and violence prevention, provided by the Rape, Abuse,
and Incest National Network (RAINN).  In June, we conducted Culture of
Consent in the Blind Community training for all affiliate, chapter, and
division board members as well as the Scholarship Committee, DEI Committee,
and those who work with minors and hold trusted leadership positions in the
affiliate.  This was approximately 110 people.  We also plan to roll out
some specific training for parents and young people in the summer on these
topics as well.  Our state and chapter leaders will attend workshops on DEI,
unconscious bias, and micro-aggressions later in the summer.  WE will engage
in conversations on DEI and related topics and hold trainings during our
State convention in November as well.  Our NFBMD DEI Committee, led by Anil
Lewis, is engaged and working to promote the incorporation of DEI throughout
our affiliate.  The Committee has sent out informational communications on
certain topics and observances to promote DEI.  If you have questions about
these initiatives or have suggestions for how we can best incorporate DEI
into our programs, please don't hesitate to contact me at
<mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org or at 443-426-4110 or
Chairperson Anil Lewis at  <mailto:GreaterBaltimore at nfbmd.org>
GreaterBaltimore at nfbmd.org. 

NFB and NFBMD Host a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, in partnership with the
National Federation of the Blind, the Maryland Department of Disabilities,
the Maryland Department of Health, and Rite Aid Pharmacy, held two
vaccination clinics for members of the blind community and the disability
community.  These clinics took place on April 5 and May 3 respectively at
the Jernigan Institute.  Approximately 150 individuals from throughout
Maryland received the Moderna vaccine.  Special thanks to the NFB staff who
assisted with checking individuals in and helping with paperwork and members
of the NFBMD and Greater Baltimore Chapter who served as greeters, escorts,
and performed a myriad of other tasks.

Access to COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Resources

Due to lack of accessibility, blind Marylanders have experienced challenges
accessing COVID-19 testing facilities and vaccination locations.  NFBMD has
been working with the Maryland Department of Disabilities to ensure access
to these services for the blind throughout Maryland.  To that end, we
disseminate through all of our listserves an accessible spreadsheet
containing vaccination locations, their contact information, and links for
scheduling a vaccine appointment.  We realize that many of the county and
medical provider vaccination sign-up portals are not accessible, even if we
share their information in an accessible format.  To that end, we are
exploring holding a vaccination clinic in Baltimore in April.  We are also
beginning discussions about holding a vaccination clinic in Montgomery or
Prince Georges Counties.  If individuals would be interested in
participating in such a vaccination clinic, please email me at
<mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org.  Please be sure to specify
whether you prefer Baltimore or PG/Montgomery county and whether you could
travel to either.  We realize that there are many members who cannot get to
either location, and we are actively working with MDOD to find solutions for
every blind Marylander.

NFBMD COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund

We continue to operate an affiliate COVID-19 fund to assist individuals and
families that are experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19
crisis.  This fund is available to blind individuals and families with a
blind household member living in Maryland.  The financial assistance must be
needed due to a change in circumstance, e.g. loss of employment income,
because of COVID-19 or associated government directives like the
Stay-at-Home order.  Assistance is limited to essentials such as groceries
and medication.  This Fund is being administered by the NFBMD Financial
Assistance Committee.  Anyone who is wishing to request assistance should
contact me at  <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org or at
443-426-4110.

In addition, we are seeking contributions to augment the NFBMD COVID-19
Emergency Response Fund.  Those interested in making a monetary donation may
do so by sending a check to NFBMD, 15 Charles Plaza, #3002, Baltimore,
Maryland 21201 or by using the PayPal donation link on our website located
at  <http://www.nfbmd.org/COVID-19Fund> http://www.nfbmd.org/COVID-19Fund.  

Important Upcoming Dates 

*	June 29, 2021 - Rookie Round-Up
*	July 1, 2021 - NFB of Maryland Convention Orientation
*	July 5, 2021 - LOL Comedy Night
*	July 6 - 1, 2021 - NFB National Convention, Anywhere and Everywhere!
*	July 19 - July 30, 2021 - NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition Session 2
*	August 9 - August 20, 2021 - NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition
Session 3
*	September 10, 2021 - Basket and Bag Bingo, Catonsville, Maryland
*	September 19 - 26, 2021 - Blind Cruising 2021, Carnival Pride,
Departing from Port of Baltimore
*	October 8, 2021 - NFBMD Crab Feast, Parkville, Maryland
*	November 12 - 14, 2021 - NFB of Maryland 55th Annual Convention,
Baltimore, Maryland

Ronza Othman, President

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

443-426-4110

Pronouns: she, her, hers

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not
the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.