[GreaterPhilly] FYI to all members attending state convention

[marva hall]

Dear Esteemed Members,
We are actively preparing for our chapter's participation in the upcoming State Convention and are in the process of finalizing our attendance figures. Your engagement at this significant event is highly valued, and we aim to ensure seamless coordination for all our delegates.
To facilitate accurate planning and logistical arrangements, we kindly request that you inform us of your intentions regarding convention attendance. Please notify either myself or Chapter President Stacy Leap at your earliest convenience if you plan to attend, or even if you are still deliberating your participation. A prompt response is essential for securing appropriate arrangements and maximizing our chapter's representation.
Additionally, we urge all members to carefully review the supplementary memo provided below. This document details eligibility criteria for various chapter-sponsored opportunities, which may include financial assistance or other forms of support related to convention attendance. We encourage you to assess your qualifications as these resources are designed to help facilitate broader participation.
Your timely communication is greatly appreciated as we work towards a successful convention experience for our chapter.

Financial Stipend and Reimbursement Eligibility Policy
The Greater Philadelphia Chapter (GPC) of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania is committed to supporting active and engaged members through financial stipends and reimbursements when funding is available. To ensure fairness and accountability, the following criteria must be met in order for a member to qualify for financial assistance.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for any chapter-funded stipend or reimbursement, members must meet all of the following requirements:
   
   - Good Standing   
Members must be in good standing with the chapter and organization. This means the member must:
   
   - Have no active Code of Conduct violations; and
   - Be a current dues-paying member for the applicable membership year.
   
   - Active Participation   
Members must demonstrate active involvement within the chapter by:
   
   - Attending at least two (2) chapter-related events outside of regular chapter meetings prior to receiving funds.

Eligible events may include, but are not limited to:
   
   - Chapter social events
   - Fundraising activities
   - Public awareness or outreach events
   - Advocacy efforts
   - Committee meetings
   - Other approved chapter activities
   
   - Chapter Meeting Attendance   
Members must attend the majority of chapter meetings held during the current election term, which begins each October.

For example:
To qualify for financial assistance for the National Convention held in July, a member must have attended the majority of chapter meetings held between October of the previous year and June of the current year.
   
   - Age Requirement   
Members under the age of 18 are not eligible to receive financial stipends or reimbursements from the chapter.

Convention-Specific Requirements

For financial support related to State or National Conventions, members must also:
   
   - Be officially registered for the convention; and
   - Attend the convention banquet dinner.

Failure to meet these requirements will result in disqualification for convention-related funding.

Failure to Maintain Eligibility

If a member receives financial assistance but later fails to meet the required eligibility criteria, the member may be required to repay or return the stipend and/or reimbursement funds provided by the chapter.

Funding Availability

The amount of financial stipends and reimbursements available will vary based on the chapter’s available funds and the success of fundraising efforts. Financial assistance is not guaranteed and will be determined at the discretion of the chapter leadership and available budget.

Members Affiliated with Multiple Chapters

If a member belongs to more than one chapter and another chapter is also providing financial assistance for the same event or purpose, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter will provide only half of the approved stipend or reimbursement amount, regardless of the amount contributed by the other chapter.

However, if the other chapter does not provide any financial assistance, the member may qualify for the full amount offered by GPC.

Final Determination

The Greater Philadelphia Chapter reserves the right to review all requests for financial assistance and make final determinations regarding eligibility, funding amounts, and reimbursement approvals.


Sincerely,
Marva Hall First Vice President of Greater Philadelphia/Treasurer of Blind Parents Division of PASent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
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