[IABS-Talk] President Riccobono's notebook for the week of 02/07/2023

[Marilyn Green]

News: 2023 Washington Seminar Recap:
Thank you to everyone who traveled to Washington, DC, for the 2023
Washington Seminar. We started with a rousing Great Gathering-In where
we heard from Federation leaders and Senator Van Hollen from Maryland.
On Tuesday evening we held a congressional reception sponsored by
Cruise and featuring a keynote address by Senator Casey of
Pennsylvania. Throughout the week, we conducted more than four hundred
meetings, many of which were with the member of Congress attending. It
was so great to be back in person again with all of you as we
displayed our advocacy power to the 118th Congress. Based on some of
the feedback we have already received through the ratings submitted
into the Washington Seminar Portal, we are confident that 2023 is
going to be a productive year for our legislative priorities. None of
that would be possible without the hard work, persistence, and
grassroots advocacy of the members of the Federation. Watch for
legislative alerts over the coming weeks, and let’s keep the momentum
going!



Washington Seminar Ratings:
While we have received more than two hundred submitted ratings for
last week’s Washington Seminar meetings, there are still many more
that need to be submitted into the Washington Seminar Portal. Please
keep up the work of submitting your ratings so that we can have a firm
grasp on what the members of the 118th Congress think about our
legislative priorities.



Organized Blind Movement:
Share the following opportunity for non-members to attend the upcoming
Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, formerly known as our
Open House Gathering calls, scheduled for February 8 at 8:00 p.m.,
eastern, to learn about what it means to become a member of the
National Federation of the Blind. During the one-hour-long open house,
hear from active members and leaders on the myths and uncertainties of
the Federation. We will discuss membership, philosophy, and purpose.
Non-members can contact us at membership at nfb.org, or call
410-659-9314, extension 2401.





Dates to Keep in Mind:
(all times eastern)

February 8: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.
March 2 and 5: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Scholarships)
March 23: Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium
April 15: Bolotin Award nomination deadline
May 10: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.
June 1 and 4: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Member Engagement
and National Convention)
July 1-6, 2023: National Convention; Houston, Texas
August 9: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.
September 7 and 10: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Blind Equality
Achievement Month)
November 8: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.
December 7 and 10: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Planning the Year Ahead)

-- 
Marilyn Green, President
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
312-343-8396
president at nfbofillinois.org
www.nfbofillinois.org
Live the life you want!

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois 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.