[IL-Talk] President Riccobono's notebook from the week of February 15

[Marilyn Green]

National Convention—2021 Update and 2022 Announcement:

Announced during the
2021 Great Gathering-In,
this year’s national convention will be held virtually from July 6
through July 10, 2021, with the National Federation of the Blind of
Maryland as our
host affiliate. Stay tuned for more details, which will be posted at
nfb.org/convention.
Registration for the 2021 NFB National Convention will be coming soon.
Also announced, the 2022 NFB National Convention will be held from
July 5-10 in
New Orleans, Louisiana.

Complete and Share the Diversity and Inclusion Survey:

The National Federation of the Blind is gathering information on
diversity and inclusion from members and leaders in the organization.
Please take approximately
fifteen minutes to complete this important survey. The survey includes
a short optional and confidential questionnaire about you. Your
perspective and
experiences are needed to develop diversity and inclusion initiatives
for our movement. If you have questions or need assistance with the
survey please
connect with
diversity at nfb.org
 or call 410-659-9314 extension 2413.

2021 Diversity and Inclusion Survey (English)

En Español: 2021 Encuesta sobre Diversidad e Inclusión

Latest Podcast: Meet Blindness Tech Pioneer Dean Blazie:

The Nation's Blind Podcast highlights different themes related to
blindness, independent living, and news from the National Federation
of the Blind. On
this episode, Anil and Chris talk with Dean Blazie, who has been
working with blind people to develop technology we can use since the
1960s. Learn more
about
Dean and the Braille’n’Speak in the recent podcast episode.

Open House: Information for Non-Members Interested in Joining:

Please share with non-members the following: The National Federation
of the Blind invites blind people to learn more about being a member
and the benefits
of membership on Wednesday, March 24, at 8:00 p.m. eastern. This is a
great opportunity to hear from active members and leaders on the myths
and uncertainties
of the Federation. Sign up for the open-house gathering call by emailing
membership at nfb.org
 or calling 410-659-9314, extension 2509.

Washington Seminar Recap:

Last week’s Washington Seminar is a perfect example of what we can do
when we all work together. We had 393 Congressional meetings—many with
the elected
member of Congress. We have twelve more meetings scheduled for this
week and five for next week. Four additional senators have cosponsored
the Access Technology
Affordability Act, S. 212: Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Robert Casey (PA),
Shelley Moore Capito (WV), and Lisa Murkowski (AK).

In addition, we expect a number of additional cosponsors on H.R. 431
when the House updates its cosponsor count.

We have had a number of representatives and senators reach out to us
regarding our three other issues. There is no question your advocacy
is paying off.
We should have more to report on our issues in the near future. On
that note, please remember to report the ratings from your meetings in
the Washington
Seminar portal. Also, if a particular office never responded to your
meeting request, it is not too late. I urge you to politely ask for a
meeting two
or three times.

Independence Market Special Items for February:

Our product of the month is the Kenneth Jernigan Cornbread Kit. Dr.
Jernigan loved southern fried corn bread and he devised this kit. The
kit contains
a cast iron muffin pan that makes twelve scallop-shaped muffins, an
oil measurer, disposable filling cups, and two cooking templates to
guide you in getting
the batter into the muffin pan. Dr. Jernigan's "NFB cornbread" recipe
is included in print and Braille (Item # AIK08C; $15.00).  Kits are
flying off the
shelves and quantities are limited. Order your Kenneth Jernigan
Cornbread Kit today.

The following products are currently on sale:

Carbon Fiber Rigid Long White Canes with Metal Glide Tips on sale
(ACF##S) (Available in sizes ranging from 49 through 69 inches)

Solitaire and Fox & Geese (two board games in one) ITEM #AIG75G ($10)

Celebrating Black Leaders in the National Federation of the Blind:

In honor of Black History Month, on February 27, at 1:00 p.m., join
Ron Brown and Shawn Calloway as they discuss the characteristics of a
good leader and
how they became leaders and sustained leadership roles in the National
Federation of the Blind.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97730665309

Meeting ID: 977 3066 5309
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Meeting ID: 977 3066 5309

Reminders:

Upcoming Accessibility Boutiques and Seminars:

Accessibility boutiques and seminars are workshops presented by
National Federation of the Blind access technology experts that
provide introductions to
accessibility best practices and the latest trends in access tech.
Upcoming trainings include accessible documents on February 17 and
virtual meeting platforms
on February 23.
Learn more and register today for an accessibility boutique.

Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

list of 9 items
•
March 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.
•
March 24-26: Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium
•
March 31:
Scholarship application
 deadline
•
April 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.
•
April 15:
Bolotin Awards
 nominations deadline
•
May 2: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.
•
June 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.
•
July 6-10, 2021: NFB National Convention, anywhere and everywhere
•
July 5-10, 2022: NFB National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana
l

-- 
Marilyn Green, President
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
312-343-8396
www.nfbofillinois.org