[IL-Talk] at large minutes June 2022

[David Meyer]

National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
Minutes of meeting held Monday June 13, 2022

The meeting convened at 7:02. Present: President David Meyer, Vice 
President Linda Hendle, Secretary/Treasurer Bill Reif, Leslie Hamric, 
Marilyn Green, Cathy Randall, Michal Nowicki, Danny Mandrell, Robert 
McDonald, Pat Olson, Jemal Powell, Yvonne Agyarko, Ken Schad, Eileen 
Truschke, (whose favorite ice cream is Deens Windy City Mindy Fudge Blast)

Bill moved, and Linda seconded, that the previously-tabled April 
minutes be approved. Motion passed. Cathy moved, and Bill seconded, 
approval of the May minutes. Motion passed.

Debbie Pittman had forwarded an audio file for presentation, which 
contained information intended to be helpful to first-time attendees of 
National convention. The file was over 30 minutes in length. Since 
Robert McDonald was the only such person in attendance, all agreed that 
the file would be forward to him and not presented at the meeting.

June Presidential Release #507 was presented. President Riccobono 
highlighted efforts as we move forward from the pandemic to strengthen 
membership and develop a strategic plan. Work on this plan will proceed 
through our 2023 Convention. This work is being facilitated by Mission 
Minded, a company that assisted with earlier branding efforts. this 
plan will include discussion of the pheezability of establishing a 
museum to highlight the triumphs of blind people. We should redouble 
efforts to retrieve and archive recordings and documents of chapter and 
affiliate activities. The Board has recommended an amendment to the NFB 
Constitutions membership section codifying the Code of Conduct and 
clarifying the procedure by which the Board may take action against 
members who violate the code. The amendment text is in a June 2022 
Braille Monitor article.

Advocacy efforts continue regarding Ubers denial of ride services to 
those using service animals or white canes. Those who use uber directly 
or through third party services are urged to contact Valarie Yingling 
at 4 1 0-6 5 9-9 3 1 4 Extension 2440 or via email at legal at nfb.org. We 
continue to gain cosponsors on our legislative initiatives. The House 
and Senate will both be in session through our convention, so efforts 
to increase cosponsors should continue.

Our give $20 campaign continues, which includes a chance to win a trip 
to our 2023 Houston convention. Additional chances will be offered to 
those who submit a Movement Momemt or who submit the covid-19 test 
results to the convention prior to attending.

The Code of onduct Feedback Committee is seeking input, particularly 
from those who have participated in the process and will have office 
hours at convention for that purpose. Appointments can be arranged by 
emailing codefeedback at nfb.org or by calling the NFB at extension 2284. 
Appointments should be requested by 6/30.

Those not attending National Convention are urged to register for the 
Virtual Convention Experience which is free and will entitle them to 
door prizes and other benefits and can be done until convention closing.

Finally: Mark let us know of the passing of Edwin Rodriguez. He also 
reported on the passing of Joe Ruffalo and Jeany Massay.

Our next Presidential Release is scheduled for August 2, 2022 at 7:00.

Marilyn presented the State Presidential report. the Zoom link for the 
upcoming State Board meeting on June 20th at 7:00 will be distributed 
via il-talk, which is the same link used by the At Large Chapter. BELL 
academies are planned for Chicago and in Springfield. She reported that 
we have three State Scholarship finalist and one alternate who we can 
meet at our State Convention October 28-30 at the Chicago Marriott 
Naperville. Room reservations can be made at 630-505-4900. Rate: $109 
for one Address: 1801 Naper Bvld. king or $119 for two queens. She 
invited those with ideas to email president at nfb.org or text her at 3 1 
2-3 4 3-8 3 9 6. It is expected IABS Idol will take place. Reservations 
should also be made by those wishing to attend our Board Meeting on 
Saturday August 27th. Jemal also mentioned that Pace Bus routes 714 and 
722 go from the Naperville Amtrak to the hotel.

Dave reported that we have $1400 in our treasury, and that we received 
no applications for convention assistance. We discussed the purpose of 
four National funds to which the chapter can contribute. It was moved, 
seconded and passed unanimously to contribute %100 each to the White 
Cane, Jernigan, Tenbroek and SUN Funds. This still leaves us over 
$1,000 to offer toward State Convention asistance.

It was dedecided not to have a July meeting.

Next Chapter meeting will be August 7 at 7:00.

The meeting adjourned at 8:42.

Respectfully Submitted,
Bill Reif, Secretary