[Massachusetts-NFB] Cambridge Chapter August Minutes

[Cullen Gallagher]

Hello everyone,
The minutes from Monday's Cambridge Chapter Meeting are attached and pasted below.
Thanks,
CUllen
Cambridge Chapter Minutes, August 14, 2023

The August meeting of the Cambridge Chapter was held as a hybrid meeting at Cambridge Citywide Senior Center and on Zoom. It was called to order at 6:02 PM
In Attendance:

Cullen Gallagher
Rick Camann 
Syed Rizvi
Shirley Dorris
Angey Manerson
Jen Bose
Tammy Febbi
David Ticchi
Masha Sten-clanton
Al Sten-clanton
Debbie Malone
Kristina Constant
Rachel Kobierecki
Laurie Mattioli
Justin Heard
Sengil Inkiala
Mika Pyyhkala
Mark Paquette
Rashad Saadieh 
NFB Pledge

Angey and Al led the NFB Pledge
Approval of Minutes

Shirley moved that the June minutes be accepted as presented; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Presidential Release 

Justin presented highlights from the August Presidential Release. <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2023-08/presidential_release_august_2023_chapter_version_0.mp3>
National Convention

Members shared their highlights from the national convention. These included:
Voting on the 2023 Resolutions <https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions/2023-resolutions>
President Riccobono’s Inspiring Banquet Speech <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2023-07/nfb23/2023_banquet_speech.mp3>
The wide variety of workshops, making it difficult to choose what to attend.
Watching the elections unfold.
Jonathan Mosen’s presentation on holding technology companies to accessibility <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2023-07/nfb23/03_together_living_blindfully.mp3>
Parents of Blind Children History Presentation <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2023-07/nfb23/03_reflections_on_4_decades_and_growing_hope_for_the_future.mp3>
Disability Law Center Meeting.

The Disability Law Center is holding a meeting this Friday, August 18 at 4:00 PM. Justin will forward the previous announcement to the list.
Treasurer’s Report

Mika presented the Treasurer’s Report. We had two $50 withdrawals for our PAC contribution, and received approximately $0.02 in interest. Our account balance is $1,271.28. Cullen moved that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted as presented; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. 
David Ticchi Walk, October 8

The walk will be held at Fresh Pond in Cambridge. This is our largest annual fundraiser, and the best way to raise funds is asking people we know to donate to the walk. There is a letter that goes out to everyone who donated last year, and it will be on the web and our email list as well. This should be ready in the next 7 to 10 days. We provide financial assistance for members to attend conventions in Washington seminar, so David suggests that everyone set a goal for themselves, around $600 as an example. If you cannot attend the walk in person, you can still participate by walking on your own and getting donations. There will also be the chance for us to bring lunch and have a picnic. Stay tuned for more details.
Outreach

During our Thursday night calls regarding the MCB grants, there was significant interest in offering training to healthcare workers and public safety officials. The goal is to enhance their ability to effectively interact with blind individuals.
Another valuable outreach avenue we identified is assisting individuals who have recently lost their sight. They need to determine how to proceed. Our organization can serve as a resource for them.
We believe there's an opportunity to increase our presence and awareness in the Cambridge area. Many local officials and residents remain unaware of who we are and what we do.
Ideas from Members:
Training for Public Service Workers: There's a need to train public service workers, especially police and ambulance staff, on how to support and ensure the safety of blind individuals.
Social Media & Public Service Announcements (PSAs): Utilizing social media can help disseminate information widely. We already possess PSAs that can be distributed to local radio and TV stations to raise awareness.
Hospital Training: We need to convey to hospitals that blind individuals are confident and capable. Ensuring online medical portals are accessible is also important.
These are definitely areas we can work on going forward.
Party at Inky's House

Inky has graciously invited us to a party at his house on Saturday, August 26 at 5:00 PM. It is in celebration of a good year and for us to have the chance to gather informally. We are not required to bring anything, and Inky plans on serving hot dogs and burgers. Debbie suggested that we could voluntarily bring side dishes, and Shirley will put the information about the party on our Google Voice line. If you know that you will be attending, please let Inky know.
affiliate Membership Committee Update

Shirley provided an update on the Membership Committee. She has been joining all of the chapter meetings to let everyone know about the committee and to verify that everyone who has joined in the last five years has received their membership packets. Shirley will be sending out an email with her contact details. If you have not received your packet, please contact Shirley.
State Convention Update

Shirley gave an update on plans for the 2024 state convention. We are currently in the process of exploring new locations for the convention. A change is not definite, but it is being explored. We will go with the hotel that gives us the most for our money. Our room rates will increase as hotel prices are rising. However, it should not exceed $20 a night compared to what we paid previously. The convention committee will also be meeting soon to begin planning. 
Next Meeting

The next meeting will be on September 11.
Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 PM.

Cullen Gallagher
Affiliate Secretary and Cambridge Chapter Secretary: National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts

The National Federation of the Blind 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.

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