[Massachusetts-NFB] MAPBC April Meeting Minutes

[Hai Nguyen Ly]

Good afternoon Federationists,
Please find pasted below and attached as a separate document a copy of the April meeting minutes for the MAPBC.
If you are a parent, considering being a parent, or interested in the rights of blind parents across the commonwealth, please consider joining the Massachusetts Parents of Blind Children, a proud division of the NFB of Massachusetts and chapter of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children.  

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Meeting Minutes: Massachusetts Parents of Blind Children (MAPBC) April Monthly Meeting
Date: April 11, 2024

1. Call to Order
	•	The meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by Hai Nguyen Ly, who recited the pledge to officially start the meeting.
2. Attendance
	•	Present: Ellen Bartelt, Hai Nguyen Ly, Youme Nguyen Ly, Stephanie Valdes, Joe Weisse
3. Introductions and Icebreaker
	•	Attendees shared what they are looking forward to and not looking forward to this spring. General anticipation for better weather was noted, with Ellen expressing a dislike for the upcoming bug season.
4. Presidential Release
	•	Youme Nguyen Ly read a summary of the presidential release to all attendees.
5. Review of Previous Minutes
	•	The review and voting on February's meeting minutes were postponed to the next meeting.
6. State Convention Feedback
	•	Stephanie requested that feedback, both positive and constructive, be sent directly to Shara, noting that many had already provided input in other calls.
7. National Convention
	•	Discussion on the national convention participation: Stephanie and Ellen plan to attend; Hai will also attend with his daughter Song on behalf of Target and is available to assist with affiliate activities. Youme encouraged attendance at the NOPBC seminar to gather materials for division use.
8. Springfield Chapter Walk
	•	Conflicts were noted for the walk date; Youme may provide transportation for Hai, while Ellen and Joe reported they would not attend due to other commitments.
9. Bell Program
	•	Updates on the Bell program in Waltham were provided by Stephanie and Ellen. A correction was made to prefer sharing the website link over a PDF flyer due to an error in the flyer text.
10. Outreach Initiatives
	•	Discussions on growing membership included proposals for YouTube content and promotional activities during the Bell program. Contacts and logistics for upcoming events were discussed.
11. Parents' Rights Legislation Update
	•	Stephanie will follow up with Justin for an update, and Youme offered to reach out to Katherine if needed.
12. Legislative Liaison Role
	•	Stephanie will consult with Shara to clarify responsibilities for the Legislative Liaison for Massachusetts.
13. Memorial Contribution for Sebastian Riccobono
	•	The decision was made not to contribute division funds towards a memorial for Sebastian Riccobono, looking to rely on affiliate efforts instead.
14. Introduction of Joe Weisse
	•	Joe Weisse, new to the group, discussed his background with the Mass Commission for the Blind and his role in the Braille Literacy Advisory Committee. Potential collaborations regarding Bell Academy materials were discussed.
15. Other Business
	•	No additional business was discussed.
16. Next Meeting
	•	The next meeting is scheduled for May 9, 2024.
Adjournment
	•	The meeting adjourned at 6:57 PM.

Minutes Prepared by: Hai Nguyen Ly and Youme Nguyen Ly

Cordially,
Hai Nguyen Ly, Vice President, MAPBC
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