[Massachusetts-NFB] MAPBC November Meeting Minutes

[Liz Lesperance]

Good Evening,

Attached and paste below please find the minutes from our most recent
parents' division meeting held last Friday, Nov. 15th. Our next meeting
will be Thursday, Dec. 12th at 6PM via zoom.

Warmly,
Liz

*******************************

The MAPBC met on Friday, Nov. 15th. The meeting began at 6:03PM.

Those in attendance included

Youme Nguyen Ly

Hai Nguyen Ly

Stephanie Valdes

Liz Lesperance

Jenn Bose



Liz recited the NFB pledge.

We did not meet in October. Liz put forth a motion to approve the September
meeting minutes. Youme seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously.

Stephanie had the link prepared for the 21-minute November presidential
release.

The state convention is approaching in a few months. Shara advised
Stephanie that she booked a suite for childcare. Hai suggested this be a
multi-purpose space. Hai and Youme are preparing to bring supplies for this
room. We would like to have the question of whether childcare is needed
included on the state convention registration form. Stephanie shared that
one child from Maine who participated in the BELL academy this past summer
is interested in attending the state convention. Stephanie will reach out
to the other BELL academy parents to see if there is interest in attending
as well. Stephanie will create a document in our shared folder with the
contact info for the BELL academy participants. Stephanie suggested
reaching out to volunteers who have experience in childcare. Youme also
suggested utilizing some of the individuals who were vetted as part of the
BELL academy to supervise as well. Hai advised that the convention
committee should reach out to the MAPBC if there is a need to utilize this
space for a different purpose. Stephanie is requesting space in the agenda
for elections as is stated in our constitution. We discussed meeting as a
division on Friday prior to dinner. Stephanie will run this by Shara.

The BELL academy committee is actively planning the 2025 BELL academy which
will be Aug. 4th - Aug. 15th. The location is still being determined but
may be in Waltham. We will use contracts this time to ensure vendors and
other resources follow through. We are actively searching for a lead
teacher. Stephanie spoke to the national office to find out what the
requirements are for the lead teacher. The individual must have a strong
knowledge of braille and a background or significant experience in
education.

There is currently a pampered chef fundraiser for the BELL academy.
Stephanie will share these details with Cullen who can add the details on
the affiliate Facebook page.

Stephanie will be attending a seminar in February pertaining to funding for
the BELL academy.

Bertucci’s is willing to do a fundraiser for BELL where all 23 of their
locations will participate. There is a flyer with a code and if customers
use this 15% of their order will go to the BELL fundraiser. We will attempt
to secure the required documentation to prove that we are a nonprofit
organization in order to get this fundraiser in motion.

Youme also suggested having a platform or location where people can donate
online.



Our next meeting will be Thursday, Dec. 12th at 6:00PM where we will focus
on our fundraising efforts.
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