<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle19
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:1530798114;
mso-list-template-ids:-743008128;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:1918711862;
mso-list-template-ids:1684025230;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l1:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Shara Winton<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="http://www.nfbma.org/">www.nfbma.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com">sharawinton@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>617-304-0347<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'> sharawinton@gmail.com <sharawinton@gmail.com> <br><b>Sent:</b> Friday, July 18, 2025 12:25 PM<br><b>To:</b> 'NFB of Massachusetts E-mail List' <massachusetts-nfb@nfbnet.org><br><b>Cc:</b> sharawinton@gmail.com<br><b>Subject:</b> Reflections on the 2025 National Convention & Looking Ahead to 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We have just completed our National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana—and it was absolutely fabulous! If you were unable to attend this year, I sincerely hope you’ll do everything in your power to join us next year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The 2026 National Convention will be held in Austin, Texas, from <b>July 3–8</b>. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Massachusetts ranked among the top 10 states for attendance? We’re often so close, but not quite there. Let’s make next year the one where we break through! If you haven’t yet had the chance to ride in a Waymo autonomous vehicle, you’ll be able to do so in Austin—just one of the many exciting experiences awaiting you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>If you've never attended a National Convention—or if it’s been a while—I’d like to share a few observations:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Attending convention is a <b>huge confidence booster</b>. It’s empowering to be in a place where you’re part of the majority, rather than the only blind person in the room—which is how many of us live our daily lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Yes, the first couple of days can be overwhelming. Navigating an unfamiliar hotel or city, especially one filled with thousands of other blind people, is no small task. But by the end of the week, we are all moving through the space with ease and confidence—as though we’ve lived there for years. It’s truly a beautiful and empowering thing to witness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The <b>exhibit hall</b> is an experience in itself, filled with hundreds of vendors showcasing the latest in accessible technology, products, and services. There are organizations who serve our community, individuals eager to connect, and an endless number of resources. It’s hard to put into words just how rich and rewarding this environment is.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>This year, <b>over 2,500 people</b> attended, representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and several other countries. We have more than 20 divisions focused on professional fields and special interests, such as government employees, veterans, blind parents, Guide-dog users, deaf/blind, parents of blind children, performers, and more. Additionally, we have a wide range of groups and committees representing diverse communities and interests, including LGBTQ+, Black leaders, Christians, Jews, Greek organizations, cooking, arts and crafts—and the list goes on. There are meetings for those in recovery. To explore more, visit <a href="https://www.nfb.org" target="_new">nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>One of the most powerful parts of the convention is the <b>opening ceremony</b> at the start of general sessions. We hear a welcome from our National President, <b>Mark Riccobono</b>, and from the president of the host affiliate—in this case, <b>Pam Allen</b> of Louisiana. We honor our veterans, who introduce themselves to a standing ovation. This year, we also enjoyed remarks from a Louisiana historian and a man who raises alligators—who brought one on stage! Our NFB Camp kids even got to meet and touch the alligator up close.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The ceremony continued with a musical performance by the band <b>The Litigators</b>, who debuted a fantastic new song called <i>"The NFB and Me."</i> After reciting the pledge, singing the national anthem, and sharing an invocation, we moved into <b>roll call</b>. During this tradition, each state affiliate’s delegate—usually the president—announces their presence, highlights affiliate accomplishments, and shares the date and location of their next state convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>States with scholarship recipients, Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship winners, and first-time attendees also take this opportunity to share this information with the whole convention. We in <b>Massachusetts</b> were proud to announce <b>six academic scholarship winners</b> this year:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Aaron Daley<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Ren Lovegood<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Gene Kim<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Juna</span> <span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Gjata<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Kaelyn McColl<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Akliesia Teshome<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Congratulations to these outstanding students! Let’s all do our best to help them feel welcome and encourage participation from these high-achieving young people. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The week concludes with our <b>grand banquet</b>, where our scholarship finalists receive their awards and President Riccobono delivers his unforgettable banquet address—always powerful, inspiring, and a true call to action.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>If you’ve never attended a National Convention, <b>please do yourself a favor and make it a priority</b>. Whether it’s next year or the year after, this is something every member should experience at least once. I promise—it will change the way you see yourself, our movement, and the possibilities for the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We hope to see you in <b>Austin, Texas</b> in 2026!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Warmly,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Shara Winton<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="http://www.nfbma.org/">www.nfbma.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com">sharawinton@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>617-304-0347<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>