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</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'>Hello Federation Friends and Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the beautiful weather we’ve been having.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I am writing today with a heavy heart. It is not always easy to acknowledge when we have fallen short, but after taking time to reflect, I want to offer my sincere apology to everyone who participated in the resolutions discussion at our recent convention-and especially to Sengil Inkiala aka Inky.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I want you to know that we have taken this seriously. Both the Convention Committee and the Board have discussed how we can improve, and we are committed to handling resolutions in a more thoughtful and productive way moving forward. As part of this effort, we have named Al Sten-Clanton as our new Resolutions Chair. We are also looking to expand the committee and would welcome additional members to help ensure a stronger process.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>As your President, I never want anyone to feel unheard or undervalued. That matters deeply to me. I am continuing to work on myself so that I can lead more effectively and serve you better. With your support and honest feedback, I am confident we can grow and improve together.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>This affiliate—and each of you—means a great deal to me. I want us to continue building something strong, inclusive, and impactful for the blind of Massachusetts and beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>If you are interested in joining the Resolutions Committee, please reach out to me off-list. And if there is anything you would like to discuss, I welcome you to contact me so we can set up a time to talk or meet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Thank you for your understanding and for all that you do.<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'>With Love, Hope and Determination,,<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/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.nfbma.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com"><span style='color:#0563C1'>sharawinton@gmail.com</span></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>