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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><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dear Members of NFBMA,</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The purpose of this email list is to share information about meetings, affiliate activities, and matters of interest to our membership. We have an open list, meaning anyone can subscribe, including vendors, donors, students, researchers and prospective members. It is not intended to be a forum for airing grievances, discussing confidential matters, or publicly criticizing individual members. We encourage members to address concerns through the appropriate channels so that issues can be resolved constructively and respectfully. We urge anyone with such an issue to individually discuss or discuss in a group setting with officers and or board members. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Since this was put on the email list, we, your board, felt that we should respond in this way, as well. However, any further discussion of this matter will be done in a more private manner. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>In responding to the concerns outlined in the June 17, 2026 email. We appreciate your willingness to share your perspective, and we agree that transparency, accountability, and respectful communication are essential to the work of the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We would like to provide additional context regarding the board meeting referenced in your message. The meeting was scheduled to include an open session for members followed by an executive session for board business. While it was believed that this information had been communicated beforehand, it is clear that confusion arose regarding access to the meeting and the transition between the open and closed portions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We want to clarify that no special permission or preferential treatment was given to any attendee. Those who participated accessed the meeting using the affiliate's regular board meeting Zoom information, which has been used consistently for affiliate board meetings. We regret any misunderstanding this may have caused.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>It is also important to note that board members worked diligently throughout the meeting to address the issues that were raised. During executive session, the board reached resolutions and identified paths forward that were acceptable to all board members. As a result, the concerns discussed were addressed more comprehensively than may have been apparent from any single account of the meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>To improve communication going forward, we will ensure that meeting notices, access information, and expectations regarding open and executive sessions are communicated more clearly and consistently. We also remind members that all regularly scheduled affiliate board meetings use the same Zoom link.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Board meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. The remaining board meetings for 2026 are:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>August 19, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>October 21, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>December 16, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Regarding concerns about the discussion involving the treasurer, the president and first vice president were not attempting to interrupt or silence anyone. At several points, it appeared that statements had concluded or questions had been posed, and responses were offered based on that understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>At the same time, we recognize that participants may have experienced the discussion differently. As is often the case during difficult conversations, perceptions can vary, particularly when important and sensitive matters are being addressed. What is clear is that the discussion became challenging for everyone involved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We believe that every member of our Federation family deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and to have the opportunity to express their views. Productive dialogue requires active listening, patience, and a willingness to consider differing perspectives. These are standards to which we should all aspire.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>To help reduce misunderstandings in future meetings, the board will implement a practice whereby speakers clearly indicate when they have finished speaking before responses are offered. We believe this simple procedural improvement will help ensure that all participants feel heard and understood.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts remains committed to transparency, respectful communication, and continuous improvement in our governance practices. We value the engagement of our members and will continue working together to strengthen our affiliate and advance our shared mission.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>NFB of Massachusetts Board of directors</span></b><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></body></html>