<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><!--
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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 Members of the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We are writing to provide an update on the affiliate’s email list and the recent unanimous decision by the NFB of Massachusetts Board of Directors to establish a Communications Committee. The current email list will remain unchanged through the 2027 state convention. No changes are planned before then. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The committee will include both board members and members of the general membership. Co-chaired by Gene Kim and Mika Pyyhkala, the committee will review the affiliate’s email list, examine best practices for organizational communications, evaluate our technology platforms, and develop recommendations for improving communication throughout the affiliate. The committee will also be able to meet and work outside regular board meetings to fulfill its responsibilities. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The committee will work toward presenting recommendations and options for consideration at the convention, providing members an opportunity to offer input on how this important communication channel should be managed moving forward.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The Communications Committee will be an ongoing part of our affiliate’s work, extending beyond the email list to support effective, respectful, and productive communication throughout our organization. Updates and decisions may be shared through chapter meetings, the state convention, and other appropriate channels.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Email Etiquette and Respectful Communication</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>In the meantime, we ask every member to remember that how we communicate reflects who we are as a movement. Disrespectful, hostile, or hurtful messages sent to the entire list can damage relationships, undermine our unity, and harm the reputation of the National Federation of the Blind. We can disagree, raise concerns, and advocate for change without resorting to personal attacks or divisive exchanges.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>If you have a grievance or concern, please direct it to the appropriate board members or the individual involved rather than using the entire membership list to address personal disputes. We all share responsibility for maintaining a culture of respect, integrity, and constructive dialogue.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Please also take a moment to check the To and CC fields before sending or replying to an email. Make sure your response is directed to the intended recipient or recipients, and remove or add addresses as appropriate. This simple step can help prevent unintended messages from reaching the entire membership.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Additionally, please avoid sharing highly personal information or information unrelated to the broader blind community on the affiliate-wide list. Messages sent to the entire membership should be relevant to our organization, its members, or its mission.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Committee Participation</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Members interested in serving on the Communications Committee are encouraged to contact Shara Winton by calling or texting 617-304-0347 or by emailing <a href="mailto:Sharawinton@gmail.com">Sharawinton@gmail.com</a>. Please understand that the committee will be relatively small, and expressing interest does not guarantee placement. Members selected to serve should be prepared to work collaboratively, consider differing perspectives, and help develop practical recommendations that benefit the affiliate as a whole.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Thank you for your continued involvement and commitment to the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts. By working together, we can strengthen our communications, encourage constructive participation, and preserve the unity and shared purpose that move our organization forward.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Let us demonstrate the respect, integrity, and commitment to one another that our organization deserves.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>With love, hope and determination,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Your Board of Directors</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></body></html>