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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello everyone,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I hope to see many of you at our convention tomorrow and/or Saturday! If you will be having children in childcare, please try to fill out the online form at<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.nfbmd.org/convention/childcare">http://www.nfbmd.org/convention/childcare</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I believe I know who will be coming, but filling out the form will help us have contact information, information about allergies, etc. all in one easy place. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am writing because the MDPOBC has been looking over our constitution to make sure it truly is the document we want it to be. We are going to briefly discuss this constitution during our parent lunch on Saturday, but I wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to read it in full. So I have pasted it below. If you have any questions or concerns about this document, please let me know.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Melissa<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>CONSTITUTION <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>MARYLAND PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>OF THE<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:183.75pt;text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:2.25pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:183.75pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>ARTICLE I—NAME<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>The name of this organization shall be the Maryland Parents of Blind Children of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>ARTICLE II—PURPOSE<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>SECTION ONE<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>The purpose of this organization shall be to create a climate of opportunity for blind children in home, school, and society; to provide information and support to parents, other family members, and teachers of blind children; to facilitate the sharing of experience and concerns among families of blind children; to develop and expand resources available to families and their blind children; to help families of blind children gain understanding and perspective through partnership and contact with blind adults; and to function as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland and the National Federation of the Blind in its ongoing effort to eliminate discrimination and prejudice against the blind and to achieve for the blind security, equality, and opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.75pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.75pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>SECTION-TWO<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.75pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>The Maryland Parents of Blind Children of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland</span><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";background:white;mso-highlight:white'> </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>must not merely be a</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";position:relative;top:-3.5pt;mso-text-raise:3.5pt;background:white;mso-highlight:white'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>social organization but must formulate programs and actively work to promote the economic and social betterment of the blind. The Division will comply with the provisions of the Constitutions of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland and the National Federation of the Blind and with the provisions of the Charter of Affiliation of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. Policy decisions of the Federation are binding upon the Division, and the Division will participate affirmatively in carrying out such policy decisions. The name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant thereof is the property of the National Federation of the Blind; and if the Division ceases to be part of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland (for whatever reason), the right to use the name National Federation of the Blind, Federation of the Blind, or any variant thereof shall be forfeited.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:3.75pt;text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:3.75pt;text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:3.75pt;text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>ARTICLE III—MEMBERSHIP<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.5pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.5pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>The members of this organization shall be parents of blind children, educators of blind children, and others interested in promoting the purposes of this organization. The members of this organization are members of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, the National Federation of the Blind and the<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>National Organization of Parents of Blind Children of the National Federation of the Blind; and shall have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as other members of the National Federation of the Blind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>ARTICLE IV—OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:36.75pt;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:36.75pt;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>The officers of this organization shall be: President; First Vice-President; Second Vice-President; Secretary; Treasurer; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:50.25pt;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>Board Members. The duties of those officers shall be those customarily associated with their respective offices. The officers and board members shall constitute the Board of Directors. The officers shall be elected every two (2) years by a majority vote of the members of this organization present and voting at the annual meeting. The board members shall be elected every year by a majority vote of the members of this organization present and voting at the annual meeting. There shall be no proxy voting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>ARTICLE V—MEETINGS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.75pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.75pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'> A. ANNUAL MEETINGS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:38.25pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:38.25pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>The Maryland Parents of Blind Children of the National<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.5pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>Federation of the Blind of Maryland shall hold its annual meeting at the time and place of the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. The Board of Directors shall conduct the business of the organization between annual meetings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.75pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.75pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'> B. OTHER MEETINGS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.5pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.5pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>Other meetings of the Division shall be held upon the call of the president or a majority of the members of the Board of Directors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-right:5.25pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-right:5.25pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>ARTICLE VI—DUES<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.5pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.5pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>The dues for members of the Maryland Parents of Blind Children of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland shall be $15.00 dollars per year per family, payable in advance. $3.00 dollars shall be retained by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. A list of the officers and members shall be sent to theNational Organization of Parents of Blind Children of the National Federation of the Blind. No person may vote who is in arrears in the payment of his dues.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-right:3.75pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-right:3.75pt;text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>ARTICLE VII—DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:2.25pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:2.25pt;text-indent:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of the organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:238.5pt;text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:238.5pt;text-align:justify;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>ARTICLE VIII—AMENDMENTS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:238.5pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any meeting of the Maryland Parents of Blind Children of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland; but the amendments shall not become effective until approved by the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:1.5pt;text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:1.5pt;text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:1.5pt;text-align:center;line-height:12.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>ARTICLE IX—DISSOLUTION<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:37.5pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:37.5pt;mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";background:white;mso-highlight:white'>In the event of the dissolution of this organization, all assets shall go to the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:37.5pt;line-height:11.25pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";background:white;mso-highlight:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2"><br />
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