[Mn-at-large] NFBM Weekly Update

[Andrews, David B (DEED)]

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBMN-News [mailto:nfbmn-news-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jennifer Dunnam via NFBMN-News
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2017 7:00 AM
To: nfbmn-news at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbmn-news] Weekly Update

Dear Minnesota Federationists:

This new year has started out very busy indeed with many important Federation activities. To help make sure everyone is informed about the latest happenings and about all the ways members can help, we're trying something new this year—a weekly update to be sent out on Fridays. Some weeks there may be more to cover than others, but there's always something going on. The basic topics will be • Update on state activities • To-Do List (AKA Things You Can Do To Help) • Announcements • Dates to Remember

If you have any items to be included in future weeklies, please feel free to send them along. 

So, without further ado ...

Updates

☑ The state board of directors held its meeting on January 5. We approved this year's budget, started making plans for a student seminar this spring, and more. We were not yet able to set the date of the next board meeting, but we will do so in the next short while.

☑ During the last month, some encouraging meetings have been held regarding issues raised in two of the resolutions we passed at the fall convention. Although these things will take time, we will continue to work toward improvements both in the accessibility of state technology and in training opportunities for seniors.

☑ The issues we will be discussing on our Day at the Capitol on January 11th include
1) Legislation to protect the rights of blind parents
2) legislation ensuring that new accessible voting machines can be used in Minnesota when the current machines, which are no longer made, need to be replaced. 
3) Legislation to start a licensure program in Minnesota for teachers of blind students. 
The fact sheet will be with you soon.

☑ The Central Minnesota chapter will hold its 30th annual spaghetti dinner on January 20th. More details to come. We hope many people from throughout the state can come and be part of this special occasion. 

To-Do List (AKA Things You Can Do To Help)

☐ Plan to attend the Day at the Capitol on January 11, and make your appointments with your legislators. Details were sent in an email last Sunday. Contact Judy Sanders 612-375-1625 with questions. 
☐ If you are in the metro area and wish to attend the Central Minnesota's 30th Annual Spaghetti Dinner on January 20th, please let Rob Hobson know right away but not later than January 16, so that we can plan for transportation. rhobson at blindinc.org ☐ Make hotel reservations for the 2017 National Convention in Orlando https://nfb.org/convention ☐ Check out the January issue of The Braille Monitor, our National monthly flagship publication: https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm17/bm1701/bm1701tc.htm
☐ Consider Writing an Article for the spring issue of the  Minnesota Bulletin. Also, the watch for the winter issue which will be out soon.
☐ Help Spread the word about our national scholarship program for blind students: https://nfb.org/scholarships ☐ Attend your local chapter meeting: http://members.tcq.net/nfbmn/chapters/index.htm 

Important Dates Coming Up Soon:

• Wednesday, January 11: Day at the Capitol (details were sent by emails) • Saturday, January 14: Meeting of Board of Directors of BLIND, Incorporated • Friday, January 20th: Central Minnesota Chapter's Spaghetti Dinner (It's their 30th one!) More details soon • Monday, January 30-Thursday, February 2: NFB Washington Seminar https://nfb.org/washington-seminar
• Thursday, February 9: State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind Meeting http://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/blind-visual-impaired/council/ 

Other dates to remember:

• Wednesday, April 19: Possibilities fair for Seniors in Mankato • Saturday May 20: Semiannual Convention • Monday July 10-Saturday July 15: 2017 National Convention in Orlando