[MN-at-Large] President's Update: Thanks for being You

[Andrews, David B (DEED)]

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Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2019 10:56 PM
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Subject: [NFBMN-News] President's Update: Thanks for being You

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Greetings, fellow federationists,
I'm proud of the work we do in this organization. We're an effective bunch, and we get things done when we put our collective mind to work. It is impressive to see us in action, and people who witness our efforts understand the strength and the dedication we possess.
At the same time, however, this time of year reminds me that I just plain like us as people. From the incredible speeches we heard at our convention, to the parties our chapters will host, I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to get to know so many of you and call you my friends.
We work hard in this organization, and we get things done, but none of us receives compensation for our efforts. We give of ourselves because of our belief in blind people and because of our kindness toward one another, and we don't ask for anything in return. That selflessness is inspiring. I'm glad we're together on this journey.

Send Comments for Elimination of 14(c)
On Friday, November 15, the United States Commission on Civil Rights held a public briefing on the elimination of Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows subminimum wages for people with disabilities. The commission plans to issue a report with actionable recommendations to address this critical civil rights issue. Anil Lewis, Kimie Eacobacci, John Pare, Melissa Riccobono, and Derek Manners all testified on our behalf. Unfortunately, panelists also included those who are still in favor of 14(c). Although it seems like the tides are turning, more voices need to be heard to end these discriminatory practices. You can help. Please submit comments to subminimumwages at usccr.gov<mailto:subminimumwages at usccr.gov> for the commission's consideration no later than December 15, 2019.

New Apple TV+ Show: See
The new Apple TV+ original, See, takes place in a fantasy world where everyone is blind, and also strong, capable, and dynamic. This new show could set forth a new way that the entertainment industry portrays blindness. Additionally, there are five blind actors cast in roles, although not in leading roles. Still, this seems like progress. Per our 2019 resolution on authentic representation of blind people in the entertainment industry<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfb.org%2Fresources%2Fspeeches-and-reports%2Fresolutions%2F2019-resolutions%2314&data=02%7C01%7Cdavid.b.andrews%40state.mn.us%7C57eb141ea4924f827e9f08d77163a660%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C1%7C637102545117098577&sdata=df7o7PNwdIoJUsKAg0%2BzmzQXNcfhOh44rdrT5hfoXC4%3D&reserved=0>, more progress for the growth and inclusion of blind people in the entertainment industry is needed. If you're interested, you can read the recent blog post regarding the show<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfb.org%2Fblog%2Ftreading-carefully-new-blindness-drama-see&data=02%7C01%7Cdavid.b.andrews%40state.mn.us%7C57eb141ea4924f827e9f08d77163a660%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C1%7C637102545117098577&sdata=Iybt%2BUg8gKgpfDGHyCUp5v%2F97Wwk5Yxda6g7441C9%2B0%3D&reserved=0> and share your thoughts.

Braille Letters from Santa
With the holiday season upon us, it's time for Santa letters. From now until December 16, interested parents can go to www.nfb.org/santa-letters<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfb.org%2Fsanta-letters&data=02%7C01%7Cdavid.b.andrews%40state.mn.us%7C57eb141ea4924f827e9f08d77163a660%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C1%7C637102545117108572&sdata=ZX1JpCM86ADrf3x8yferYU5Ll1Am6Y3ZGljv%2FfTqRM4%3D&reserved=0> and fill out a request for a Braille letter from Santa. If you know of a blind child who would appreciate receiving such a letter, I encourage you to fill out the form or share it with interested parents. The Braille letter will also be accompanied by a print copy (for mom and dad to read) as well as some other fun Christmastime activities. The deadline for letter requests is December 16 to ensure the letters go out on time.

Braille Readers are Leaders
As part of its mission to promote Braille reading, the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults is sponsoring Braille Readers Are Leaders 2019-2020. Braille readers in grades K-12 compete with others in their grade category to read the most pages during the reading period from December 1 to January 18. An adult category allows adults who want to practice their Braille skills to participate as well. Registration began on November 1, and it will remain open until the final day of the reading period. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top readers in each category, and each participant will receive a packet of Braille-related gifts.
You can find the registration form, reading log form, and contest rules by visiting https://actionfund.org/BRAL<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Factionfund.org%2FBRAL&data=02%7C01%7Cdavid.b.andrews%40state.mn.us%7C57eb141ea4924f827e9f08d77163a660%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C1%7C637102545117108572&sdata=zAVdADqnBZNg9ZuJXqTaZI307KSMVEEZdSBaFLiI1gk%3D&reserved=0>.

Washington Seminar Assistance Available
Our Washington seminar is one of our most important national activities of the year, when hundreds of federationists travel to Washington DC to meet with congressmen and senators and advocate for important legislation. It's an amazing event that everyone should experience at least once and that many choose to experience on a yearly basis.
That said, we understand that attending the seminar can be financially challenging for members, so we offer financial assistance to those interested in participating and needing help to do so. If you would like to apply for financial support, you can do so by filling out this form<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FW8Lq786wjydkSh6F6&data=02%7C01%7Cdavid.b.andrews%40state.mn.us%7C57eb141ea4924f827e9f08d77163a660%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C1%7C637102545117118566&sdata=n3wr2oBHtYAKGw7KPAoM%2BujYOFUjoT12gQEEP8UiNUA%3D&reserved=0>.  Please note that your application will remain private and will only be seen by the selection committee.

A Bite of Randomness
I recently had a long package delivered to my house, and the shipping box was large enough that my cat, The Cheat, found it incredibly fun to play inside of. His favorite game was to hide just inside, then swat at my ankles as I walked past. In fact, he enjoyed it so much that he would routinely start yowling from the box at odd hours of the morning, demanding I come play with him and making it hard to get a good night's sleep.
To share the wealth and to get more sleep, I took the box to the O'Connors' house, and Silas, who is four, had just as much fun hiding inside of it, pretending to be a monster, and dancing where no one could see him. In talking with Randi about it this morning, she told me she and her brother once put an empty box on the back of a wagon and pretended it was a camper. I can remember sitting cross-legged inside a dresser box and pretending I was flying a spaceship. I even had a flashlight for a laser beam.
I don't know when we lose our wonder at something as simple as empty boxes. It probably happens when we're too big to fit into them. Even so, there's something delightful about seeing the container for the thing we actually want, the wrapping that usually gets broken down and crammed into the recycling bin, suddenly become a space full of possibilities.
If you end up with a box this holiday season, perhaps take a moment to remember and reflect, and maybe brighten someone's day a little bit before you throw it out.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go build a blanket fort under my kitchen table.

Member Spotlight
If you would like to be featured in an upcoming member spotlight, please send me a brief bio or a few notes about you, and I'll be sure to include you in a future update.
This week we get to know Matt Gip, a BLIND Inc. graduate and recent, full-time resident of Minnesota.
My name is Matthew Gip. I was born and raised in the city of Fresno, in sunny California. I am 21 years old, going into my third year of college, majoring in psychology, where I am pursuing a goal in being a school psychologist. I love to read, travel, listen to music, watch sports, lift weights, and spend time with friends. I am a huge fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and Rams and enjoy pro wrestling. I moved back to Minneapolis a few months ago where it all started for me getting involved with the Federation with the passion, dedication, and will that was driven inside me that changed my life. I currently serve as president of the California student division and I am excited to work alongside leaders and my mentors in the Minnesota affiliate once again to change the misconceptions of blindness and help lead by example. Feel free to get to know me more because I will definitely be around the city, whether it's exploring or doing my daily routine, living the life I want.

Dates to Remember

  *   Dec. 7: NFBMN Board of Directors Meeting, Minneapolis
  *   Feb. 10-13: Washington seminar, Washington DC
  *   May 2: NFBMN Spring Convention, Minneapolis
  *   July 14-19: NFB National Convention, Houston TX
  *   Nov. 6-8: NFBMN Fall Convention, Bloomington

Happy Thanksgiving,
Ryan


Ryan Strunk, President
president at nfbmn.org<mailto:president at nfbmn.org>
www.nfb.org<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfb.org&data=02%7C01%7Cdavid.b.andrews%40state.mn.us%7C57eb141ea4924f827e9f08d77163a660%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C1%7C637102545117118566&sdata=fleu4YPf86ivoEI9X%2BLkHGt7TM55a5fJBY%2BGQRck4Lo%3D&reserved=0>
www.nfbmn.org<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfbmn.org&data=02%7C01%7Cdavid.b.andrews%40state.mn.us%7C57eb141ea4924f827e9f08d77163a660%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C1%7C637102545117128559&sdata=IRoM3njeJ4EA67QR2MjyvOJWhlcE2CfjY6h4sVlOThI%3D&reserved=0>
(612) 872-9363
Live the life you Want.

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