[MN-at-Large] President's Update: Lots of Info

Mon Apr 6 13:39:58 UTC 2020

>
>Fellow federationists,
>So much has changed in all of our lives the past 
>few weeks. We are all in our homes, some of us 
>have lost jobs, others are facing challenges 
>when working from home while their kids are out 
>of school, and others are concerned for 
>vulnerable friends and family. All of us are 
>collectively holding our breath, waiting for 
>life to return to normal. I read an interesting 
>article the other day that characterized these 
>feelings as grief; grief for what we are missing 
>and for the world as we knew it. It’s a heavy 
>sentiment, to be sure, but it’s been helpful for 
>me to give myself permission to feel the loss, 
>and hopefully, move to a place where I don’t always feel crushed by it.
>                 There’s a lot of hope though, 
> even amongst all of the struggle. Satellite 
> pictures show a strong reduction in air 
> pollution over cities like L.A., hotels are 
> making rooms available for free to healthcare 
> workers in the hardest hit cities, and 
> restaurantsone of the most impacted industries 
> in this crisisare providing free food to 
> hospital staff in places like New York. It is 
> in times like these that we have the 
> opportunity to embrace what unites us rather than what divides us.
>                 I have a lot of hope inspired 
> by all of you. You have come together as 
> members of this affiliate to support and lift 
> one another up during unprecedented times and I 
> cannot thank you enough for it. One of the 
> phrases we use a lot in this organization is 
> “Federation family”. I cannot think of a more 
> apt descriptor for the kindness, generosity, 
> and connectedness I have experienced from you 
> all the past several weeks. Thank you. We will get through this together.
>
>Up-to-date resources
>Our National office has put together a list of 
>resources that may be particularly useful to 
>blind people during the COVID19 crisis. This 
>includes information about NFB-NEWSLINE, 
>distance education resources, and others as they 
>become available. This list is frequently 
>updated, so I encourage you to check it 
>regularly. You can find it at 
><https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources>https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources 
>
>
>Positive Press
>There’s a lot in the news right now that’s tough 
>to read. Here’s something that isn’t, though. 
>The Minneapolis Star Tribune wrote a great 
>article about BLIND Inc., which you can read at 
><https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-based-blind-inc-teaches-life-skills-and-the-joy-of-independence/569354192/>https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-based-blind-inc-teaches-life-skills-and-the-joy-of-independence/569354192/
>Jennifer Kennedy, our executive director, also 
>contributed a great article to the Voice of the 
>Nation’s Blind blog. You should absolutely check 
>it out. You can read it at 
><https://www.nfb.org/blog/gratitude-women-movement>https://www.nfb.org/blog/gratitude-women-movement
>
>The free White Cane Program
>Unfortunately, the National Center is unable to 
>ship white canes at this time. Please continue 
>to fill out those Free White Cane requests 
>though so they are ready to be processed as soon 
>as things get rolling again. More information 
>about how to request a cane can be found at 
><https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/free-white-cane-program>https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/free-white-cane-program 
>
>
>Two Notes on the Braille Monitor
>Currently, because of the Covid-19 situation, we 
>are unable to produce the Braille Monitor in 
>Braille at the moment. (I also recognize the 
>irony.) As soon as businesses have opened back 
>up, and staff can get regular access to Braille 
>production equipment and mailing facilities, 
>back issues will be sent out. You can still read 
>the Braille Monitor on Newsline, by podcast, and 
>on the internet in the meantime.
>We also need your feedback on how to improve the 
>Braille Monitor. If you have not filled out the 
>Braille Monitor survey, please do so at 
><https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BrailleMonitor>https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BrailleMonitor 
>
>
>The Semiannual Convention goes Virtual
>At our most recent state board meeting, the 
>board of directors voted to hold the business 
>portion of our Spring convention via Zoom. 
>Members will be able to call in using the app or 
>the phone, and we will share information and 
>conduct all appropriate business virtually. I 
>will send out information about how to participate as the date gets closer.
>Our first virtual spring convention will take 
>place May 2 from 9am to 12 pm. You can 
>preregister at 
><https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLPna-klKyaM0idzv31eC3GdTj56qe1Y2-GpgWvb3I6SpN8g/viewform>https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLPna-klKyaM0idzv31eC3GdTj56qe1Y2-GpgWvb3I6SpN8g/viewform 
>
>
>National Convention
>As of this writing, the national convention is 
>still scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas 
>from July 14-19. Room reservations can be made 
>by calling the Hilton Americas-Houston at 
>1-800-236-2905. There have been some challenges 
>with the online pre-registration form, and I 
>will let everyone know when it’s up and running.
>
>Calling all students
>Students, don’t forget. April 15 is the deadline 
>to apply for our NFBMN scholarship. Interested 
>students can find more information and the 
>application form at 
><http://www.nfbmn.org/programs/scholarships>http://www.nfbmn.org/programs/scholarships 
>
>
>Spreading Joy
>                 One of the things I am always 
> struck by in this organization is the powerful 
> stories every one of you have to share. I’m 
> looking for creative ways to distribute these 
> in this time of physical distancing. If you 
> have a story that you think will bring hope to others, please reach out to me.
>                 Thank you all for your support 
> of one another. We will keep working together 
> to help blind people live the lives they want, 
> even and especially in these times.
>
>Stay safe and stay healthy,
>Ryan
>
>Ryan Strunk, President
><mailto:president at nfbmn.org>president at nfbmn.org
>www.nfb.org
><http://www.nfbmn.org>www.nfbmn.org
>(612) 872-9363
>Live the life you Want.


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