[MN-at-Large] 2021 Annual Convention Agenda

Tue Nov 2 23:29:30 UTC 2021

From: NFBMN-News <nfbmn-news-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of NFBMN
President via NFBMN-News
Sent: Tuesday, November 2, 2021 5:23 PM
To: nfbmn-news at nfbnet.org
Subject: [NFBMN-News] 2021 Annual Convention Agenda

2021 Annual Convention
#NFBMN
November 5-7, 2021
Anywhere and Everywhere 

Ryan Strunk, President
National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota
100 East 22nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 872-9363, president at nfbmn.org <mailto:president at nfbmn.org> 
www.nfbmn.org <http://www.nfbmn.org> 

National Representative: 
Ron Brown
Second Vice President
National Federation of the Blind
Indianapolis, IN

Welcome to our 101st Convention!

The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota knows that blindness is
not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise
the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

Zoom Video Conferencing Platform

The most up-to-date version of this agenda, particularly the links to join
each session, is available on our website at
<http://www.nfbmn.org/convention/agenda/>
http://www.nfbmn.org/convention/agenda/

Based on the success of our National Convention and the accessibility of the
platform, all meetings will be hosted using Zoom. 

In brief:

*        With the exception of general sessions, all meetings have unique
links and ID numbers, which are listed in this agenda. The password for all
meetings is the same: 63266101. 

*        For your convenience, all general sessions share the same meeting
ID. You can also visit  <http://www.nfbmn.org/zoom/>
http://www.nfbmn.org/zoom/ to quickly join any General Session, the Auction,
and the Saturday evening Keynote Address.

*        For the best experience, we encourage you to download, install, and
use the Zoom app on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Even if you don’t
have a microphone on your computer, joining the meeting by computer first
will give you access to all features of the Zoom platform.

*        If you cannot use the Zoom app, you can dial-in using your
telephone. Use any of Zoom’s dial-in numbers, then enter the meeting ID and
password (63266101). You are responsible for the cost of all calls,
including any applicable long-distance charges.

o   (646) 876-9923

o   (312) 626-6799

o   (301) 715-8592

Social Media

The Social Media Committee invites you to share your convention experience
with your friends and family to show them how the NFB of Minnesota is
empowering blind people. Post to Twitter or Facebook using #NFBMN. We love
pictures
just remember to add descriptions so everyone can enjoy them.

Auction

Our second largest state fundraiser will be an opportunity to show off your
creativity and that of your fellow Minnesotans. On Friday night, you can bid
on several unique gift baskets put together by your Federation family!
Auction Coordinator Charlotte Czarnecki will land a good price and new home
for your basket creations. Please bring your credit cards and be ready to
raise those hands in Zoom and on the phone to take home some fantastic
auction items!

A list of available auction items and specific rules will soon be available
on  <http://www.nfbmn.org/convention/> the convention page of our website.

Door Prizes

Prizes will be awarded throughout the convention. To be eligible, you must
be registered and present online when your name is drawn. Donations are
being coordinated by Amy Baron, John TeBockhorst, and Tom TeBockhorst. 

Get on the PAC Plan

The Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Plan has come to be an increasingly
important part of financing our movement. According to the chairman of the
NFB’s PAC committee, Scott LaBarre, the Federation has raised more than $10
million over the years through the PAC Plan.

The PAC Plan allows members, affiliates, chapters, and others to give a
regular and automatic donation to the Federation every month. All you need
to provide is your checking account, debit card or credit card information.
Because of the costs associated with operating the program, the minimum
donation is $5 per month, yet there is no restriction on how much you
donate. Please sign up at the convention to begin a new PAC contribution or
to make changes to your current contribution. 

 <https://www.nfb.org/pac> Complete the PAC form today! Your donation will
help the blind live the lives we want.

Friday, November 5

2:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Productivity Track

 <https://zoom.us/j/94451687833?pwd=UEhJSEpROFlZTUtoOCtNMkxwMHBKZz09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 944 5168 7833 | Password: 63266101

2:00 PM—App Forum; Chelsey Duranleau, Facilitator: Treasurer, NFBMN Metro
Chapter and Technology Instructor, Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions
(BLIND), Inc. 

There are more than 2 million apps in the iOS App Store alone, and they can
do anything you can imagine
and some things you’ve likely never considered.
Come discover your next favorite apps, and share your current favorites with
others. 

3:00 PM—Employment Forum; Dan Ashman, Careers Instructor, Blindness:
Learning in New Dimensions (BLIND), Inc.

Especially today, there may be many questions on how to find, obtain, and
keep a job, whether that work be remote or in person. Join Dan Ashman for a
moderated forum on how you can find your next great career or start a new
one, and discuss application documents like résumés and cover letters.
Because this session is built around answering questions, participants can
join as they’re available. 

2:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Federationism in Action

 <https://zoom.us/j/93739810026?pwd=WnBPTkhxTm9NQTFUazliNGw5MWgrQT09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 937 3981 0026 | Password: 63266101

2:00 PM—A Seminar at Convention: Discussing and Debating our Philosophy of
Blindness

We know we can live the lives we want. We know that blindness doesn’t have
to hold us back. What does that mean for each of us, though, when we
encounter discrimination or when people treat us differently. Share your
thoughts on blindness in this moderated discussion featuring
thought-provoking situations.

3:00 PM—Understanding the NFB: Our Philosophy and our Purpose; Ron Brown,
Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind

Perhaps you’re new to the National Federation of the Blind, or perhaps you
have burning questions about something you’ve never quite understood. Join
Mr. Brown for an open forum discussion of our organization, the philosophy
we embody, and what makes us so effective.

4:00 PM—Resolutions Committee; Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson

 <https://zoom.us/j/93739810026?pwd=WnBPTkhxTm9NQTFUazliNGw5MWgrQT09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 937 3981 0026 | Password: 63266101

Resolutions are the policies of our organization, and they help us set
priorities for the coming year. Before resolutions are discussed on the
convention floor, however, they are considered first by the resolutions
committee. This is your opportunity to hear the resolutions as they are
first read and listen as the committee discusses them. 

2:00 PM to 5:00 PM: If We Build It, They Will Come: Learn strategies to help
your chapter grow and thrive

 <https://zoom.us/j/97125687679?pwd=WFNWWUNPaU5hWk1hdzdaWFEyeTFjUT09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 971 2568 7679 | Password: 63266101

2:00 PM—Welcome and Overview

2:10 PM—Challenge 1; Briley O’Connor, Facilitator, Secretary, NFB of
Minnesota 

This small group exercise will help you determine what unique challenges
your chapter is facing. 

2:30 PM—Rethinking Chapter Fundraising; Patti Chang, Director of Outreach,
National Federation of the Blind

Chapter fundraisers can be expensive and time-consuming with what feels like
a small payoff. How should chapters think about raising and spending money? 

3:00 PM—Start from Square One; Kathryn Webster, Facilitator, National
Federation of the Blind Membership Committee Chair

Hear how current chapter presidents from around the country grew their
chapters in both size and membership participation in innovative ways.

3:35 PM—The Thousand Faces of Leadership; Lisamaria Martinez, Life Coach and
Federation Leader

We all have our own unique skills and strengths. Often, though, we’re not
sure what they are or how to fit them into Federation work. Learn what
strengths you bring and ways you can help to build the Federation by being
yourself.

4:45 PM—Challenge 2; Briley O’Connor, Facilitator, Secretary, NFB of
Minnesota

This small group activity will help you come up with specific ways you can
help your chapter grow and how the affiliate can support your efforts. 

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM: Friday Evening General Session

 <https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password: 63266101

*	6:00 PM—Welcome and Call to Order
*	6:05 PM—Convention and Zoom Logistics
*	6:10 PM—Sharing the Wind: Life Lessons from an Elite Athlete; Randi
Strunk, Member and Two-time Ironman 
*	6:25 PM—From Donettes to Dollars: A career in vending; Mike
Colbrunn, President, Riverbend Chapter
*	6:40 PM—From the Zoom Room to the Classroom: College and Life from a
Student’s Perspective; Joshua Olukanni, Student, University of Minnesota
*	6:55 PM—Fit Break: Kyle Hanneman, Fitness Consultant 
*	7:00 PM—Beyond the Telephone: Customer Service in 2021; Carey
Scouler, Member, Minneapolis
*	7:10 PM—Why I am a Federationist; Mark Erickson, Travel Instructor,
Blindness Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND) Inc.
*	7:20 PM—Family Feud, Federation Style
*	7:25 PM—Announcements

7:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Auction 

 <https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password: 63266101

Join your Federation family for an evening full of fast, furious bidding on
exciting auction items. Get ready to raise those Zoom hands and bring your
credit cards! 

Saturday, November 6

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Saturday Morning General Session

 <https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password: 63266101

*	9:00 AM—Welcome and Call to Order
*	9:05 AM—Welcome from our Host Chapter; Dave Andrews, President, At
Large Chapter
*	9:10 AM—Greetings from our National Representative; Ron Brown,
Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind 
*	9:50 AM—A Report from the Executive Director of BLIND Inc.; Jennifer
Kennedy, Executive Director, Blindness Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND)
Inc. 
*	10:20 AM—Hard at Work: Empowering Minnesotans in a Pandemic; Natasha
Jerde, Director, State Services for the Blind
*	10:35 AM—Q&A 
*	10:40 AM—Fit Break; Kyle Hanneman, Fitness Consultant
*	10:45 AM—Expanding the Circle: Building a Stronger Affiliate through
Diversity and Inclusion; Shawn Callaway, Board Member, National Federation
of the Blind
*	11:00 AM—The Power of Perspective: Seeing Things a Different Way;
Logan Stenzel, Treasurer, Minnesota Association of Blind Students
*	11:15 AM—Education and Perspective from the Minnesota State Academy
for the Blind; John Davis, Director, Minnesota State Academy for the Blind
*	11:30 AM—Q&A
*	11:35 AM—An Update from the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book
Library; Catherine Durivage, Library Program Director
*	11:50 AM—Announcements
*	12:00 PM—Adjourn 

12:30 PM to 1:30 PM: BLIND, Inc. Virtual Luncheon

 <https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password: 63266101

Please join the students and staff of Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions
(BLIND), Inc. as we celebrate the progress and accomplishments of our
consumer-directed training center rooted in Federation philosophy.  Jennifer
Kennedy, Executive Director 

2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Association of Blind
Students

<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89378845345?pwd=ZkRRYVFjUFRZeExMbE9FVHFLVVpQQT09>
Join Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 893 7884 5345 | Password: 63266101

Samantha Flax, President

2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Annual Meeting of the National Federation of the Blind
of Minnesota Seniors Division

 <https://zoom.us/j/98574009485?pwd=bVQ3VHlyaTRkSDVnV3FxeVVBNGRXZz09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 985 7400 9485 | Password: 63266101

Judy Sanders, President 

2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Blind Parents Discussion Group

 <https://zoom.us/j/91070406286?pwd=K2tOOHlOeVNzaXVNaFRaRWZ4ZHZ5QT09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 910 7040 6286 | Password: 63266101

Briley O'Connor, Facilitator 

2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Minnesota Social Chat

 <https://zoom.us/j/92917467790?pwd=TWtXOEl0WFNwbjJmVDF4bmVHRWE3QT09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 929 1746 7790 | Password: 63266101

3:30 PM: Break

3:45 PM to 5:00 PM: Saturday Afternoon General Session

 <https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password: 63266101

*	3:45 PM—Technology Resources for Life and Leisure; Jason Meddaugh,
A. T. Guys 
*	4:00 PM—Q&A
*	4:05 PM—Educating Minnesota’s Blind Students—A New Approach to an
Old Problem; Casey Robertson, Lead Professor at Louisiana Tech, Professional
Development Research Institute on Blindness, Ruston, Louisiana
*	4:20 PM—We’ll Tell You What We Want: History and Philosophy Guiding
the Future of Overlays; Steve Decker, Member, Maple Grove
*	4:35 PM—Senior Retreat: Building the Federation and Teaching One
Another; Judy Sanders, President, Senior Division and Marian Solomons,
Member, Rochester
*	4:55 PM—Announcements
*	5:00 PM—Adjourn 

6:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Keynote Address

 <https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password: 63266101

*	Invocation
*	Presentation of Scholarships; Steve Jacobson, Chairperson 
*	Keynote Address: Ron Brown, Second Vice President, National
Federation of the Blind 

Sunday, November 7

9:00 AM to 11:30 AM: Sunday Morning General Session

 <https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09> Join
Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password: 63266101

*	9:00 AM—Call to Order
*	9:05 AM—Family Feud, Federation Style
*	9:10 AM—Blind Students Paving Their Path; Trisha Kulkarni,
President, National Association of Blind Students
*	9:20 AM—Resolutions; Jennifer Dunnam, Chair, Resolutions Committee
*	9:40 AM—Presidential Report; Ryan Strunk, President, NFB of
Minnesota
*	10:05 AM—Treasurer's Report; Jennifer Dunnam, Treasurer, NFB of
Minnesota
*	10:20 AM—Discussion of the Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Regarding the Semiannual Convention
*	10:40 AM—Elections
*	11:05 AM—Chapter and Committee Reports
*	11:25 AM—External Board and Committee Representative Reports
*	11:30 AM—Adjourn

Special Thanks

The activities of this organization can only succeed with the help and
dedication of many Federationists, and the convention is no exception.  The
National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota offers particular thanks to
all of the many Federationists who have worked both out in front and behind
the scenes to make this convention happen. 

NFB of Minnesota Board of Directors:

*        Ryan Strunk, Minneapolis (President)

*        Steve Jacobson, Edina (Vice President)

*        Briley O’Connor, Minneapolis (Secretary)

*        Jennifer Dunnam, Saint Louis Park (Treasurer)

*        Dave Andrews, Stillwater

*        Cody Beardslee, Minneapolis

*        Rob Hobson, Minneapolis

*        Jennifer Wenzel, Bloomington

*        Jan Bailey, Rochester 

NFB of Minnesota Chapters

*        At-Large: Dave Andrews, President

*        Metro: Deanna Langton, President

*        Riverbend: Mike Colbrunn, President

*        Rochester: Jan Bailey, President

*        Twin Ports: Alex Loch, President

Divisions, Committees, and 
Work Groups

*        Convention Auction: Charlotte Czarnecki

*        Convention Door Prizes: Amy Baron, John TeBockhorst, and Tom
TeBockhorst

*        Convention Logistics: Corbb O’Connor

*        Convention Sound, Recording, and Streaming: Tim Aune and Steve
Jacobson                             

*        Legal and Policy Committee: Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson

*        Membership Committee: Jan Bailey, Chairperson              

*        Minnesota Association of Blind Students: Samantha Flax, President

*        Minnesota Bulletin: Ryan Strunk, Editor

*        National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota Seniors’ Division:
Judy Sanders, President

*        Resolutions Committee: Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson    

*        Scholarship Committee: Steve Jacobson, Chairperson

*        Social Media: Samantha Flax and Kayde Rieken, Co-chairpersons

*        Technology Committee: Corbb O’Connor, Chairperson

Ryan Strunk, President

Pronouns: he, him, his

www.nfb.org <http://www.nfb.org> 

www.nfbmn.org <http://www.nfbmn.org> 

(612) 872-9363

Live the life you Want.

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