[MN-at-Large] Apply now for funding to attend Washington Seminar (and book your hotel room!)

[David Andrews]

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>Hello Members,
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>Â
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>I’m writing to encourage you to make plans now 
>for the 2026 NFB Washington Seminar and, most 
>importantly, to apply for affiliate funding if 
>you need help covering travel costs by December 27.
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>Â
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>Whether or not you’re applying for funding, 
>please book your hotel rooms and register as soon as possible!
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>Â
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>At Washington Seminar, blind people from across 
>the country come together to sharpen our 
>advocacy skills and meet directly with members 
>of Congress. Each year, approximately three 
>legislative initiatives are selected for 
>priority attention based on official NFB 
>positions adopted at the national convention. 
>This year’s legislative priorities focus on:
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>Â
>    * Protecting education, employment, and 
> independent living programs for the blind
>    * Advancing the Access Technology Affordability Act
>    * Supporting the Blind Americans Return to Work Act
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>Â
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><https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar>Fact 
>sheets and more information are available on our national website.
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>Â
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>Apply now for affiliate funding to attend Washington Seminar.
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>As an organization, we raise funds specifically 
>so blind people can participate fully in the 
>work that moves our priorities forward. 
>Washington Seminar is an important place where 
>that happens. If the cost of attending would 
>prevent you from going, we want you to apply for a grant.
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>Â
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>I want to be crystal clear: financial support 
>for Washington Seminar is not a handout. It’s 
>an investment in our collective advocacy.
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>Â
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><https://forms.gle/Z2jowVN8ne29ay9U9>Apply for 
>Washington Seminar travel funding using this Google Form
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>Â
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>Application deadline: Saturday, December 27 at 11:00pm
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>Â
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>The funding committee, chaired by a member of 
>our elected Board of Directors, is prepared to 
>evaluate multiple requests submitted by the 
>deadline. Applications are confidential, and 
>requesting support is a normal and expected part 
>of how we operate as an affiliate.
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>Â
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>Every effort has been made to make this Google 
>form as accessible as possible, however, we do 
>not want any technical challenges to be a 
>barrier. If you encounter any difficulties 
>completing this form, please contact Committee 
>chairperson Jan Bailey by phone at (507) 
>288-5335 or by e-mail at <mailto:jb021951 at charter.net>jb021951 at charter.net
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>Â
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>The committee will respond to you within a few 
>days, but please book your hotel room 
>immediately! Flights can be booked after you hear back from the committee.
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>Â
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>2026 Washington Seminar Information
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>Dates: Monday, January 26 through Thursday, January 29, 2026
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>Â
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>Location: Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – 
>National Mall, 550 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
>Â
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>The seminar also includes a Professional 
>Development Fair (formerly the Career Fair), 
>offering opportunities to connect with 
>employers, explore career pathways, and build 
>professional skills alongside our advocacy efforts.
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>Â
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>Register and book your hotel now.
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><https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/registration>Washington 
>Seminar registration is free, and everyone 
>planning to attend should register to receive 
>important updates and agenda information.
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>Â
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><https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomrate?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99801505&icdv=99801505&qSlH=WASSM&qCiD=23&qCiMy=002026&qCoD=30&qCoMy=002026&qGrpCd=FB6&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=HI&qDest=550%20C%20Street%20S.W.,%20Washington,%20DC,%20US&showApp=true&adjustMonth=false&srb_u=1&qRmFltr=>Book 
>your hotel room immediately, even if you’re 
>not completely sure you’ll attend. Rooms can 
>be canceled without penalty under the hotel’s 
>cancellation policy, but availability fills quickly.
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>Â
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>Reservation deadline: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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>Â
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>Thank you
>
>
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>Washington Seminar is one of the most important 
>ways we show up together to shape public policy 
>and advance opportunity for blind people 
>nationwide. If this work matters to you, I 
>strongly encourage you to apply for funding, 
>register, and secure your hotel room now.
>
>Â
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>I hope to see many of you in Washington!
>
>Â
>
>Corbb
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>Â
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>Corbb O'Connor (he/him), President
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>National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota
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><http://www.nfbmn.org/>www.nfbmn.org | (612) 872-9363
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