[MN-at-Large] Join the MCB/NFBMN Task Force for an Information Session on May 19

[dandrews920 at comcast.net]

TL;DR: The 2026 MCB/NFBMN Task Force will hold an information session on Tuesday, May 19 at 6pm CDT.  We’ll discuss the task force’s planned recommendation to dissolve the Minnesota Center for the Blind as an organization, explain the answer questions, and hear feedback from members.

 

Dear Federation Community,

 

For many of us, the Minnesota Center for the Blind (formerly known as BLIND, Inc.) has been deeply personal. The Center shaped lives through training, mentorship, leadership development, friendship, and the belief that blind people can live the lives we want. Members of our affiliate have connected with MCB and BLIND, Inc. as students, staff, volunteers, donors, board members, and advocates for decades. Because of those connections, we know conversations about its future carry real emotion and importance.

 

Over the past several weeks, the 2026 MCB/NFBMN Task Force has met weekly to better understand MCB’s financial position, governance structure, and operational realities. At its first meeting on April 3, the task force quickly reached consensus in support of dissolving MCB as a legal entity.

 

What surprised many of us was how quickly people with very different perspectives and experiences arrived at the same conclusion. The task force includes longtime Federation leaders, former staff, board members, and people with different levels of connection to MCB, yet the conversations consistently pointed in the same direction once we examined the operational, financial, and governance realities facing the Center.

 

We recognize that some NFB members may feel concerned that this consensus formed before a broader public conversation took place. Rather than start with an open-ended brainstorming process, the task force believed it needed to first review the facts, understand the logistical realities, and determine whether a viable path forward existed for MCB as an operating organization. We wanted to bring members a focused recommendation grounded in data and careful discussion, rather than speculation or false hope.

 

To continue this process transparently, the task force will hold an information session on Tuesday, May 19, at 6pm CDT via Zoom. Connection information is at the end of this message.

 

At the information session, we will review the information and considerations that led MCB and the NFB of Minnesota Board of Directors to decide not to restart direct-service programming, along with the additional operational and governance factors that led the task force toward dissolution. Members will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback before final recommendations go to the boards.

 

If MCB dissolves, its bylaws require all remaining assets to transfer to the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota. Conversations about the future use of those assets would happen later and would ultimately be decided by the members and Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota. Because of that, we want to be clear about the scope of this meeting. This will not be a brainstorming session about future projects, programs, or uses of funds. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the proposed dissolution of MCB and hear member feedback on that process.

 

Anyone is welcome to reach out to any task force member individually with questions or thoughts. We also encourage you to email the full task force at MCBtaskforce at nfbmn.org <mailto:MCBtaskforce at nfbmn.org>   so the entire group can hear directly from as many members as possible.

 

Task force members are Mike Colbrunn, Steve Decker, Jennifer Dunnam, Steve Jacobson, Lauren McLarney, Carley Mullin, Corbb O’Connor, and Steve Sawczyn.

 

Sincerely,

 

Corbb, on behalf of the 2026 MCB/NFBMN Task Force

 

Corbb O'Connor (he/him), President

National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota

www.nfbmn.org <http://www.nfbmn.org>  | (612) 872-9363

 

 


Zoom Details for May 19 Information Session


Join the Zoom meeting <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/99041551511?pwd=dLbYvqrKoU2eT7Uys2frkmjmNrQ4iB.1> 


*	Meeting ID: 990 4155 1511
*	Passcode: 533032


One-tap mobile


*	+13052241968,,99041551511#
*	+13092053325,,99041551511#


Dial in by phone


*	(305) 224-1968
*	Meeting ID: 990 4155 1511
*	Passcode: 533032

 

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