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Dear Chapter,<br>
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Below is this weeks President's Notebook. There are two requests
for action, where we can help by making comments. While we don't
physically meet, we do come together virtually, and can help and support
each other. This kind of action is as easy for us and for chapters
who meet in person.<br><br>
David andrews, President<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""><h1><b>President's
Notebook</b></h1><br><br>
<br>
<h1><b>National Federation of the Blind</b></h1><br><br>
<br>
<h1><b>Mark A. Riccobono</b></h1><br><br>
<br>
<h1><b><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org">
officeofthepresident@nfb.org</a></b></h1><br><br>
<br>
<h1><b>(410) 659-9314</b></h1><br><br>
<br>
Dear Fellow Federationists,<br>
<br>
I recently had a conversation with a member about her chapter and how the
only thing ever discussed is fundraising. As you know, fundraising is
vital to our success but we do have to make sure it is combined with real
program activity. We should seek new ways for our chapters and affiliates
to be out in the community taking on projects. We might consider using
our affiliate leadership list as a means of sharing what new things are
happening across the country to create programs in our chapters.<br>
<br>
I hope that each of you are enjoying the summer and are fully rested
after our national convention.<br><br>
<h2><b> </b></h2><br><br>
<br>
<h2><b>Critical Actions This Week:</b></h2><br><br>
Department of Defense Regulations:<br>
At the national convention, we mentioned that we are gathering comments
related to a recent Department of Defense Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
that would negatively impact the business interests of blind
entrepreneurs. We are submitting comments in support of blind
businessmen/women, and we need your input. Please use the following
link to customize a letter expressing your support:
<a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/NVv5BZcWYGOtx">
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/NVv5BZcWYGOtx</a>.<br>
<br>
Speaking of public comments, we have extended the deadline to July 31 for
comments promoting web accessibility to the Department of Justice for the
Supplemental Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Please submit your
DOJ SANPRM comments here:
<a href="https://nfb.org/titleiisanprm/comments">
https://nfb.org/titleiisanprm/comments</a>.<br>
<br>
Each of these exercises will take just a few minutes. Please help us
speak in our collective voice on behalf of blind people across the nation
regarding these important, time-sensitive issues.<br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>News:</b></h2><br><br>
Fundraising Opportunity:<br>
We received information about the following service. It appears to be
most appropriate for use by affiliates or chapters so we are forwarding
the information. We have not fully vetted this resource, but it looks
like it has merit. If chapters use this resource, I encourage sharing
information about the success of the effort. GroupRaise is a free tool
for organizing restaurant fundraisers. Simply choose a restaurant in one
of the over three hundred cities where GroupRaise is active, and set up
your fundraiser. When people participating in your fundraiser mention to
their server that they’re there supporting your organization, you’ll
receive a percentage of the proceeds. GroupRaise provides an event RSVP
page for you to use to promote your fundraiser. For more information and
to see a list of restaurants in your area, visit
<a href="http://www.groupraise.com">www.groupraise.com</a>.<br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>Dates to Keep in Mind:</b></h2><br><br>
· May 23-August 26, 2016: NFB
BELL Academy held at forty-six sites throughout the nation. More
information at
<a href="https://nfb.org/bell-academy">https://nfb.org/bell-academy</a>.
<br>
· July 31-August 6: NFB EQ
(second iteration) <br>
· August 2-6: NFB EQ teacher
cohort <br>
· August 18-25: WBU and ICEVI
General Assembly, Rosen Centre, Orlando, Florida,
<a href="http://www.wbu-icevi2016.org">www.wbu-icevi2016.org</a><br>
<br>
The National Federation of the Blind 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.<br>
<br>
Mark A. Riccobono, President<br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place<br>
Baltimore, Maryland 21230<br>
Phone: (410) 659-9314<br>
Fax: (410) 659-5129<br>
Email:
<a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org">
officeofthepresident@nfb.org</a><br>
Twitter: @Riccobono and @NFB_Voice<br>
Web: <a href="http://www.nfb.org/">www.nfb.org</a></blockquote></body>
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