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Fellow federationists,<br>
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.<br>
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.<br>
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.<br>
<br>
<b>Up-to-date resources<br>
</b>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
<a href="https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources">
https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources</a> <br>
<br>
<b>Positive Press<br>
</b>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
<a href="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/</a>
<br>
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
<a href="https://www.nfb.org/blog/gratitude-women-movement">
https://www.nfb.org/blog/gratitude-women-movement</a><br>
<br>
<b>The free White Cane Program<br>
</b>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
<a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/free-white-cane-program">
https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/free-white-cane-program</a> <br>
<br>
<b>Two Notes on the Braille Monitor<br>
</b>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.<br>
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
<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BrailleMonitor">
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BrailleMonitor</a> <br>
<br>
<b>The Semiannual Convention goes Virtual<br>
</b>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.<br>
Our first virtual spring convention will take place May 2 from 9am to 12
pm. You can preregister at
<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLPna-klKyaM0idzv31eC3GdTj56qe1Y2-GpgWvb3I6SpN8g/viewform">
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLPna-klKyaM0idzv31eC3GdTj56qe1Y2-GpgWvb3I6SpN8g/viewform</a>
<br>
<br>
<b>National Convention<br>
</b>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.<br>
<br>
<b>Calling all students<br>
</b>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
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/programs/scholarships">
http://www.nfbmn.org/programs/scholarships</a> <br>
<br>
<b>Spreading Joy<br>
</b>
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.<br>
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.<br>
<br>
Stay safe and stay healthy,<br>
Ryan<br>
<br>
Ryan Strunk, President<br>
<a href="mailto:president@nfbmn.org">president@nfbmn.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/" eudora="autourl">www.nfb.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org">www.nfbmn.org</a><br>
(612) 872-9363<br>
Live the life you Want.</blockquote><div id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2"><br />
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