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<h1><b>The 10,000 Dreams Newsletter</b></h1><br><br>
<br>
<h1><b>The Optimistic BBQ Edition</b></h1><br><br>
<br>
Federation Family:<br>
<br>
As I enjoyed my national convention banquet dinner of take-out BBQ and
listened to the powerful words of President Riccobono, I realized I was
feeling the same sense of purpose I always do at our banquets. All
throughout the convention, though we were gathered in Zoom rooms instead
of a hotel ballroom, or as we voted by text instead of speaking our votes
aloud, so much remained the same. The connection, engagement, and
opportunities for growth were all still there, even though we weren’t
together face-to-face. Whether this was your first convention or
fortieth, you displayed a resilience, creativity, and ingenuity I have
come to appreciate about all of you. I am as inspired as ever to continue
the work of our movement until we can be together face-to-face in New
Orleans in 2021. I hear the beignets are fantastic.<br>
<br>
Warmly,<br>
Ryan<br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>News You Should Know</b></h2><br><br>
<br>
<h3><b>We're Still Walking for Opportunity </b></h3><br><br>
Mark your calendars for September 12, 2020 for our annual Walk for
Opportunity fundraiser. Rather than meeting in one large group in
Rochester, however, we will all be walking various routs in our own parts
of the state to raise awareness about the capabilities of blind people
while following social distancing guidelines. More information about the
specific rout in your city will be coming shortly. We are excited to
continue this beloved tradition together even if we are farther apart.
<br><br>
<h3><b>Sunday Staying Connected Chats</b></h3><br><br>
Our weekly chats are still taking place from 3-5 p.m. every Sunday. Feel
free to drop in at any time to talk to friends, old and new.<br>
To connect to the Zoom chat:<br>
<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/485038509?pwd=dGJPVUcxdWxpMVZ3UlVUYmt6eCs3UT09">
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/485038509?pwd=dGJPVUcxdWxpMVZ3UlVUYmt6eCs3UT09</a>
<br>
One tap mobile: +13017158592,,485038509#,,,,,,0#,,63266#<br>
Phone: 301-715-8592<br>
Meeting ID: 485 038 509<br>
Passcode: 63266 <br><br>
<h3><b>Audio Description Available at the Virtual Minnesota Fringe
Festival</b></h3><br><br>
The Minnesota Fringe Festival is an annual event showcasing theatrical
talent from all over the state. This year,
<a href="https://www.minnesotafringe.org/2020/shows">the festival is
virtual</a>. Patrons wishing to access Audio Described and/or Closed
Captioned shows in the Digital Hub are invited to use the code
"Access2020" at check-out to receive a Fringe Button, and
access to the Digital Hub, at no cost using the login:
access@fringefestival.org and password: fringe2020.<br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>What You Can Do</b></h2><br><br>
<br>
<h3><b>The PAC Form is Available Online </b></h3><br><br>
The Preauthorized Contribution (PAC) Plan is a way to give monthly to the
National Federation of the Blind. It is now possible to
<a href="https://www.nfb.org/pac">begin or update your contribution
online</a>. Even if you're already on the PAC Plan, share this link via
social media or e-mail with friends or family who may be interested in
supporting us. Share your story of how the National Federation of the
Blind has changed your life and, in turn, help change more lives through
this consistent fundraising effort.<br><br>
<h3><b>Purchase your NABS Swag by August 4 </b></h3><br><br>
Show your support for the National Association of Blind Students by
purchasing a sweatshirt for yourself or a blind student in your life.
Sweatshirts are available in maroon, charcoal gray, and navy blue.
Hoodies come in adult sizes only; crew necks come in children sizes
only.<br>
Description: The front of the sweatshirt is a solid colored hoodie with a
White rectangle at the top of the left breast pocket area featuring black
braille that reads “FREEDOM”. Directly under the white braille text box
is a white freedom bell (distributed by our NFB training centers to
graduates as a symbol of independence). Directly below the bell is the
corresponding print word “FREEDOM" in all caps and white text. The
back of the sweatshirt has in white text, "NATIONAL ASSOCIATION” on
the first line and “OF BLIND STUDENTS” on the line below.<br>
<a href="http://bonfire.com/nabs-outerwear">Buy your shirt</a> by 12 p.m.
EST on August 4.<br><br>
<h3><b>Free Braille Books from Seedlings</b></h3><br><br>
If you are a parent of a blind child or a teacher of blind students,
Seedlings has free braille books for you. Blind children are eligible for
three free books through the
<a href="http://www.seedlings.org/bkangel2009.php">2020 Book Angel
Program</a> and teachers can acquire four free books with the code TVIP20
by <a href="http://www.seedlings.org/order.php">ordering here</a>. Please
know that the production staff is behind due to COVID-19 and your
patience is appreciated. If you have not received your books after two
months, please contact Seedlings directly.<br>
<br>
<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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