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<img src="cid:7.1.0.9.2.20211103054552.06368c70@comcast.net.1" width=672 height=285 alt="National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota. Live the life yo">
<br><br>
2021 Annual Convention<br>
#NFBMN<br>
November 5-7, 2021<br>
Anywhere and Everywhere <br><br>
<div align="center"><b>Ryan Strunk, President</b><br>
National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota<br>
100 East 22nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404<br>
(612) 872-9363,
<a href="mailto:president@nfbmn.org">president@nfbmn.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/" eudora="autourl">www.nfbmn.org</a><br>
</div>
<br>
<div align="center"><b>National Representative: </b><br>
Ron Brown<br>
Second Vice President<br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
Indianapolis, IN<a name="_Toc22506067"></a><br>
</div>
<br>
<h1><b>Welcome to our 101st</sup> Convention!</b></h1><br><br>
The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota 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>
<h2><b>Zoom Video Conferencing Platform</b></h2><br><br>
The most up-to-date version of this agenda, particularly the links to
join each session, is available on our website at
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/convention/agenda/">
http://www.nfbmn.org/convention/agenda/</a><br><br>
Based on the success of our National Convention and the accessibility of
the platform, all meetings will be hosted using Zoom. <br><br>
In brief:<br><br>
· With the exception of general
sessions, all meetings have unique links and ID numbers, which are listed
in this agenda. The password for all meetings is the same: 63266101.
<br><br>
· For your convenience, all
general sessions share the same meeting ID. You can also visit
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/zoom/">http://www.nfbmn.org/zoom/</a> to
quickly join any General Session, the Auction, and the Saturday evening
Keynote Address.<br><br>
· For the best experience, we
encourage you to download, install, and use the Zoom app on your
computer, tablet, or smartphone. Even if you don’t have a microphone on
your computer, joining the meeting by computer first will give you access
to all features of the Zoom platform.<br><br>
· If you cannot use the Zoom
app, you can dial-in using your telephone. Use any of Zoom’s dial-in
numbers, then enter the meeting ID and password (63266101). You are
responsible for the cost of all calls, including any applicable
long-distance charges.<br><br>
o (646) 876-9923<br><br>
o (312) 626-6799<br><br>
o (301) 715-8592<br><br>
<h2><b>Social Media</b></h2><br><br>
The Social Media Committee invites you to share your convention
experience with your friends and family to show them how the NFB of
Minnesota is empowering blind people. Post to Twitter or Facebook using
#NFBMN. We love pictures…just remember to add descriptions so everyone
can enjoy them.<br><br>
<h2><b>Auction</b></h2><br><br>
Our second largest state fundraiser will be an opportunity to show off
your creativity and that of your fellow Minnesotans. On Friday night, you
can bid on several unique gift baskets put together by your Federation
family! Auction Coordinator Charlotte Czarnecki will land a good price
and new home for your basket creations. Please bring your credit cards
and be ready to raise those hands in Zoom and on the phone to take home
some fantastic auction items!<br><br>
A list of available auction items and specific rules will soon be
available on <a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/convention/">the convention
page of our website</a>.<br><br>
<h2><b>Door Prizes</b></h2><br><br>
Prizes will be awarded throughout the convention. To be eligible, you
must be registered and present online when your name is drawn. Donations
are being coordinated by Amy Baron, John TeBockhorst, and Tom
TeBockhorst. <br><br>
<h2><b>Get on the PAC Plan</b></h2><br><br>
The Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Plan has come to be an increasingly
important part of financing our movement. According to the chairman of
the NFB’s PAC committee, Scott LaBarre, the Federation has raised more
than $10 million over the years through the PAC Plan.<br><br>
The PAC Plan allows members, affiliates, chapters, and others to give a
regular and automatic donation to the Federation every month. All you
need to provide is your checking account, debit card or credit card
information. Because of the costs associated with operating the program,
the minimum donation is $5 per month, yet there is no restriction on how
much you donate. Please sign up at the convention to begin a new PAC
contribution or to make changes to your current contribution. <br><br>
<a href="https://www.nfb.org/pac">Complete the PAC form today!</a> Your
donation will help the blind live the lives we want.<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<h1><b>Friday, November 5</b></h1><br><br>
<br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Productivity Track</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/94451687833?pwd=UEhJSEpROFlZTUtoOCtNMkxwMHBKZz09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 944 5168 7833 | Password:
63266101<br><br>
<h3><b>2:00 PMApp Forum; Chelsey Duranleau, Facilitator: Treasurer,
NFBMN Metro Chapter and Technology Instructor, Blindness: Learning in New
Dimensions (BLIND), Inc. </b></h3><br><br>
There are more than 2 million apps in the iOS App Store alone, and they
can do anything you can imagine…and some things you’ve likely never
considered. Come discover your next favorite apps, and share your current
favorites with others. <br><br>
<h3><b>3:00 PMEmployment Forum; Dan Ashman, Careers Instructor,
Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions (BLIND), Inc.</b></h3><br><br>
Especially today, there may be many questions on how to find, obtain, and
keep a job, whether that work be remote or in person. Join Dan Ashman for
a moderated forum on how you can find your next great career or start a
new one, and discuss application documents like résumés and cover
letters. Because this session is built around answering questions,
participants can join as they’re available. <br><br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Federationism in Action</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/93739810026?pwd=WnBPTkhxTm9NQTFUazliNGw5MWgrQT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 937 3981 0026 | Password:
63266101<br><br>
<h3><b>2:00 PMA Seminar at Convention: Discussing and Debating our
Philosophy of Blindness</b></h3><br><br>
We know we can live the lives we want. We know that blindness doesn’t
have to hold us back. What does that mean for each of us, though, when we
encounter discrimination or when people treat us differently. Share your
thoughts on blindness in this moderated discussion featuring
thought-provoking situations.<br><br>
<h3><b>3:00 PMUnderstanding the NFB: Our Philosophy and our Purpose; Ron
Brown, Second Vice President, National Federation of the
Blind</b></h3><br><br>
Perhaps you’re new to the National Federation of the Blind, or perhaps
you have burning questions about something you’ve never quite understood.
Join Mr. Brown for an open forum discussion of our organization, the
philosophy we embody, and what makes us so effective.<br><br>
<h3><b>4:00 PMResolutions Committee; Jennifer Dunnam,
Chairperson</b></h3><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/93739810026?pwd=WnBPTkhxTm9NQTFUazliNGw5MWgrQT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 937 3981 0026 | Password:
63266101<br><br>
Resolutions are the policies of our organization, and they help us set
priorities for the coming year. Before resolutions are discussed on the
convention floor, however, they are considered first by the resolutions
committee. This is your opportunity to hear the resolutions as they are
first read and listen as the committee discusses them. <br><br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 5:00 PM: If We Build It, They Will Come: Learn
strategies to help your chapter grow and thrive</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/97125687679?pwd=WFNWWUNPaU5hWk1hdzdaWFEyeTFjUT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 971 2568 7679 | Password:
63266101<br><br>
<h3><b>2:00 PMWelcome and Overview</b></h3><br><br>
<br>
<h3><b>2:10 PMChallenge 1; Briley O’Connor, Facilitator, Secretary, NFB
of Minnesota </b></h3><br><br>
This small group exercise will help you determine what unique challenges
your chapter is facing. <br><br>
<h3><b>2:30 PMRethinking Chapter Fundraising; Patti Chang, Director of
Outreach, National Federation of the Blind</b></h3><br><br>
Chapter fundraisers can be expensive and time-consuming with what feels
like a small payoff. How should chapters think about raising and spending
money? <br><br>
<h3><b>3:00 PMStart from Square One; Kathryn Webster, Facilitator,
National Federation of the Blind Membership Committee
Chair</b></h3><br><br>
Hear how current chapter presidents from around the country grew their
chapters in both size and membership participation in innovative
ways.<br><br>
<h3><b>3:35 PMThe Thousand Faces of Leadership; Lisamaria Martinez, Life
Coach and Federation Leader</b></h3><br><br>
We all have our own unique skills and strengths. Often, though, we’re not
sure what they are or how to fit them into Federation work. Learn what
strengths you bring and ways you can help to build the Federation by
being yourself.<br><br>
<h3><b>4:45 PMChallenge 2; Briley O’Connor, Facilitator, Secretary, NFB
of Minnesota</b></h3><br><br>
This small group activity will help you come up with specific ways you
can help your chapter grow and how the affiliate can support your
efforts. <br><br>
<h2><b>6:00 PM to 7:30 PM: Friday Evening General
Session</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password: 63266101
<ul>
<li>6:00 PMWelcome and Call to Order
<li>6:05 PMConvention and Zoom Logistics
<li>6:10 PMSharing the Wind: Life Lessons from an Elite Athlete; Randi
Strunk, Member and Two-time Ironman
<li>6:25 PM<i>From Donettes to Dollars: A career in vending; Mike
Colbrunn, President, Riverbend Chapter</i>
<li>6:40 PMFrom the Zoom Room to the Classroom: College and Life from a
Student’s Perspective; Joshua Olukanni, Student, University of Minnesota
<li>6:55 PMFit Break: Kyle Hanneman, Fitness Consultant
<li>7:00 PMBeyond the Telephone: Customer Service in 2021; Carey
Scouler, Member, Minneapolis
<li>7:10 PMWhy I am a Federationist; Mark Erickson, Travel Instructor,
Blindness Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND) Inc.
<li>7:20 PMFamily Feud, Federation Style
<li>7:25 PMAnnouncements
</ul><br>
<h2><b>7:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Auction </b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password:
63266101<br><br>
Join your Federation family for an evening full of fast, furious bidding
on exciting auction items. Get ready to raise those Zoom hands and bring
your credit cards! <br><br>
<br><br>
<h1><b>Saturday, November 6</b></h1><br><br>
<br>
<h2><b>9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Saturday Morning General
Session</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password: 63266101
<ul>
<li>9:00 AMWelcome and Call to Order
<li>9:05 AMWelcome from our Host Chapter; Dave Andrews, President, At
Large Chapter
<li>9:10 AMGreetings from our National Representative; Ron Brown, Second
Vice President, National Federation of the Blind
<li>9:50 AMA Report from the Executive Director of BLIND Inc.; Jennifer
Kennedy, Executive Director, Blindness Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND)
Inc.
<li>10:20 AMHard at Work: Empowering Minnesotans in a Pandemic; Natasha
Jerde, Director, State Services for the Blind
<li>10:35 AMQ&A
<li>10:40 AMFit Break; Kyle Hanneman, Fitness Consultant
<li>10:45 AMExpanding the Circle: Building a Stronger Affiliate through
Diversity and Inclusion; Shawn Callaway, Board Member, National
Federation of the Blind
<li>11:00 AMThe Power of Perspective: Seeing Things a Different Way;
Logan Stenzel, Treasurer, Minnesota Association of Blind Students
<li>11:15 AMEducation and Perspective from the Minnesota State Academy
for the Blind; John Davis, Director, Minnesota State Academy for the
Blind
<li>11:30 AMQ&A
<li>11:35 AMAn Update from the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book
Library; Catherine Durivage, Library Program Director
<li>11:50 AMAnnouncements
<li>12:00 PMAdjourn
</ul><br>
<h2><b>12:30 PM to 1:30 PM: BLIND, Inc. Virtual
Luncheon</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password:
63266101<br><br>
Please join the students and staff of Blindness: Learning in New
Dimensions (BLIND), Inc. as we celebrate the progress and accomplishments
of our consumer-directed training center rooted in Federation
philosophy. Jennifer Kennedy, Executive Director <br><br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Association of
Blind Students</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89378845345?pwd=ZkRRYVFjUFRZeExMbE9FVHFLVVpQQT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 893 7884 5345 | Password:
63266101<br><br>
Samantha Flax, President<br><br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Annual Meeting of the National Federation of
the Blind of Minnesota Seniors Division</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/98574009485?pwd=bVQ3VHlyaTRkSDVnV3FxeVVBNGRXZz09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 985 7400 9485 | Password:
63266101<br><br>
Judy Sanders, President <br><br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Blind Parents Discussion
Group</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/91070406286?pwd=K2tOOHlOeVNzaXVNaFRaRWZ4ZHZ5QT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 910 7040 6286 | Password:
63266101<br><br>
Briley O'Connor, Facilitator <br><br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Minnesota Social Chat</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/92917467790?pwd=TWtXOEl0WFNwbjJmVDF4bmVHRWE3QT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 929 1746 7790 | Password:
63266101<br><br>
<h2><b>3:30 PM: Break</b></h2><br><br>
<br>
<h2><b>3:45 PM to 5:00 PM: Saturday Afternoon General
Session</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password: 63266101
<ul>
<li>3:45 PMTechnology Resources for Life and Leisure; Jason Meddaugh, A.
T. Guys
<li>4:00 PM<i>Q&A</i>
<li>4:05 PMEducating Minnesota’s Blind StudentsA New Approach to an Old
Problem; Casey Robertson, Lead Professor at Louisiana Tech, Professional
Development Research Institute on Blindness, Ruston, Louisiana
<li>4:20 PMWe’ll Tell You What We Want: History and Philosophy Guiding
the Future of Overlays; Steve Decker, Member, Maple Grove
<li>4:35 PMSenior Retreat: Building the Federation and Teaching One
Another; Judy Sanders, President, Senior Division and Marian Solomons,
Member, Rochester
<li>4:55 PMAnnouncements
<li>5:00 PMAdjourn
</ul><br>
<h2><b>6:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Keynote Address</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password: 63266101
<ul>
<li>Invocation
<li>Presentation of Scholarships; Steve Jacobson, Chairperson
<li>Keynote Address: Ron Brown, Second Vice President, National
Federation of the Blind
</ul><br>
<br><br>
<h1><b>Sunday, November 7</b></h1><br><br>
<br>
<h2><b>9:00 AM to 11:30 AM: Sunday Morning General
Session</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/98501050062?pwd=akZEUUVJWWwrcVhzcm52ei9nV3AwQT09">
Join Zoom Meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 985 0105 0062 | Password: 63266101
<ul>
<li>9:00 AMCall to Order
<li>9:05 AMFamily Feud, Federation Style
<li>9:10 AMBlind Students Paving Their Path; Trisha Kulkarni, President,
National Association of Blind Students
<li>9:20 AMResolutions; Jennifer Dunnam, Chair, Resolutions Committee
<li>9:40 AMPresidential Report; Ryan Strunk, President, NFB of
Minnesota
<li>10:05 AMTreasurer's Report; Jennifer Dunnam, Treasurer, NFB of
Minnesota
<li>10:20 AMDiscussion of the Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Regarding the Semiannual Convention
<li>10:40 AMElections
<li>11:05 AMChapter and Committee Reports
<li>11:25 AMExternal Board and Committee Representative Reports
<li>11:30 AMAdjourn
</ul><br>
<br><br>
<h1><b>Special Thanks</b></h1><br><br>
The activities of this organization can only succeed with the help and
dedication of many Federationists, and the convention is no
exception. The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota offers
particular thanks to all of the many Federationists who have worked both
out in front and behind the scenes to make this convention happen.
<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506068"></a>NFB of Minnesota Board of
Directors:</b></h1><br><br>
· Ryan Strunk, Minneapolis
(President)<br><br>
· Steve Jacobson, Edina (Vice
President)<br><br>
· Briley O’Connor, Minneapolis
(Secretary)<br><br>
· Jennifer Dunnam, Saint Louis
Park (Treasurer)<br><br>
· Dave Andrews,
Stillwater<br><br>
· Cody Beardslee,
Minneapolis<br><br>
· Rob Hobson,
Minneapolis<br><br>
· Jennifer Wenzel,
Bloomington<br><br>
· Jan Bailey, Rochester
<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506069"></a>NFB of Minnesota
Chapters</b></h1><br><br>
· At-Large: Dave Andrews,
President<br><br>
· Metro: Deanna Langton,
President<br><br>
· Riverbend: <i>Mike
Colbrunn</i>, President<br><br>
· Rochester: Jan Bailey,
President<br><br>
· Twin Ports: Alex Loch,
President<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506070"></a>Divisions, Committees, and <br>
Work Groups</b></h1><br><br>
· Convention Auction: Charlotte
Czarnecki<br><br>
· Convention Door Prizes: Amy
Baron, John TeBockhorst, and Tom TeBockhorst<br><br>
· Convention Logistics: Corbb
O’Connor<br><br>
· Convention Sound, Recording,
and Streaming: Tim Aune and Steve
Jacobson
<br><br>
· Legal and Policy Committee:
Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson<br><br>
· Membership Committee: Jan
Bailey,
Chairperson
<br><br>
· Minnesota Association of
Blind Students: Samantha Flax, President<br><br>
· <i>Minnesota Bulletin</i>:
Ryan Strunk, Editor<br><br>
· National Federation of the
Blind of Minnesota Seniors’ Division: Judy Sanders, President<br><br>
· Resolutions Committee:
Jennifer Dunnam<a name="_Hlk22511219"></a>, Chairperson
<br><br>
· Scholarship Committee: Steve
Jacobson, Chairperson<br><br>
· Social Media: Samantha Flax
and Kayde Rieken, Co-chairpersons<br><br>
· Technology Committee: Corbb
O’Connor, Chairperson<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
Ryan Strunk, President<br><br>
Pronouns: he, him, his<br><br>
<a href="http://www.nfb.org">www.nfb.org</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/" eudora="autourl">www.nfbmn.org</a><br><br>
(612) 872-9363<br><br>
Live the life you Want.<br>
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