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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> NFBMN-News <nfbmn-news-bounces@nfbnet.org> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Corbb O'Connor via NFBMN-News<br><b>Sent:</b> Saturday, November 9, 2024 9:02 PM<br><b>To:</b> nfbmn-news@nfbnet.org<br><b>Subject:</b> [NFBMN-News] Apply by Nov. 19 to lead our BELL Academy, and register for the 2025 Washington Seminar!<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:white;background:#242426'></span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Hello friends,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>It was such a treat to see you in person last weekend for our annual convention! Thank you to everyone who made the event possible. Your unique contributions truly made the event a success. I am elated to see how you embraced the changes (the extra hours in our agenda, a larger exhibit hall, a silent auction, karaoke, and many other tweaks), and I’m even more excited by the fun ideas that you continue to send to me for next year. Speaking of next year, please send all feedback – positive and constructive – to me; I’m keeping a list of it all as we plan the 2025 annual state convention!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><h1 style='margin-bottom:0in'><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#2F5496;font-weight:normal'>Consider applying to lead the NFB BELL Academy in Minnesota next summer!</span><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning® (NFB BELL) Academy is a nationwide summer program that prepares blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and independent blind people who live the lives they want through instruction in literary braille, cane travel, and activities of daily living. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>A small group within our Board of Directors, chaired by Mike Colbrunn, has agreed to review applications from those who are interested in serving as the coordinator for this program.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>At the end of this message, I’ve included an outline of the coordinator’s responsibilities. After reading that list, if you are interested in serving in this paid position, please submit a letter of application to <a href="mailto:president@nfbmn.org">president@nfbmn.org</a> no later than Tuesday, November 19. I’ll compile the applications and share them with the committee.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><h1 style='margin-bottom:0in'><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#2F5496;font-weight:normal'>Save the date, make your reservations, and plan to join our legislative efforts this winter!</span><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>At our Washington Seminar, NFB members from across the country convene to learn about and advocate for legislative initiatives that will improve the lives of blind Americans, and we’d love for you to join us Monday, February 3 through Thursday, February 6! (Information about financial assistance will be available shortly.) If you are even considering attending, please <a href="https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomrate?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99801505&icdv=99801505&qSlH=WASSM&qCiD=30&qCiMy=002025&qCoD=07&qCoMy=012025&qGrpCd=NF5&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=HI&qDest=550%20C%20Street%20S.W.,%20Washington,%20DC,%20US&srb_u=1&qChAge=&qRmFltr=">reserve your DC hotel room</a> today.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>For 2025, we are trying something new with regard to the Washington Seminar. We are asking that all attendees complete a registration form, so that we can keep those who are attending better informed about the events taking place that week. There is no fee associated with registration, and the form is quick and easy to complete. It can be found on our <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar">Washington Seminar page</a> along with many other helpful pieces of information about the 2025 legislative event. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Whether or not you can travel to Washington, DC, I hope that you’ll mark your calendars to join us for our legislative day at the Minnesota Capitol. Our government affairs committee will have more information soon, including the date and issues!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><h1 style='margin-bottom:0in;break-after:avoid'><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#2F5496;font-weight:normal'>Description of Coordinator Responsibilities for the NFB BELL® Academy</span><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning® (NFB BELL) Academy is a nationwide summer program that prepares blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and independent blind people who live the lives they want. The Minnesota affiliate seeks a coordinator to facilitate the planning and execution of a one-to-two week program to serve Minnesota students in the summer of 2025.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>A successful program necessitates the involvement of many volunteers, so the coordinator will need to recruit and oversee a team of individuals to accomplish the following:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Work with the affiliate president and board to determine the dates of the academy</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Secure a location where the academy will be held (such as a school, community center, or other venue), and negotiate a contract for the space in accordance with NFB policies.</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Recruit volunteers for the academy, and determine where their skills are best suited (Some volunteers will be less comfortable working with students but are eager to help with putting together materials or getting things <span class=spelle>embossed </span>before the beginning of the academy, while others will want to work directly with students)</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Submit volunteers’ information to the Jernigan Institute staff to complete a background check</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Coordinate fundraising and grant writing projects to help fund the NFB BELL Academy in Minnesota</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Advertise the NFB BELL Academy within Minnesota and recruit students</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Connect with families who are interested in the NFB BELL Academy (such as answer questions about what the program involves, and help families understand the value their student will get from attending)</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Serve as a key stakeholder in developing an application and interview process for a lead teacher.</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Work with the lead teacher to select lessons from the NFB BELL curriculum, and ensure necessary materials are purchased and available for students</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Facilitate transportation and meals for students during the program</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Plan parent engagement that will take place during the NFB BELL Academy</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Provide logistical support to the lead teacher during the Academy</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:11.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Complete a final report (which is critical to the Federation’s continuation of the NFB BELL Academy, as it helps us learn what is going well and what we need to improve for the future) </span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>A coordinator is crucial to insuring the success of the NFB BELL Academy, and this person has the opportunity to shape many young, blind children’s understanding of their blindness and future potential.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>The coordinator will be paid $1,500 at the completion of a successful program. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>If you are interested in this role, please submit a letter of application addressed to the Board of Directors via e-mail to <a href="mailto:president@nfbmn.org"><span style='color:#954F72'>president@nfbmn.org</span></a> no later than <u>Tuesday, November 19</u>. </span><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>