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<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""><br>
Hello Members,<br><br>
<br><br>
I\u2019m writing to encourage you to make plans now for the 2026 NFB
Washington Seminar and, most importantly, to apply for affiliate funding
if you need help covering travel costs by December 27.<br><br>
<br><br>
Whether or not you\u2019re applying for funding, please book your hotel
rooms and register as soon as possible!<br><br>
<br><br>
At Washington Seminar, blind people from across the country come together
to sharpen our advocacy skills and meet directly with members of
Congress. Each year, approximately three legislative initiatives are
selected for priority attention based on official NFB positions adopted
at the national convention. This year\u2019s legislative priorities focus
on:<br><br>
<ul>
<li>Protecting education, employment, and independent living programs for
the blind
<li>Advancing the Access Technology Affordability Act
<li>Supporting the Blind Americans Return to Work Act
</ul><br>
<br><br>
<a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar">
Fact sheets and more information are available on our national
website.</a><br><br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>Apply now for affiliate funding to attend Washington
Seminar.</b></h2><br><br>
As an organization, we raise funds specifically so blind people can
participate fully in the work that moves our priorities forward.
Washington Seminar is an important place where that happens. If the cost
of attending would prevent you from going, we want you to apply for a
grant.<br><br>
<br><br>
I want to be crystal clear: financial support for Washington Seminar is
not a handout. It\u2019s an investment in our collective advocacy.<br><br>
<br><br>
<a href="https://forms.gle/Z2jowVN8ne29ay9U9">Apply for Washington
Seminar travel funding using this Google Form</a><br><br>
<br><br>
Application deadline: Saturday, December 27 at 11:00pm<br><br>
<br><br>
The funding committee, chaired by a member of our elected Board of
Directors, is prepared to evaluate multiple requests submitted by the
deadline. Applications are confidential, and requesting support is a
normal and expected part of how we operate as an affiliate.<br><br>
<br><br>
Every effort has been made to make this Google form as accessible as
possible, however, we do not want any technical challenges to be a
barrier. If you encounter any difficulties completing this form, please
contact Committee chairperson Jan Bailey by phone at (507) 288-5335 or by
e-mail at
<a href="mailto:jb021951@charter.net">jb021951@charter.net</a><br><br>
<br><br>
The committee will respond to you within a few days, but please book your
hotel room immediately! Flights can be booked after you hear back from
the committee.<br><br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>2026 Washington Seminar Information</b></h2><br><br>
Dates: Monday, January 26 through Thursday, January 29, 2026<br><br>
<br><br>
Location: Holiday Inn Washington Capitol National Mall, 550 C Street
SW, Washington, DC 20024<br>
<br><br>
The seminar also includes a Professional Development Fair (formerly the
Career Fair), offering opportunities to connect with employers, explore
career pathways, and build professional skills alongside our advocacy
efforts.<br><br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>Register and book your hotel now.</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/registration">
Washington Seminar registration</a> is free, and everyone planning to
attend should register to receive important updates and agenda
information.<br><br>
<br><br>
<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=23&qCiMy=002026&qCoD=30&qCoMy=002026&qGrpCd=FB6&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=HI&qDest=550%20C%20Street%20S.W.,%20Washington,%20DC,%20US&showApp=true&adjustMonth=false&srb_u=1&qRmFltr=">
Book your hotel room immediately</a>, even if you\u2019re not completely
sure you\u2019ll attend. Rooms can be canceled without penalty under the
hotel\u2019s cancellation policy, but availability fills quickly.<br><br>
<br><br>
Reservation deadline: Wednesday, December 31, 2025<br><br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>Thank you</b></h2><br><br>
Washington Seminar is one of the most important ways we show up together
to shape public policy and advance opportunity for blind people
nationwide. If this work matters to you, I strongly encourage you to
apply for funding, register, and secure your hotel room now.<br><br>
<br><br>
I hope to see many of you in Washington!<br><br>
<br><br>
Corbb<br><br>
<br><br>
Corbb O'Connor (he/him), President<br><br>
National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota<br><br>
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/">www.nfbmn.org</a> | (612)
872-9363</blockquote></body>
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