<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
h1
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-autospace:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
font-weight:normal;}
h2
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2 Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-autospace:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
font-weight:normal;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#954F72;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.Heading2Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 2 Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2";
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello All:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Find below the entire text of this weeks Presidential Notebook sent to all affiliate Presidents. I’m sharing this with you all.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Milton Ota, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4273 Coventry Dr., S., Unit E<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fargo, ND 58104-4498<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(701) 731-0511 (Cell)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:Mota1252@gmail.com">Mota1252@gmail.com</a> (E-mail)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>President’s Notebook</span></b><b><span style='font-size:24.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>National Federation of the Blind</span></b><b><span style='font-size:24.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Mark A. Riccobono</span></b><b><span style='font-size:24.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:blue'>officeofthepresident@nfb.org <mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org></span></u></b><b><span style='font-size:24.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>410-659-9314</span></b><b><span style='font-size:24.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'>Dear Fellow Federationists,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'>What an incredible convention of the National Federation of the Blind: big, bold, beautiful, and boisterous. It was also warm, welcoming, and incredibly productive. Thank you to each of you for your role in making this a successful family reunion that almost set the record for biggest convention ever. We will see if Houston, which has not hosted us since 1971, can get it done in 2020.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'>I have been busy talking to many of you and collecting information since our convention ended. If you have ideas or feedback related to the convention, please share them with me. Furthermore, if there were things that I should know about related to the convention, I am prepared to receive that information. Some thought I was not in the office last week, but I was in fact here first thing on Monday morning.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'>There are several things to share this week. Here are a few bullet points:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-family:Symbol'>· </span>Convention content will be posted soon to the website. You can already find the <u><span style='color:blue'>presidential report <https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/presidential-reports/presidential-report-2019></span></u> and <u><span style='color:blue'>banquet speech <https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/banquet-speeches/choice-exploration-and-resistance-road-freedom></span></u> there-thanks to those who have already shared this content in social media. As you know, our <u><span style='color:blue'>resolutions <https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions/2019-resolutions></span></u> are also posted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-family:Symbol'>· </span>Read below for a new effort to help teach prospective members about the Federation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-family:Symbol'>· </span>This week is the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is a great time to remind Congress of our priorities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-family:Symbol'>· </span>If your affiliate made pledges during the honor roll call at the convention, please fulfill those as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'>I hope everyone enjoys the balance of the summer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> </span></b><b><span style='font-size:18.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>News:</span></b><b><span style='font-size:18.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><b>Open-House Gatherings:</b><br>Many people do not know the National Federation of the Blind, and they are reluctant to attend a local chapter meeting where they may have their questions answered. We will be hosting teleconferences for individuals that are curious about the National Federation of the Blind. The teleconference will present them with an opportunity to receive information from and ask questions of Federationists. We will be able to dispel the myths and misconceptions about the NFB and highlight the benefits of membership. These calls are specifically intended for individuals who are curious about our organization and would benefit from learning about us in an educational environment. Chapters and affiliates should share this invitation on their social media and disseminate it with anyone who may be interested in joining. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'>The calls will take place on the third Sunday of each even numbered month and the third Wednesday of each odd numbered month. Our first two calls will be Sunday, August 18, at 4:00 p.m. eastern and Wednesday, September 18, at 8:00 p.m. eastern. We would like to keep the list of participants small enough so that it will be impactful. Therefore, in order to participate, individuals will need to RSVP by emailing <u><span style='color:blue'>membership@nfb.org <mailto:membership@nfb.org></span></u> or calling 410-659-9314, extension 2509, and let us know which call date works best for them. Individuals selected to participate will receive the call-in information. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%;text-autospace:none'><b>Urgent Request for Support from the NFB of the UK:</b><br>Thank you to those of you who have reached out about the request for support from the NFB of the UK. We are dealing with this policy request at the national level. You can ignore the request or let them know to work with me at the national level.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><b>ADA Anniversary this Friday:</b><br>This Friday, July 26, is the twenty-ninth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are a number of ways to <u><span style='color:blue'>celebrate or educate your community on the ADA <https://www.adaanniversary.org/></span></u>. Along with celebration, we must also know there is still work to be done. We continue to repeal Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and we continue to fight for equal access to the internet and to workplace technology. Share information about the<span style='color:#1F497D'> </span><u><span style='color:blue'>National Federation of the Blind Legal Program <https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program></span></u><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span>to new members or members who may not be aware. There is support and resources to prevent and report discrimination, connect with legal resources in your area, and advocate for your legal rights. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><b>National Convention 2020:</b><br>It isn’t too early to start planning for next year. For those who missed the big announcement, share the <u><span style='color:blue'>2020 promo <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/audio/2020-convention/2020-announcement.mp3></span></u><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span>now! The 2020 National Convention will be held June 29-July 5 in Houston, Texas, at the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel, located in the heart of downtown. Mark your calendars today. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> </span></b><b><span style='font-size:18.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Dates to Keep in Mind:</span></b><b><span style='font-size:18.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>· </span>February 10, 2020: Great Gathering-In; Washington Seminar begins<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>· </span>March 26-27, 2020: Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>· </span>June 29-July 5, 2020: NFB National Convention, Houston, Texas<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-autospace:none'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'>The National Federation of the Blind 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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Mark A. Riccobono, President</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>(410) 659-9314 | </span><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:blue'>officeofthepresident@nfb.org <mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org></span></u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>