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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Hi You All<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Below are notes taken during the recent affiliate board meeting. These entries are not only informational in nature, but there is a basic thread of guidance, and real expectations. Do take a read and we will discuss it during the business portion of our meeting. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I got these from Jeff Altman, on Saturday, the 11<sup>th</sup>. He was the affiliate rep that spoke at the Omaha Chapter meeting. Note, he got them from Amy B.. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Below are Amy's notes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Jeff<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Urge participation and activity around beam in October Blind Equality & Action Month<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>It aligns with our goals and objectives for the month. It is also clear and brief enough while encompassing the full scope – acronym B.E.A.M.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Below is a list of objectives and things to consider when planning for October activities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Objectives & Overview<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• Build the Federation through a focused membership engagement campaign<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• Advocate in public spaces and provide a time of year for many local activities<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• Remember history, advance equality, and celebrate accomplishments. It’s more than awareness.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>2021 Plan<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• Employment Focus<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• White Cane Day – Fundraising & Proclamation<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• Memory Minute Contest (membership and mentorship)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Other National Days and Months In October:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• October 15 is White Cane Awareness Day - promote the proclamations for chapters to get signed in 2021 in their local areas<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• Blind Americans Equality Day is federally celebrated on October 15. We should try to get involved in that process – here is the 2020 document:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• October National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Other important aspects that people included that should be part of messaging and communications during the month:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• 5 essential elements for success found in the Freedom for the Blind. Those are acceptance of blindness, blindness skills, addressing public attitudes about the blind, blending in, and giving back<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• Focus on the work that we do, how do we get people to volunteer, what are the “blind” jobs<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• Independence, Integration, & Information<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• Opportunity for questions you are too afraid to ask”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>November 13 graduate event in Lincoln registration info as well as a link for making hotel reservations if desired will be coming as soon briefly discuss programming and get input. Have folks share ideas with you and Bob or bring it to Tuesday’s meeting rather than taking a lot of meeting time Saturday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Highlight Voice of the Nation’s Blind BlogPosts:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>The Voice of the Nation's Blind Blog features stories from our members, news, and commentary on issues affecting our community. If you would like to submit a blog entry, please send an email to <a href="mailto:dmccann@nfb.org">dmccann@nfb.org</a>. Share the most recent blog posts:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• “A Positive Step Forward: Update on the Issues I Had while Trying to Participate in a Vaccine Trial” by Chris Sabine<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• “STEM Education Can Be Accessible—And Fun!” by Madeline Mau<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• “I Didn’t Know You Were Out There: Finding Connections through the Stories We Share” by Danielle McCann<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Dates to Keep in Mind:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>(all times eastern)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• October 1: Presidential Release, 12:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• November 1: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>• December 2: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Thanks very much! as we are stronger together. Try to build excitement for November and also mention our convention upcoming end of March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Let me know if you have any questions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Amy Sent from my iPhone<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Respectfully yours,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Robert Leslie Newman<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>