[NFB-Blind-Crafters] Annual report

[slery]

I have not read others comments yet, but do we want to limit our reach 
to only people that are already in the federation? Or could this be a 
way to let more people know about the work of the federation?
Cindy

On 8/6/2026 8:48 AM, Tracy Carcione via NFB-Blind-Crafters wrote:
>
> Here is the annual report I’ve prepared, as requested by President 
> Riccobono.  I intend to send it to his office tomorrow morning.  Feel 
> free to make comments before then.
>
> Word says I put in headings, but I don’t see them here. Gack.
>
> Tracy
>
> Annual Report for Blind Crafters Group
>
> Name of group and chair appointed by the national President:
>
> Blind Crafters Group, Tracy Carcione group chair
>
> Shared interest or community:
>
> The group brings together blind people interested in all kinds of crafts.
>
> Purpose:
>
> NFB’s Blind Crafters group connects blind crafters of all experience 
> levels, from beginner to advanced, with support, resources, and 
> techniques to assist in creating useful, practical, and beautiful 
> crafts. The group is intended to connect blind crafters within the 
> Federation community and to motivate advancements in the broader 
> movement. By raising expectations, blind people can learn and teach 
> skills and express creativity to create artistry and develop talents.
>
> Achievements of the past year:
>
> Some group members spoke to their local NFB chapters, state 
> conventions, or seniors’  groups about the Crafters Group, letting 
> people know that blindness is not an impediment to crafting.  Some 
> people joined our group after these talks.
>
> We’ve had some classes and a knit-along, and we’ve revived our regular 
> chats.  More people are engaged in our activities, and people who 
> never taught a class for us before have led classes and are willing to 
> lead more.
>
> Members regularly share blindness techniques related to crafting and 
> help each other learn new skills.
>
> Members have also taught me how to host a Zoom meeting and create a 
> recording.
>
> National Convention:
>
> We did not have a meeting at our national convention, but 6 or 7 
> members attended and had an informal get-together over dinner.
>
> Major goals for the upcoming year:
>
> For the upcoming year, I hope to continue our growth and get more 
> people engaged in making things happen.  We’ll have more classes, and 
> continue the chats on various topics.
>
> Some of our members are interested in creating small businesses 
> selling their craftwork, and we hope to create a chat series detailing 
> accessible online selling and payment options.
>
> We also want to explore crafts people are interested in but most don’t 
> have much experience with, such as machine sewing.
>
> We want to increase our outreach to the larger NFB, encouraging 
> members to ask for time to make presentations to their chapters, 
> affiliates, or other groups.
>
> Remarks:
>
> As part of the national board’s outreach to groups, I was contacted by 
> the president of the NFB of Alabama.  I found our conversation very 
> helpful and used her suggestions to increase engagement in the 
> crafters group.
>
> Most of our interaction is through our listserve, which is the most 
> active listserve I’m on.
>
> I believe our group remains viable.  I believe that expressing 
> creativity is empowering.
>
> I want to increase member engagement, and would welcome ideas on how 
> that can be done.
>
> Tracy Carcione, Blind Crafters Group leader
>
>
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