[NFB-Blind-Crafters] Annual report

[mkindrick at sbcglobal.net]

I believe that this would be a great opportunity to invite new crafters to our group.

 

Mary K.

 

From: NFB-Blind-Crafters <nfb-blind-crafters-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of slery via NFB-Blind-Crafters
Sent: Thursday, August 6, 2026 3:53 PM
To: Tracy Carcione via NFB-Blind-Crafters <nfb-blind-crafters at nfbnet.org>
Cc: slery <slerythema at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFB-Blind-Crafters] Annual report

 

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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