[NFB-NM] Fw: San Juan Chapter Meeting Agenda August 20

[Tonia Trapp]

________________________________
From: nfbsanjuanpresident at gmail.com <nfbsanjuanpresident at gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 7:53 PM
Subject: San Juan Chapter Meeting Agenda August 20


Greetings Everyone!

The San Juan Chapter would like to invite everyone to our chapter meeting on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM for socializing time, and meeting starts at 7PM. We are happy to announce this month’s  guest speaker, Orlando Meraz speaking on his journey and having an online business. We hope to hear you there!

San Juan Chapter

The National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico

Regular Meeting, Thursday, August 20, 2026

Via Zoom meeting

__________________________________

Join Zoom Meeting

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/99870648975?pwd=FpUJ2NwSXFhWRgIQ9bQZ94Aon0Fndl.1

Meeting ID: 998 7064 8975

Passcode: 027150

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One tap mobile

+12532158782,,99870648975# US

______________________________

AGENDA

1.     Socializing time opens at 6:30p.m. Meeting will follow promptly at 7p.m.

2.     Call to order:

3.     Roll call (Mamie Becenti)

Any guests: Orlando Meraz,

4.     Special Guest Speaker: Orlando Meraz

Topic: Blind man’s journey and starting an online business

5.     NFB Pledge: (Will be read by Mamie Becenti)

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind: to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind. To support the policies and programs of the Federation: and to abide by the Constitution.

6.     NFB Belief Message: (Will be read by Gitana Curtis)

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspiration of all blind people.

7.     Approval of August agenda (read by Melanie Redhouse)

8.     Minutes from last meeting: (read by Mamie Becenti)

9.     Treasurer's report: (by Nathalie Martin)

10.    Presidential Release: (played by Gitana Curtis)

Link: https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2026-07/presidential_release_august_2026_chapter_version._final.mp3

11.    Philosophy Segment

Topic: (None due to having a guest speaker)

12.    Unfinished Business

a.     Baskin Robbin fundraiser Update

13.    New Business

a.     Community Outreach- Lock Street Eats, August 22, 2026 at 6 PM.

b.     Support Newsline Volunteers to attend NFB State Convention Banquet

c.     Legislative Committee- Urja Lansing

d.     State Convention (October 23-25, 2026 at Sheraton Uptown)

1d. Criteria to attend NM State Convention to receive stipend (shown below the agenda).

2d. Does San Juan Chapter want to fundraise at State Convention 2026?

3d. Action Auction Donation for State Convention? Door Prize Donation for State Convention?

e.     Blind Equality Achievement Month

14.    Announcements (if any):

15.    Birthdays:

•      Earl Trapp (July 15)

•      Kyle Curtis (July 23)

•      Mamie Becenti (August 5)

•      Gitana Curtis(August 19)

•      Cheryl May (August 22)

•      Marsha Deschilly (August 25)

16.    Plan for the next meeting: September 17, 2026

17.    Meeting adjourned:

Criteria to Receive an Attendance Stipend for the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico State Convention

Approved on May 11, 2026 by the NFB of New Mexico Board of Directors



Members of the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico (NFBNM) with financial need can apply for a stipend to assist with attending the NFBNM state convention. The amount of the stipend will be the price of the pre-registration combination package for the NFBNM state convention, designated annually by the Board of Directors ($110 for 2026). The NFBNM will give the stipend to a maximum of ten eligible applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis. The stipend will be provided after the convention, provided all criteria below are met. The stipend will be awarded to a maximum of two NFBNM members per household.

Eligibility to Apply for the Stipend

NFBNM members are eligible to be considered for the stipend if they meet the following criteria:

1.     The individual must be an active member in good standing of a chapter or division of NFBNM; the determination of good standing will be made by the president of the chapter or division. The individual must be current in the payment of their dues.

2.     The member must not be receiving financial assistance to attend the NFBNM convention from another entity such as the New Mexico Commission for the Blind, the NFBNM affiliate, or any NFBNM chapter or division.

3.     The member must send a letter, either via email or regular mail, to both the NFBNM president and NFBNM treasurer explaining their financial need for the stipend and describing why they wish to attend the state convention. The letter must be received on or before the deadline date designated annually by the Board of Directors (September 30 for 2026).

Eligibility to Receive the Stipend if Awarded

The NFBNM president will inform each applicant whether or not they have been chosen to receive the stipend. Applicants who have been awarded the stipend must meet the following criteria in order to receive the stipend after the convention:

1.     The member must have registered to attend the NFBNM convention.

2.     During the NFBNM convention, the member must:

a.     Participate in the affiliate’s fundraising activities occurring during the convention;

b.     Attend the general sessions on Friday and Saturday and notify the NFBNM first vice president of their presence; and

c.     Attend the banquet at the convention.

3.     The member must send an email or a letter via regular mail to both the NFBNM president and the NFBNM treasurer requesting the stipend within 30 days after the convention.

Best wishes,

Tonia Trapp, secretary

National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico

nfbnewmexicosecretary at gmail.com<mailto:nfbnewmexicosecretary at gmail.com>

www.nfbnm.org<http://www.nfbnm.org>

_

Melanie Redhouse

NFBNM San Juan Chapter President

Phone: (505)419-7168

Email: nfbsanjuanpresident at gmail.com<mailto:nfbsanjuanpresident at gmail.com>

The National Federation of the Blind

Website: www.nfb.org<http://www.nfb.org>

Live the Life You Want!

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