<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><br id="lineBreakAtBeginningOfSignature"><div dir="ltr">Sent from my iPhone</div><div dir="ltr"><br>Begin forwarded message:<br><br></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><b>From:</b> "President, National Federation of the Blind" <OfficeOfThePresident@nfb.org><br><b>Date:</b> October 1, 2024 at 9:53:01 AM EDT<br><b>To:</b> State Presidents <StatePresidents@nfb.org>, NFB-Division-Leaders@nfbnet.org, NCB Staff <NCBStaff@nfb.org><br><b>Subject:</b> <b>NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 10/01/2024</b><br><br></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr">
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=Windows-1252">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style>@font-face { font-family: Wingdings; }
@font-face { font-family: "Cambria Math"; }
@font-face { font-family: Calibri; }
@font-face { font-family: Aptos; }
@font-face { font-family: Consolas; }
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; }
h1 { margin: 0in; font-size: 14pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; }
h2 { margin: 0in; font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; }
h3 { margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; }
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink { color: rgb(70, 120, 134); text-decoration: underline; }
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph { margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; }
span.EmailStyle17 { font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; color: windowtext; }
span.Heading1Char { font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; }
span.Heading2Char { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; }
span.Heading3Char { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; }
.MsoChpDefault { font-size: 11pt; }
@page WordSection1 { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 1in; }
div.WordSection1 { page: WordSection1; }
ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }
ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }</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]-->
<div class="WordSection1">
<h1 style="line-height:115%"><a name="OLE_LINK7"></a><a name="OLE_LINK8"></a><a name="OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">President’s Notebook<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></a></h1>
<h1 style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Mark A. Riccobono<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">410-659-9314<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Dear Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Happy Blind Equality Achievement Month. I am looking forward to
the interesting things that we put together for outreach this month and to the National Federation of the Blind #RideshareRally in San Francisco. Today we have launched a
</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/08-2024/presidential_release_september_2024_chapter_version_final.mp3"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">new
Presidential Release format</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">,
and I am hoping that you all will give feedback on it and how it works in your chapters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Some of you have asked about Glidance and their outreach to local
chapters and affiliates. I want you to know that although they exhibited at our national convention, we have not had a substantive meeting with them yet at an executive or technical level. Certainly their product is interesting but we have not tested the concept
and raised the hard questions with the company. Some believe that because a company reaches out that you are obligated to include them in your meetings. Some have taken this from the fact that they exhibited at the convention. Exhibiting at the convention
is not an endorsement by the Federation, and you should always feel free to circle back with our national organization to determine what we know about a company. In short, we hope to meet with this company and others, but you are not obligated to include them
in Federation meetings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Finally, I would love your feedback on what you would love to have
offered as part of our Federation podcast that we are not currently offering. Since I have not specifically asked about this previously, I thought I would flag it as a topic I would like your thoughts on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h2 style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7">Critical Actions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Rideshare Rally—Information
Call on October 1<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Our Rideshare
Rally to protest Uber and Lyft’s discriminatory treatment of blind passengers is going to take place on Tuesday, October 15, in front of both Uber and Lyft’s corporate offices in San Francisco, California. Please share stories on social media about the discrimination
and use the hashtag #RightToRide—share stories on affiliate and chapter accounts. If you are planning to attend the rally in person, please join the upcoming information call to learn more details and expectations:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Rideshare Rally
Participant Briefing<br>
Tuesday, October 1, at 8:00 p.m., eastern <br>
</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/96133395184"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Via
Zoom Meeting ID is 961 3339 5184</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><br>
One tap mobile: +13017158592,,96133395184<br>
Captions will be available. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Presidential
Release—New Format<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The National Federation
of the Blind presidential release chapter version will be available on October 1—the audio, transcript, and Spanish translation. The chapter version is intended to be played during each chapter meeting throughout the month.
</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Access
the chapter version and live details</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The next Presidential
Release Live will be Tuesday, October 15, at 8:30 p.m., eastern, from San Francisco. Zoom details are below.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Presidential Release
Live Zoom:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/94758218808"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Via
Zoom Meeting ID is 947 5821 8808</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">One tap mobile:
+13017158592,,94758218808#<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h2 style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7">News:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Blind Equality
Achievement Month Planning:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">October is here!
Welcome to Blind Equality Achievement Month. Please submit your events, activities, and celebrations to
</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="mailto:web@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">web@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
so they can be posted on </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/blind-month"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">https://nfb.org/blind-month</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
That includes your white cane day proclamations. If you need items or ideas, check out
</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/view?id=2378&reset=1"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">the
free literature resources and White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
Reminder: please only use Blind Equality Achievement Month, Blind Month, or #BlindMonth when referring to and promoting activities.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Bay Bridge
Run:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The National Organization
of Parents of Blind Children invites you to participate in the Bay Bridge Run this fall! On November 10, 2024, join team National Federation of the Blind Dreamers, led by the NOPBC Board of Directors. Whether you’re running or walking, participating in person
or virtually, this is your chance to help bridge the gap between blind people and our dreams. Want to get your chapter or affiliate involved? NFB chapters can sponsor a participant (or a group!) by helping them register and fundraise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Look for the Launch of the End-of-Year Campaign:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Later this week, we will be launching
our end-of-year HumanWare Gift Matching Campaign. HumanWare and anonymous donors will match up to $100,000 in contributions made between October 1 and midnight December 31. Support of our runners and walkers in the Bay Bridge Run also counts towards the match.
Please look for our launch video and email announcement later this week. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>House and Senate Members in their Districts:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The U.S. House and Senate will both be
in a district work period until November. This is a fantastic time to try to meet with your federal elected officials in their local office. We encourage you to contact your local office and try to schedule a meeting so that you can advocate for our legislative
priorities in the district, where your senators and representatives will be able to see the impact of their support.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h2 style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7">Reminders:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Virtual Career Fair:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The deadline to register for
the National Federation of the Blind Virtual Career Fair is October 4 by 5:00 p.m., eastern. This event will be held October 22, 1:00–4:00 p.m., eastern, via Zoom. Jobseekers, this is an opportunity to find your occupational passion. Employers, this is a chance
to connect with great talent. </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/form/career-fair-jobseeker-registration"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Career
Fair – Jobseeker Registration</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><br>
</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=606"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Career
Fair – Employer Registration </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Jobseekers, please direct all questions
to jobseeker liaison Lia Stone at evangeliastone@gmail.com.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Employers, please direct all questions
to employer liaison Charles Bennett at cbennett@cocenter.org. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Dare To Be Remarkable Conference:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The deadline for early registration for
the National Federation of the Blind 2024 </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/dare-be-remarkable" title="https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/dare-be-remarkable"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Dare
to Be Remarkable</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
conference is October 5. The conference will be held from November 11-13 at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute.
</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Registration is $400 until October 5
and $500 after October 6.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/dare-be-remarkable"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Register
for Dare to Be Remarkable Conference </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span></u></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Please direct all inquiries to the conference
organizers Edward Bell, at </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="mailto:ebell@latech.edu"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">ebell@latech.edu</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
or 318-257-4554, or Anil Lewis, at </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="mailto:alewis@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">alewis@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
or 410-659-9314, extension 2374.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"></span>
<h2 style="line-height:115%">Dates to Keep in Mind:<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">(all times eastern)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<a name="_Hlk178589131"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">October: Blind Equality Achievement Month<o:p></o:p></span></a></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178589131"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">October 15: Rideshare Rally<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178589131"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">November 10: Bay Bridge Run<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178589131"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">February 3, 2025: Great Gathering-In
<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178589131"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">February 3-6, 2025: Washington Seminar<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178589131"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">July 8-13, 2025: National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178589131"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk178589131"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 p.m.
<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Chapter Presidents Calls<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, December 19, and Sunday, December 22, at 8:00 p.m.
<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h2 style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-weight:normal">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 aspirations of all blind people.<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<h2 style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-weight:normal"><o:p> </o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Mark A. Riccobono, President<br>
National Federation of the Blind <br>
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<br>
410-659-9314 | <a href="mailto:Officeofthepresident@nfb.org"><span style="color:blue">Officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Please engage with me through
<a href="https://riccobono.personal.ai/messaging/profile"><span style="color:blue">Riccobono Personal AI</span></a><br>
Mastodon: @President@nfb.social <br>
Pronouns: he, him, his<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://nfb.org/"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0563C1;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="210" height="76" style="width:2.1875in;height:.7916in" id="_x0000_i1028" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/nfblogo.png" alt="National Federation of the Blind" data-unique-identifier=""></span></a><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0563C1;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" style="width:.25in;height:.25in" id="_x0000_i1027" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/facebook.png" alt="Facebook" data-unique-identifier=""></span></a><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0563C1;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" style="width:.25in;height:.25in" id="_x0000_i1026" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/twitter.png" alt="Twitter" data-unique-identifier=""></span></a><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0563C1;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" style="width:.25in;height:.25in" id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/youtube.png" alt="Youtube" data-unique-identifier=""></span></a><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div></blockquote></body></html>