<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto">Here is the President\u2019s notebook chock-full of convention and legislative info Please read. <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> June 16, 2025 at 5:04:29\u202fPM 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\u2019s Notebook - Week of 06/16/2025</b><br><br></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr">\ufeff
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<h1><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\u2019s Notebook<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></a></h1>
<h1><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><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><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><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-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-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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Our convention is just around the corner now with three weeks left until we are
together in New Orleans. I know you likely have a list of things you are trying to do before the convention. Please be sure that one of those things is to pin down your commitments to our national organization, including making affiliate pledges to our financial
success. Thank you to those affiliates who have already paid your pledges as those dollars make a big difference.<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-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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">I am looking forward to our call with our newer delegates on the 25<sup>th</sup>
of June. If any of you want to schedule some time together while we are in New Orleans, please let me know and I will make sure to prioritize our meeting. The calendar is filling fast.<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-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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">I believe this might be one of the most significant conventions in our history in
terms of mobilizing the collective action that is required of us. Thank you for your work to build our movement in a difficult time in American history.
<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h2><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>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Donated Services Reminder:<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Just a reminder to turn in your donated services forms
(</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/donated-services-form"><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">https://nfb.org/get-involved/donated-services-form</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">)
and to please remind those in your affiliate to do the same. We are tracking fewer hours this year than last, and this impacts our annual financials, which influence donors. Please take a few minutes to follow up. Questions can be directed to Belinda Hooks
at extension 2508. </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-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-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>Independence Market Convention Schedule:
<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Independence Market telephone orders will close on Monday,
June 30, at 5:00 p.m., Eastern, and reopen on Thursday, July 17, at 8:00 a.m., Eastern. This is to ensure that orders can be processed and shipped before our market employees travel to New Orleans for this year\u2019s national convention. Online ordering will remain
open during this time, but please expect shipping delays due to the July 4th holiday and our adjusted convention schedule.</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-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-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-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h2><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7">Convention:<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>Volunteers Needed for Museum Feedback Forum at Convention:<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">We are hosting an exciting breakout session during this
year\u2019s national convention to hear members' feedback on plans for the Museum of the Blind People\u2019s Movement, and we are seeking volunteers to serve as scribes. This important role will help record members' ideas so that we can incorporate them into our next
phase of museum planning. Since this session has limited space, this is a great way to ensure your state's members will participate in planning our museum! This session, titled "Imagining Our Museum," will be held on Friday, July 11, at 6:00 p.m. Please ask
members who are willing to volunteer to email </span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:museum@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">museum@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">. </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-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-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>Promote NFB25 Virtual Experience:<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">If members in your affiliate, division, or chapter are
not able to attend this year\u2019s national convention, please recommend that they register for the NFB25 Virtual Experience. Registration remains open and there will be over forty hours of content.
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/national-convention-virtual-experience"><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">Share
the NFB25 Virtual Experience</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></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-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>Update Your Photo at the National Convention Portrait Studio:<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Our leaders are important to us! You contribute so much
to the mission of the NFB, and we\u2019d like to make sure we have updated photos of you in our archives and for other NFB purposes. Please make time to visit the Portrait Studio, which will be located in the Acadia Ballroom foyer. Pro tip: Stop by one of the earlier
sessions as they are usually less busy. Photos are stored for official communications of the National Federation of the Blind. We use images in the
<i>Braille Monitor</i>, on websites, and to build the movement through authentic representation. We will email photos after the convention to those who would like to have them.
</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-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"><i><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Portrait Studio Open Hours:<o:p></o:p></span></i></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"><a name="_Hlk167261083"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></a></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="mso-bookmark:_Hlk167261083"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Friday: 8:00
to 9:00 a.m.<o:p></o:p></span></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="mso-bookmark:_Hlk167261083"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Saturday: 12:00
to 1:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></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="mso-bookmark:_Hlk167261083"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Sunday: 5:45
to 6:45 p.m.</span></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-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-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>White Cane Committee Planned Giving Seminar:<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">One of the most effective ways to secure larger, unrestricted
contributions is through planned giving, including bequests. To support these efforts, the White Cane Committee is hosting a seminar focused on strategies for soliciting planned gifts.<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-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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">I encourage you to join the committee chair, Everett Bacon,
and embalmer Cassandra McNabb-McKinney for this in-depth training session on Wednesday, July 10, at 7:00 p.m. in Gallery 1. The seminar will cover best practices for making the ask, engaging others to support our outreach, and exploring partnerships\u2014such as
with funeral homes\u2014to help distribute materials encouraging legacy giving.<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-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>Honor Roll Call:<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Convention time is here, which means it\u2019s Honor Roll Call
time of year! The Honor Roll Call is when affiliates and national divisions support our sustaining funds: Kenneth Jernigan Fund, SUN shares, White Cane Fund, and Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund. To make your 2025 contributions, write a check payable to National
Federation of the Blind and mail it to 200 East Wells Street; Baltimore, Maryland, 21230, Attention: Fiscal Services \u2013 Roll Call and write \u201cRoll Call\u201d in the check memo. Please send an email to
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:rollcall@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">rollcall@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">
detailing the amount to go to each fund and the name of the organization, so we record the contributions correctly. All pre-convention contributions will be acknowledged on our website. If your organization is making a pledge to be paid later this year, please
send an email to </span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:rollcall@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">rollcall@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">
telling us how much is being pledged for each fund and when to expect the check. All pledges should be fulfilled by August 31, 2025.</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-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-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>Calling All Door Prizes:<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The NFB door prize team is planning for this year\u2019s convention.
If your affiliate or division wants to donate something to the in-person door prizes, you can deliver it to Bennett Prows or Kenia Flores on the stage before or during breaks of the general session. Please label the prize in Braille and print so our team knows
what it is and who donated it. If you are donating cash, put it in an envelope labeled with the amount and who it is from\u2014our team wants to acknowledge your generosity.<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></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-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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Our registered virtual attendees are also eligible to
win gift cards or Independence Market gift certificates. You can help NFB with virtual door prizes by writing a check payable to National Federation of the Blind and mailing it to 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230, Attention: Fiscal Services
\u2013 Virtual DP and write Virtual Door Prizes in the check memo.<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"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></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-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h2><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>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>NFBnet Update: Issues Resolved, but Report Future Issues as Needed:<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The NFBnet mailing lists (also known as listservs) are
a vital tool for connecting, coordinating, and informing the organized blind movement\u2014supporting thousands of members across hundreds of mailing lists.
<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-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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">While the system has remained functional, a recent software
change introduced challenges that we\u2019ve been actively working to address. Those issues included errors when subscribing to a new list and distorting plain-text formatted emails, making them illegible. The software used for NFBnet has been making updates to
resolve some issues, and we are reviewing alternative options if the proper functionality continues to be an issue. As of June 16, 2025, it appears that the primary concerns have been resolved. We are committed to maintaining strong, accessible communication
channels that empower every member throughout our chapters, divisions, and affiliates to stay informed and engaged. If you are having difficulty with using NFBnet, please email
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:communications@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">communications@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">
with a description of the issues you are experiencing. <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-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>NFB-NEWSLINE<sup>®</sup> on Android Devices:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b><span style="line-height:115%"><o:p></o:p></span></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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">NFB-NEWSLINE is now available on Android devices in the
Google Play Store! Once you download the app, simply enter your account number and passcode and you will be ready to go. If you are not already an NFB-NEWSLINE subscriber, please call 866-504-7300.
</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-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-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>Lead and Drive: Give $25 in '25 Social Media Toolkit for Affiliates:<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Please share the attached toolkit to your social media
coordinators to promote our \u201cLead and Drive: Give $25 in \u201925\u201d campaign between May 15 and July 11. Please help this be our biggest drive ever and post to as many of our NFB affiliate channels as possible. Visit
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/give25" target="_blank" title="https://nfb.org/give25"><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">nfb.org/give25</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">
to learn more and see our contribution form at </span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/give25donate" target="_blank" title="https://nfb.org/give25donate"><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">nfb.org/give25donate</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">.</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-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-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>Legislative Priorities:<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">We currently have four bills that have been introduced
in the 119th Congress\u2014three in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate. They are:</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-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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">In the House of Representatives:<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Blind Americans Return to Work Act \u2013 H.R. 1175<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Access Technology Affordability Act \u2013 H.R. 1529<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act \u2013
H.R. 3417<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">In the Senate:<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Access Technology Affordability Act \u2013 S. 1918<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Please call or email your members of the House and Senate
and urge them to cosponsor our legislation. We would love to have a surge of cosponsor support heading into our national convention and the second half of the year!<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><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>
<span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"></span>
<h2><a name="_Hlk183426075">Dates to Keep in Mind:<o:p></o:p></a></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk183426075"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">(all times eastern)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk183426075"></span>
<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 lfo1;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">July 8-13: National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<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">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 lfo1;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Wednesday, August 6<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Wednesday, November 5<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<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">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 lfo1;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, September 11 and Sunday, September 14<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, December 11 and Sunday, December 14<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;background:white">
<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h2><span style="font-size:12.0pt;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><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:normal"><o:p> </o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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-size:11.0pt">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-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://nfb.org/"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;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"></span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;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"></span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;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"></span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;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"></span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation\u2019s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</div></blockquote></body></html>