[NFBA-Phoenix] NFBA Phoenix Chapter April 11-2020 Business Meeting Minutes 05-02-20

Sat May 2 08:05:56 UTC 2020

NFBA Phoenix Chapter Business Meeting

Secretary’s Report

Date:  Saturday, April 11, 2020

Time:  9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Location:  Conference Call

Phoenix Chapter Conference Call Line:  (712) 770-4856

Code:  614039 Pound Sign

NFBA Phoenix Chapter Listserv

Email:  nfba-phoenix at nfbnet.org

Meeting Minutes

Call to Order

At 9:33 a.m., President Brad Kuhn called the meeting to order.

Roll Call

Seventeen people participated in the meeting, including thirteen members and
four visitors.

Pledges

Brad led both the Pledge to the American Flag and the NFB Pledge.  Also, he
encouraged each person to memorize the NFB “One-Minute Message,” that
explains the purpose of the Federation and our involvement in the
organization.  The NFB One-Minute Message can be found at the end of this
report, along with the NFB Pledge.

Prayer Requests

Mike Smith opened with Prayer, followed by:

Jordan thanked people for joining the Phoenix Chapter meeting and the Monday
evening meetings, as the NFB Family.  We want to remember to Pray for and to
reach out to one another, locally and nationally, especially supporting
those that are struggling emotionally and financially.  Unfortunately, we
have lost some NFB Family members to the virus, but still rely on God to
Guide us to do the right thing at the right time, and to Show His Hand in a
Mighty Way.

Tom asked for Prayer for Strength, Healing, and Well-Being, as he and his
medical team research the right treatment to resolve health challenges.

Brad asked for Prayer on behalf of his roommate, Marty, who is recovering at
a Medical Rehab Center after having surgery this past week.  Also, for the
planning and convening of this year’s NFB National Convention, via Zoom.

Joy shared that Jonathan was improving, and thanked people for their
Prayers.  She and Jonathan need continued Prayer for strength, during this
time of physical and emotional struggle.

Secretary’s Report, Vicki Hodges, Secretary

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the March 07, 2020,
Minutes, as corrected.  Corrections include:  Aint Nick’s Tavern is on 27th
Avenue; include both links to the March and April Presidential Report, at
the end of the Minutes; SAAVI Cultural Day is scheduled on, Friday, March
13, 2020; and the spelling of Governor Ducey’s name.  A copy of the
corrected March 07, 2020 Phoenix Chapter Minutes will be emailed to
Affiliate President Porterfield and copied to Brad, according to the
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the Federation.

Treasurer’s Report, Donna Silba, Treasurer

Previous Balance:  $967.84 (as of March 07, 2020)

Total INCOME:  $00.00

Total Expenses:  $125.00

Total  expenses  over income:  $125.00

New Balance:  $842.84 (as of April 11, 2020)

Lanyards

Expenses:  $700.00

Income:  $452.00

Profit:  -$248.00

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the April 11, 2020,
Treasurer’s Report, as presented.  A copy of the April 11, 2020 Phoenix
Chapter Treasurer’s Report will be emailed to Affiliate President
Porterfield and copied to Brad, according to the Standard Operating
Procedures (SOP) of the Federation.

Donna and Jordan will work on establishing Zell access to the Phoenix
Chapter account with Wells Fargo, so dues can be paid and donations can be
accepted.  Joy described how she set up Zell access to her personal account,
stating that it was a simple, straight-forward process.  However, it is
understood that the current closures, due to the Covid-19 “Stay at Home”
order, may complicate matters.  Every effort will be made to launch this
additional means to manage financial obligations and fund “The Movement,” as
soon as possible.

Presidential Release, Mark A. Riccobono, President/National Federation of
the Blind

Presidential Release #493, April 2020, President Riccobono delivered this
month's presidential release before a live online audience for the first
time. He discussed COVID-19 resources, advocacy efforts, virtual events, the
national convention, and more. More than 800 members and friends listened
in, and many asked questions in the Q&A portion of the release, that was
moderated by NFB's first vice president, Pam Allen.

Note:  The English Audio link to this live Presidential Release #493 can be
found at the end of this report.

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to dispense with the playing of
Presidential Release 493, due to the length of the Zoom live presentation.
A link to the English audio recording will be posted to the Phoenix Chapter
Listserv, so people can access it at their leisure.

Old Business

2020 NFB National Convention

The 2020 National Federation of the Blind National Convention will mark the
80th Anniversary of the organization’s existence.  For the first time in the
history of the Federation, this year’s convention will be completely
conducted online, via Zoom.  More details will be shared as they become
available.  Please register, so the Convention Planning Committee can
arrange for the appropriate level of band-width to accommodate all virtual
attendees.  While no registration fee is being charged, donations are needed
and appreciated.  Those that have made reservations and paid a room deposit
should contact the hotel for a full refund.  State Affiliates are encouraged
to plan gatherings and events, connected with the NFB National Convention.
Our very own Colin Wong is involved in planning a national, online seminar,
being offered to all Rehabilitation professionals.

Side-Bar

An impromptu discussion began, punctuated by individual comments expressing
frustration and concern, regarding the “Stay-at-Home” order and stricter,
social-distancing requirements.  At least we have some freedom of movement,
unlike the Navajo reservations that are completely locked down.  It is
better to be safe, than sorry.  As blind people, we are used to developing
and using alternative techniques to cope with daily life.  In many ways, the
world is learning to identify and apply alternative techniques to cope with
the far-reaching, long-term affects of the pandemic.  It is more important
than ever to regularly, stay in touch with one another, making sure that
everyone has the moral support and supplies they need.  There is no way of
knowing how long the recovery will take, but this too, will pass.  Mike
encouraged us to Pray for God’s Guidance.

NFB Coronavirus Resources & Impact

Jordan shared that the NFB blog page has a wealth of information, regarding
the effect of Covid19 on the lives and life-styles of blind people.  For
information related to aspects of the CARES Act or COVID-19 in general,
please visit our  <https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources>
COVID-19 Resources page.

>From the NFB homepage, activate the link to “Coming Together during CoVig19:
Concerns & Connections, that includes:

“The Disproportionate Impact” addresses:  transportation; medical treatment;
Information; Groceries & Supplies; School Materials; Risk Considerations;
and Taking Action together.

Issues under “Taking Action Together,” include:

Contacting senators about threats to IDEA rights;

Providing resources and recommendations about schools and accessibility,
including an education technology survey;

NFB Newsline includes a coronavirus breaking news section;

Affiliates and divisions hosting informative workshops, over the Zoom
platform; and

Local chapters are meeting via conference call to develop ways to help one
another compile resource lists, and participate in virtual social
gatherings, such as Happy Hour, Crafting calls, and Descriptive Movie night.

Access Breaking News For COVID-19 Updates on NFB-NEWSLINE

From:  Scott White

(410) 659-9314, Ext. 2231

swhite at nfb.org

In response to the current situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19), the
National Federation of the Blind has decided to provide up-to-date
information to all eligible subscribers of the service. 

COVID-19 updates are available in the Breaking News Online category of
NFB-NEWSLINE. This information is being obtained by the system searching the
thirty-four publications in the Breaking News Online category for
"coronavirus" and displaying the results. This information will also be
available for those few states that are currently not sponsored for the next
sixty days starting Monday, March 16th.

Access the coronavirus COVID-19 information using the telephone by pressing
5 from the main menu, then press 1 for the Breaking News Online category,
followed by pressing the 1 key which will bring you to the virus
information. If you are using the NFB-NEWSLINE Mobile IOS app, look for the
virus information under the "All Publications" section. The content can be
accessed with Braille devices such as note-takers and refreshable Braille
displays.

Note:  The NFB Free White Cane Program and the Free Slate and Stylus Program
are still active.

Note:  The NFB Independence Market is closed, until further notice.

Jordan stated that Governor Ducey has authorized an Information Hotline to
be established, and available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Dial 211, and
follow the prompts.  It is possible to talk with someone, directly, staffing
this hotline.

Membership Committee

Monica Nunez chairs this Committee, and works with the Treasurer and
Secretary to keep current on dues and contact information.  Phoenix Chapter
annual dues are $5.00, and can be paid to the Treasurer, Donna Silba, at any
time.  Everyone is welcome to participate in this Chapter’s meetings and
events.

The NFB of Arizona Board policy requires each dues-paying member to declare
a “home” chapter, where they have voting privileges, among other rights and
responsibilities.  As a formality, each new member is accepted, by the
passing of a simple majority vote of approval, during the New Business
section of the meeting agenda.  Once contact information is gathered, each
new member submits his/her primary email address to be added to the Phoenix
Chapter Listserv, where timely messages are posted, for members and friends
to access.

Eventually, all new members will receive a Welcome Packet from the NFB
National office, containing a Welcome Letter from the leadership, a
Membership coin, and a Membership Card.  On one side of the Membership card
is found the “NFB One-Minute Message,” in braille and print.  The NFB Pledge
is provided on the opposite side of that same card.  It is the
responsibility of the Affiliate Membership Recruitment and Retention
Committee chair to forward new member information to the National office,
that will prompt the sending of a New Member Packet.  Tarik Williams is the
current chair of this Arizona Affiliate Committee, and is planning, as soon
as it is safe,  to conduct a Philosophy Seminar and other activities to help
new members feel welcomed, and become more knowledgeable about the
Federation.  Meanwhile, Jordan agreed to provide a link to the NFB
One-Minute Message and the NFB Pledge, for all of us to be better able to
recite both.

Phoenix Chapter Listserv

Monica and Jordan will work with Lori Kirsop to ensure that she is added to
the Listserv, in order to access current, posted messages.

2020 Phoenix Chapter Norma Robertson-Wagner Annual Picnic

As we all know, the picnic scheduled to be held on, Saturday, April 04,
2020, at Encanto Park was canceled, due to the pandemic.

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to reschedule the 2020 Phoenix
Chapter Norma Robertson-Wagner Annual Picnic on, Saturday, October 10, 2020,
at Encanto Park, as one of our “Meet the Blind Month” activities.

Fund-Raising Committee

Rodnick Fletcher and Mike Smith agreed to co-chair the Fund-Raising
Committee.  Monica Nunez, Hope Dowden, and Brad Kuhn will serve as Committee
members.

2020 Fund-Raiser Sing-a-Thon

Due to the Coronavirus restrictions on holding public events, arrangements
were postponed to host the June 06, 2020, Phoenix Chapter Business Meeting
and Sing-a-Thon Fund-Raiser at Aint Nick’s Tavern, 6840 North 27th Avenue,
Glendale, AZ 85017; (602) 242-2345.  Committee members include Brad Kuhn,
Cindy Garfio, Colin Wong, Jordan Moon, Joy Harris, and maybe, Betty Love.
It was suggested that the Phoenix Chapter organize a virtual Sing-a-Thon
event, for this year’s National Convention.  

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to postpone the Sing-a-Thon
Fund-Raiser event to a later date, to be announced.

Legislative Update

Jordan reported that the Arizona Legislature is in recess, and will
reconvene this summer, so the State Budget can be approved.

Since SB 1593 unanimously passed in the Arizona Senate 30 to 0, with support
from the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB) and the Secretary of
Education, it was scheduled to go before the House, on March 09, 2020.  As
one of the NFB of Arizona Education Committee co-chairs, Colin Wong defended
the passing of this bill, resulting from one of the resolutions adopted by
the 2019 Arizona State Convention.  The bill was unanimously approved by the
House.  Heart-felt thanks and congratulations go to Colin, Jordan, Monica,
Mike, and all Federationists that championed this legislation.  It will
strengthen program preparation qualifications that graduate trainees must
achieve to receive certification as a Teacher of blind and visually impaired
students in Arizona.

New Business

New Member Vote

Kim, Hope, and Jenny were welcomed as guests.  As stated earlier, all who
are interested in furthering the efforts of the National Federation of the
Blind are encouraged to get involved at the local, state, and national
level.  Each dues-paying member of the Arizona Affiliate is required to
declare a “home chapter,” in order to vote, make motions, chair committees,
and hold office.  Although, Jenny’s “home chapter” is the East Valley
Chapter, and Hope’s “home chapter” is the Tucson Chapter, their enthusiasm,
comments, and support are greatly welcomed and appreciated.

Kim Parks has chosen the Phoenix Chapter as her “home chapter.”  Kim
attended her first NFB National Convention with SAAVI, stating that she
“finally felt like she belonged.”  Her goals include (but are not limited
to) improving as a person, and helping others through the NFB.

A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved to recognize Kim
Parks, as a new member of the NFB of Arizona Phoenix Chapter, with the full
rights of membership.  Welcome, Kim!

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to wave the payment of dues by
voting members, until we can meet in person, once again.

Note:  Once Zell access is established, payments may be received
electronically.

For those that have questions about membership policies adopted by the NFB
of Arizona Board, please contact Jordan at, (951) 316-5363.

Other Resources

CARES Stimulus Payments

A great deal of confusion exists, regarding the Economic Impact Payments
(also known as stimulus payments) that are made as part of the Coronavirus
Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.

In an email from John G. Paré Jr., Executive Director for Advocacy and
Policy, the following link was provided.  For information related to aspects
of the CARES Act or COVID-19 in general, please visit our
<https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources> COVID-19 Resources page.

Weekly Phoenix Chapter 2020 Coronavirus Resources Meeting

On Monday, March 23, 2020, the Phoenix Chapter held its first conference
call meeting, resulting from the Covid-19 restrictions, shortages, and major
impact on the lives of our members and friends.  A Buddy Call chain was
established.  Brad emphasized the importance of regularly contacting the
person chosen as our “Buddy,” since circumstances can change from,
moment-to-moment and day-to-day.  Each participant has the opportunity to
share their thoughts, concerns, and strategies, for meeting daily living
needs that contribute to peace of mind.  Meeting comments, as well as local
and national resource contact information are presented in summary notes,
taken from the discussion, and posted through the Phoenix Chapter Listserv.
You may request previous copies of these meeting notes by contacting Vicki
at, (602) 403-9019, or at, vjazz at cox.net <mailto:vjazz at cox.net> .  For more
information about these meetings, you may also contact Brad at, (815)
501-1153, Jordan at, (951) 316-5363, or Colin at, (480) 886-4445.

Meeting participants need not be a member of the Phoenix Chapter.  All are
welcomed.  Until further notice, meetings are held every Monday evening,
beginning at 6:00 p.m., using the Phoenix Chapter Conference Call Line.  The
next meeting is scheduled:

Date:  Monday, May 04, 2020

Time:  6:00 p.m.

Conference Call Line:  (712) 770-4856

Code:  614039 Pound Sign

Announcements

Colin provided information for the following groups on Facebook with
potential helpful resources.

World Blind Union (WBU) Facebook Page:

Helpful updates regarding blindness and their efforts on working with other
organizations to support the blind, especially during the Coronavirus.

https://www.facebook.com/BlindUnion/

Professionals in Blindness Education Facebook Page:

Posting videos on how to keep kids entertained and learning when they are
not at school. Their tools are not specific to blind kids.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/120627771365602/

SAAVI services for the Blind, Lunch & Learn Series Facebook Page:

Every Tuesday and Thursday at noon, blindness professionals post training
videos and tips for the blind, during the Coronavirus.

https://www.facebook.com/GetSAAVI/

Jordan provided the following link to the page describing the
disability-delivery service qualifications and contact information.

https://www.phoenix.gov/humanservices/programs/older/home-delivered-qual

The requirements for disabled adults to qualify for these services are
described as follows:  A Disabled individual under 60 years of age, must
have a physical or mental impairment(s), that substantially limit(s) his/her
ability to independently function in one or more major activities of daily
living (ADLS), such as eating, bathing, and mobility.

Please note, the phone number where a resident can apply is:

Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Senior Help Line:  (602) 264-4357, Ext. 2.

Friends of Vicki’s provided the following, regarding Regional Valley Metro
delivery service parameters, during the Coronavirus quarantine.  The link
opens the website, where these services are described.

https://www.valleymetro.org/news/additional-paratransit-services-response-co
vid-19

Mike watched the “Horizons” interview of Jordan and Kim, regarding a survey
they completed that was designed to gather information as to how blind
people are dealing with the Covid-19 impact.  Jordan will provide a link to
the interview.

Brad reminded us that funding “The Federation Movement” is more important
than ever, and encouraged us to make a donation, when we receive the
Stimulus Payment.  Through Saturday, May 02, 2020, donations can be made on
Brad’s Facebook page, to the NFB of Arizona in celebration of his birthday,
which happens to be, April 30, 2020.  $240.00 has been raised, as of this
meeting.

Lori Kirsop’s birthday was yesterday, Friday, April 10, 2020.  Happy belated
Birthday, Lori!

NFB of Arizona Quarterly Board Meeting

Jordan announced that the next NFB of Arizona Quarterly Board Meeting is
scheduled, Saturday, May 09, 2020, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., via Zoom.
For an accessible tutorial of the Zoom platform to learn how to join on the
web, app, or phone, access the audiobook:

 <https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=16449&amp;qid=>
Meet Me in the Cloud

Details will be provided at the next Phoenix Chapter business meeting,
regarding Zoom connection to this NFBA Board meeting.

Colin is waiting for a response, as to how the Phoenix Chapter can conduct
our meetings via the Affiliate Zoom link.  The Tucson Chapter is already
using Zoom to remotely connect participants to meetings.  Also, Colin
reminded us that weekly, virtual meetings and events are being sponsored by
various NFB Affiliates that are opened to all.  Weekly schedules of these
virtual Zoom events are distributed via the NFB national Listserv.

Brad shared an entertainment resource that he enjoys.  Through Apple TV, he
joined Quarantine Karaoke.  Members can watch videos that others have
posted, or record videos to post, for others to watch and enjoy.

Brad invited anyone interested in learning more about the Meals for Moms
food delivery program, to stay on the line, after the Phoenix Chapter
Business Meeting adjourned.

Adjourn

At 11:59 a.m., President Brad Kuhn adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Vicki Hodges, Secretary/NFB of AZ Phoenix Chapter

*
<https://www.nfb.org/sites/www.nfb.org/files/2020-04/2020_04_english.mp3>
Presidential Release #493, April 2020 (English Audio)

Note:  Presidential Release #494, May, 2020, is not available, as of this
meeting.

NFB Pledge

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 its constitution.

NFB One-Minute Message

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND KNOWS 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. YOU CAN LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT;
BLINDNESS IS NOT WHAT HOLDS YOU BACK.

“THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND IS NOT AN ORGANIZATION SPEAKING FOR
THE BLIND--IT IS THE BLIND SPEAKING FOR OURSELVES.”

*
<https://www.nfb.org/resources/jacobus-tenbroek-library/collections/nfb-song
s> NFB songs you can play at chapter meetings.

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