[NFBA-Phoenix] NFB of AZ, Phoenix Chapter Business Meeting Minutes-12-2023

[Rachel Kuntz]


NFB of AZ, Phoenix Chapter Business Meeting Minutes
Sat, December 3, 2022 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Location- Saavi and over Zoom
Call to Order-Jordan Moon, President

Roll Call: 17 MEMBERS AND 2 guests ATTENDED

Attendees participated in the Pledge of Allegiance, the NFB Pledge, and the NFB One-Minute Message. Prayers were offered by meeting participants.

Presidential Report-Jordan- thanked everyone for all of the hard work throughout the year. We have handled a lot this year and have stayed true to our mission.

Secretary’s Report Rachel Kuntz, Secretary, - Business Meeting Minutes, September 2022 and November 2022 

Mike Smith MOVED TO SUBMIT reports for September and November VIA EMAIL WHEN ready. Monica Nunez seconded. The motion carried. Joe Goode offered to use the conference line to read out the minutes to those without email.

Treasurer’s Report – Donna Silba, Treasurer, December 2022

Monica Moved to accept the report as read. Mike seconded. Jordan had one correction that the chapter set aside $50 for the affiliate board meeting in Phoenix. motion carried.

Presidential Release 522, 12-1-22 recap. Jordan spoke of the Lift program to have the NFB as a designated charity. We can donate through the ap by rounding up to the nearest dollar after we ride. LinkedIn is under review for accessibility challenges send a note to the legal team at national office. The prices are going up at the Independence market. Applications are open for the national and the state scholarships. NFB public service announcements will be made this year. Commercials will have audio description. Complete the voter survey.

Legislative Report National/affiliate  Phoenix Seminar is Jan. 17. Topics will mirror the Washington seminar. Plan to attend the gathering in for this. Date is TBD. Lunch will be provided for the seminar. Watch your email.

Jordan mentioned that the Newly elected secretary of state has a great relationship with us. We are looking forward to working with someone who is familiar with our cause.  We also have had a positive relationship with the new governor as well. Looking forward to bi-partisan collaboration on the things that we are looking for like the funding for the independent living program.

Washington seminar is Jan 30 to Feb 2. Jordan encouraged people to reach out to President Porterfield ASAP to note that you want to attend and to request funds. Check out who represents us in congress since the districts have changed.

The NFB is supporting the communications and video accessibility act which will ensure that the network and streaming services will provide audio description.

Membership committee-New Member Welcome -Vicki Hodges and Monica Nunez, Co-Chairs

Monica reported that they will be working on the new membership database at national office.

Membership Dues-Donna-reminded people to pay their dues for 2023. Dues are $5. This amount will include the membership of the affiliate and on a national basis. The annual membership is from Jan 1 to Dec 31.

Fundraising Committee  -Betty Love, Chair reported that the fudge sale is going to the fifth of December and there is a sugar free option. She has texted 75 people to make a purchase. Jordan wants to explore a larger partnership in the community to do fundraising and we could work with the other chapters in the valley.

Technology Committee-Joe Goode, Chair reported that they have not yet met. He has a new member of the committee. He will be setting a meeting soon.

Christmas Party(Social and outreach Committee report) -Betty Love, Monica Nunez, Cindy Garfio, Joy Harris, and Rachel Kuntz. Mike spoke about all of the activities to be had at the Christmas party. The cost to enjoy food is $20 per person. We will have door prizes, cookie decorating, 50/50 raffle, gift exchange, auction, and Karaoke and so much more. Betty reported that 32 people are planning to attend.

Betty moved that we set aside $60 for people who want to attend the party but cannot afford to do so and $50 to show our appreciation for Maria at Saavi. Monica seconded. The motion carried.


State Division and committee updates-Ashleigh Moon reported that Braille readers are leaders contest starts on Monday Dec. 5.

Jordan encouraged people to take part in the transportation committee. Reach out to Marcus Schmidt.

New Business

Jordan initiated a discussion about holding the chapter meeting in 2023. Joe mentioned that we are in a great place having a meeting at Saavi because of its access to technology for virtual meetings and the lack of background noise. Mike agreed and says that this location is in the heart of Phoenix and appreciated that it is free. Lori Kirsop mentioned that she would like to have food available for breakfast to help those that travel for a long time to get to the meetings. Sheryl Susunkewa mentioned that holding it at restaurants has been disruptive and likes that we don’t deal with that at the Saavi location.

Rachel moved to hold the chapter meetings at Saavi through June 2023. Monica seconded. The motion carried.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Plans Jan 16 -A march starting at 9 am that is 3.2 miles long. It will begin at Pilgrim rest church and end at Margaret t Hans Park. We will have a resource table at the park. Stay tuned for a future Monday night meeting.

Phoenix Seminar – January17 we will meet at the capital in the basement of the Governors tower. Volunteers will help look out for people to arrive.

Philosophy ––  How do we plan to spread a positive view of blindness with our family over the holidays? Joe shared that he always makes sure to help around the house and to prepare the food to show by doing. Mike mentioned that actions speak louder than words. Rachel  talked about traveling home for the holidays for a short time makes the education opportunities slightly different in the moments and picking the battles is tough at times. Betty pointed out that family members have specific roles and caregiving that they do regardless of blindness at times. Sherry B. talked about her experience at work and the need to help people better understand what to do. She said that if people want to find her they should follow the tape. She show them that she knows how to use the cane and demonstrates her ability by doing things for herself. Jordan talked about how it might look like we need help but we really don’t because of how it is perceived when we use our alternative technique. Manny mentioned that there is balance in how to react in situations. His family treats people like royalty. The person should have a preemptive discussion when you are going to do group activities like going shopping so they understand how you are going to act as a group.  People don’t make you helpless because they help you. Learning to be humble in life is important. They cannot take your independence.  Jordan closed with we know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines us. We can evaluate each situation to determine if their action is for blindness or is this for everyone. How are they defining me in this moment?

Announcements – Jordan invited the chapter to join Saavi in their participation in the holiday parade in Glendale.

East Valley Christmas party at Ruth and Jim Sol’s house RSVP to Marcus and bring a dish to share.

Betty announced that the last day to buy fudge is Monday dec. 5 and if they don’t want fudge make a donation instead.

Vicki announced that she and Jim were married in November. They brought cookies in honor of the big event. Jim tasted them so they are good. She is now Vicki Farley and assures us that she will remain in the Phoenix chapter.

Birthdays/Anniversaries

Many members moved to adjourn. The motion carried.

Lunched at Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles

 
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