[NFBA-Phoenix] FW: Meeting Summary for Phoenix Chapter's Personal Meeting Room

Sun Aug 4 23:11:32 UTC 2024

Hello and happy Sunday:

This was generated via AI and is mostly accurate. These are not official minutes from our Secretary Rachel. 

Great meeting yesterday.

Jordan Moon

National Federation of the Blind

Phoenix Chapter President

(951) 316-5363

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

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!

From: Meeting Summary with AI Companion <no-reply at zoom.us> 
Sent: Saturday, August 3, 2024 12:53 PM
To: nfbphoenixchapter at gmail.com
Subject: Meeting Summary for Phoenix Chapter's Personal Meeting Room

 <https://zoom.us/> 

  <https://us02st3.zoom.us/static/6.3.23592/image/summary/summary_new_logo_v2.png> 

Meeting summary with AI Companion now supports additional languages in preview. 

 <https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0058013#languages> Learn More 

Meeting summary for Phoenix Chapter's Personal Meeting Room (08/03/2024) 

Quick recap 

The Phoenix chapter of the National Federation of the Blind discussed various topics including an extended registration deadline for an event, the importance of recognizing the diverse interests of the blind community, and the passing of several members. They also discussed fundraising efforts, the upcoming state convention, and the controversy surrounding a new Barbie doll created in partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind. Lastly, they planned for future events, discussed logistical details for the state convention, and shared mixed feelings about the new Barbie doll. 

Next steps 

• Vicki to organize membership committee meeting on Monday, August 7th at 6:30 PM. 

• Jordan to start Zoom meeting for membership committee on Monday at 6:30 PM. 

• Betty to organize fundraising committee meeting on Monday, August 7th at 7:30 PM. 

• Lori to organize social committee meeting on Thursday, August 10th at 6:00 PM to discuss Christmas party plans. 

• Members to update their contact information and send to Vicki by end of August. 

• Members to register for State Convention by August 13th to get $25 rate. 

• Members to consider participating in talent show at State Convention and sign up. 

• Members to donate door prizes and auction items for State Convention and contact Beasley. 

• Jordan to send hotel reservation link for State Convention to Autumn. 

• Members interested in financial assistance for State Convention to email Donald Porterfield. 

• Joe to organize AI seminar for State Convention. 

• Ashley to organize parent division meeting at State Convention. 

• Jordan to appoint nominating committee for chapter elections in September. 

• Members to consider running for chapter board positions and notify Jordan if interested. 

• Donald to follow up with Nick Fletcher offline regarding wheelchair use issues at his facility. 

Summary 

Extended Registration, Blind Community, and Diverse Interests 

Phoenix and Michael discussed the extended registration deadline for an event and shared their experiences about the extreme heat this year and last year. They also discussed the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse interests and accomplishments of the blind community, with a focus on the upcoming State Convention. A new blind Barbie doll created in partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind was discussed, with Michael expressing unease about its potential exploitation and insensitivity. The conversation also touched on personal conflicts and the transient nature of life, with Phoenix using the metaphor of a Styrofoam tombstone. 

Team Gathering and Achievements Celebration 

The team gathered for a meeting, with casual conversation and discussions about future plans, including a potential lunch outing and a call with Fern. Sharonda was made a co-host for this call. The team also celebrated individual achievements, such as Kimberly's door prize win and Kurt's first-place win in the writers' division. The meeting was interrupted due to network issues, and a chapter meeting was held, with discussions about who would provide breakfast and the anticipation of Mark's arrival. 

National Federation of the Blind and Prayer Requests 

Phoenix led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and discussed the mission of the National Federation of the Blind. He also led prayer requests for various personal and collective needs, including condolences for recent losses and prayers for peace during the upcoming elections. Mark shared the passing of Gus Ortiz and his brother, while Tom shared the loss of his youngest brother. Sharonda requested prayers for her 95-year-old aunt, and Rachel indicated that they would discuss the life of Ruth Swinson in an upcoming chapter meeting. 

Tribute to Ruth, Affiliate President and Advocate 

The group, led by Phoenix and Mark, paid tribute to Ruth, a former affiliate president, for her significant contributions to the organization's growth and her unwavering commitment to the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). They highlighted her role as a mentor, advocate, and lawyer, particularly in her work dealing with domestic violence. The group also corrected the chronology of the affiliate's presidents, noting that Ruth became president in 1986, lost the election to Bruce Gardner in the 1990s, but later regained the presidency in the late 1990s or early 2000s. The discussion emphasized Ruth's influence and example as a leader, and the group agreed that she will continue to inspire them. 

Phoenix Chapter Update and Finances 

The Phoenix chapter discusses honoring the late Ruth, confirms attendance for the upcoming state convention, and addresses logistical details like registration deadlines and hotel reservations. Phoenix, the chapter president, motivates members to stay dedicated to the movement. The treasurer presents the financial reports for July and August, including income, expenses, restricted funds, and the remaining balance. Discussion continues regarding expenses for the bell program lunch and picnic food reimbursement. 

National Federation of the Blind Updates & Priorities 

Phoenix led a discussion on various topics including resolving a reimbursement issue, fundraising efforts to reach a $2,000 target by year-end, highlights of the Presidential report, and the recent developments regarding website accessibility. The meeting also covered the upcoming National Convention in New Orleans, the controversy surrounding the new Barbie doll created in association with the American Foundation for the Blind, and the need for the National Federation of the Blind's perspective on the matter. Lastly, Phoenix announced a mid-Atlantic Student Seminar, the National Federation of the Blind's webinar series, a proposed $10 million increase in funding for the American Printing House, and the introduction of the Blind Americans Return to Work Act and a bill on the accessibility of autonomous vehicles. 

State Convention, Blindness Agenda, and Membership 

Phoenix emphasized the importance of their state convention, which is open to both Republicans and Democrats, in order to showcase the collective movement of the blind in Arizona and to highlight their non-partisan stance. The group also discussed their non-partisan approach to advancing the blindness agenda, highlighting the support received from politicians of different affiliations. Lastly, Vicki reported on the membership committee's activities, including new members and shifts in responsibilities, and emphasized the importance of building on the convention theme. The team also discussed the importance of mentorship in their program, and the need for members to update their contact information. 

Fundraising Strategies and Upcoming Events 

The team led by Phoenix discussed fundraising strategies for upcoming events, including a game night and the State Convention. Sharonda, who would be part of the convention planning, suggested making the game night a recurring event and emphasized the need for ample planning time. The team also prioritized safety measures due to the ongoing Covid-19 surge and discussed the integration of outreach efforts into membership efforts. Lastly, the team planned for upcoming events, including a game night and a holiday party, with a separate meeting to be held to discuss the holiday party in more detail. 

State Convention Logistics and Roles 

The team discussed the logistics of the upcoming State Convention, including hotel reservations and the organization of a tech seminar and senior division activities. Phoenix and Mark emphasized the use of a reservation link to avoid issues, while Joe announced the focus of the tech seminar on AI tools. The parent division was also strategizing for the convention and planning monthly meetings, with Phoenix inviting interested parents to join. Questions were raised about the Constitution and the roles of the Executive Leadership Committee and the Board of Directors, with Phoenix and Vicki providing clarifications. The Affiliate Board meeting was scheduled for the following Saturday. 

State Convention Details and Fundraising 

Phoenix announced that more details about the upcoming state convention and other matters would be shared in the next meeting. The convention was set for August 22-25, with registration and hotel booking information available at az.nfb.org. The group discussed the allocation of funds for the State Convention, the registration process, and the idea of a Braille book share event to be held at the National Convention. There was also a discussion about accessibility needs during events, plans for another talent show, and the need for donations for the convention. The East Valley Chapter was introduced as taking on hosting duties for the event, and members were encouraged to offer their help in return for their assistance from the previous year. 

NFB Phoenix Chapter Discusses Football Memorabilia, New Members, and Barbie Doll 

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Phoenix chapter discussed various topics including an upcoming donation of football memorabilia from former NFL player Wesley Walker, the induction of two new members, and the controversy surrounding the new Mattel Barbie doll. The team shared mixed feelings about the doll, with some seeing it as a useful tool for public education about blindness, while others criticized it for perpetuating negative stereotypes. The group decided to use the controversy as an opportunity for further discussion about blindness with the public and to continue advocating for their community. 

AI-generated content may be inaccurate or misleading. Always check for accuracy. 

Please rate the accuracy of this summary. 

 <https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/summary/feedback?meetingId=oWa0LfY3Ttu4YCySVKPO6A%3D%3D&email=bmZicGhvZW5peGNoYXB0ZXJAZ21haWwuY29t&feedback=good>  <https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/summary/feedback?meetingId=oWa0LfY3Ttu4YCySVKPO6A%3D%3D&email=bmZicGhvZW5peGNoYXB0ZXJAZ21haWwuY29t&feedback=bad> 

 <https://us02web.zoom.us/user/meeting/summary?meetingId=oWa0LfY3Ttu4YCySVKPO6A%3D%3D&summaryId=mss_9vOJptawRvauqcfYN9H8Fw&openDialog=true> Share summary  <https://us02web.zoom.us/user/meeting/summary?meetingId=oWa0LfY3Ttu4YCySVKPO6A%3D%3D&summaryId=mss_9vOJptawRvauqcfYN9H8Fw&fileId=WG0xcz4nSdSOL_tAS8LMxA> Edit 

Best, 

Zoom 

 <https://twitter.com/zoom> 

 <https://www.linkedin.com/company/zoom-video-communications/> 

 <https://blog.zoom.us/> 

+1.888.799.9666

Visit  <https://zoom.us> zoom.us 

 <https://www.google.com/maps/place/55+Almaden+Blvd,+San+Jose,+CA+95113/@37.3328541,-121.897097,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x808fcca40adf3cb7:0x5a2d33d3593e0a33!8m2!3d37.3328541!4d-121.8949083> 55 Almaden Blvd
San Jose, CA 95113 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfba-phoenix_nfbnet.org/attachments/20240804/717bd221/attachment.htm>