[NFBA-Phoenix] November 2024 NFB of Phoenix Chapter Business Meeting Minutes

Sat Dec 7 04:31:33 UTC 2024

National Federation of the Blind of Phoenix Chapter Business Meeting Minutes

Part 1: Sat., November 2, 2024 9:30 AM

Location: Virtual over Zoom and at Saavi Services for the Blind, Phoenix

Part 2: Thu., November 7, 2024 6:30 PM

Location Virtual over Zoom

Part 1 Minutes

Jordan Moon, President, called the meeting to order Sat. Nov. 2 at 9:31 AM

26 members and 5 guests were in attendance. Affiliate President. Donald
Porterfield was also in attendance.

Jordan led the group in the pledge of allegiance and NFB pledge. Prayer
requests were shared. a moment of silence was held.

Jordan provided a brief Presidential Report. Congratulations go out to us on
the strength of our chapter and the work done during BEAM. He looks forward
to more important things happening under the new leadership. The end goal is
to change what it means to be blind. We are doing that with our work.

Secretary's Report Rachel Kuntz 

Business Meeting Minutes, October 2024

Michael Smith Moved to accept the October report. Joe Goode seconded. The
motion carried.

Treasurer's Report Donna Silba

November 2024

Sharonda Goode Moved to accept the November report. Rachel Kuntz seconded.
The motion carried.

Chapter Committee Reports

Membership: Vicki Farley, Chair 

Vicki reported that dues for 2025 are due at the beginning of the year.

A new member ceremony was held for Hadassa Benson. 

Macaulay Beasley Moved to accept Hadassa Benson as a member. Sharonda
seconded. The motion carried.

Sharonda Moved to make Hadassa Benson eligible to vote in the election. Joy
Harris seconded. The motion carried.

Chapter Election

Election Moderators were:

Jordan Moon Chair

Michael Smith, in-person support

Rachel Kuntz, widespread support

Mark Feliz, President East Valley Chapter, Vote by Phone/text support 

Monica Nunez, in-person support

Steven Castorena, in-person support

Jordan reviewed the voting guidelines.

Rachel reviewed the active members in good standing who were present. 

Jordan conducted the election with the exception of the second board seat
since he was nominated to run from the floor for the position. Michael ran
the election of the second board seat. 

Election Results:

President, Michael Smith

1st Vice President: Macaulay Beasley

2nd Vice President: Joe Goode

Secretary: Sharonda Goode

Treasurer: Donna Silba

Board Seat 1: Vicki Farley

Board Seat 2: Jordan Moon

Jordan thanked the chapter for their patience and a positive voting process.
He also thanked Mark Feliz for his help with the election. Jordan
appreciated the contributions made by the outgoing board and welcomed the
new board.

Cindy Garfio moved to continue the November meeting on Thursday Nov 7 at
7:00 PM over zoom. Sharonda seconded. The motion carried.

Members met at Zen Burger following the meeting.

Part 2 Minutes

Michael Smith, President Elect, Called the meeting to order Thursday, Nov.
7, 2024 at 7:08 PM.

There were 14 members in attendance.

Jordan Moon mentioned that the number is fluctuating, and we need 14 to have
a quorum for voting purposes. If there are any concerns about this later we
can always hold another vote.

Michael led the group in the pledge of allegiance and NFB pledge. 

National & Affiliate Updates

The November 2024 Chapter Presidential Release by National President Mark
Riccobono was played. He asked that chapters consider submitting a video
talking about a federation event that has shaped you and what you are
looking forward to doing as a chapter to celebrate the anniversary of the
National Federation of the Blind. The Kernel books are still a notable
example of the way people can learn about our history and experiences.
Submit your own story to be used in media outlets. 

Macaulay Beasley suggested including the link to the chapter presidential
release in the agenda.

Legislative: Affiliate /National

Michael hoped everyone took the opportunity to vote in the general election.
The transportation funding renewal, Prop 479 passed by large margins. 

Michael mentioned that he attended the Ability 360 fundraiser as a guest of
Waymo. He mingled with leaders from many non-profits including the mayor. He
shared the federation philosophy with those he talked with.

Amanda Ventura of Waymo passed along that she had a fun time at our
convention.

Jordan noted that we look forward to collaborating with all elected leaders
no matter the results of the general election.

Chapter Committee Reports

Fundraising: Betty Love, Chair

Betty reported that the coffee fundraiser raised $491 and changed. She will
check on the location of the check. She reports that Cheryl Susunkewa is
generously donating auction items for the Christmas Party. 

Outreach: Michael Smith, Chair

Michael listed the great activities held throughout November to celebrate
BEAM. 

Macaulay plans to purchase two sets of the new one minute message cards from
National. The chapter will reimburse this purchase.

Game Night Report: Sharonda Goode, Coordinator

Game night raised a total of $1147. The details will be reflected in the
December Treasurers report.

Betty Moved to hold a quarterly game night/social get together to strengthen
the chapter. Macaulay seconded. The motion carried.

Sharonda thanked the team for making the event possible. There was lots of
food and games. Over 50 people attended. The parents' division wants to team
up next time.

Evette Alowonle and her family attended. She reports that they had a fun
time and that their experience with the blind community had a positive
impact. It was their first time, and they were impressed with the way things
went.

Social: Lori Kirsop, Chair

Christmas Party Report: the Old spaghetti Factory has our reservation on
December 14 from 4 PM to 7 PM. The cost will be $40 per person not including
alcohol. She suggests bringing cash to pay for your meal. A meeting will be
held this month to finalize the remaining details such as the auction, gift
exchange, etc.

Affiliate Division updates.

No reports were provided for the AZ Association of Blind Students, Merchants
Division, Parents of Blind Children Division, and Senior Division.

Technology Committee: Joe Goode, Chair, is planning a seminar about AI. A
meeting is coming up to determine the details. Sharonda Co-Chair reports
that they are expanding on the concepts of the technology seminar from
convention.

New Business

Rodney Fletcher shared his story of a ten month long fight to get his
wheelchair back in use in his assisted living community. He has been
advocating for his rights including contacting all levels of government.

Recently had one important victory, in that he does have his wheelchair. The
challenge now is that he has been told by the facility that he cannot use
the cane with the wheelchair citing safety hazards for staff and residents.

Jordan reminded us of all that while this is a victory in one sense, the
facility is still denying Rodney's rights under the ADA. He encouraged the
coordination of small group visits to the facility to promote blindness and
our rights. He has asked Rodney and Michael to coordinate dates that work in
their schedule and keep track of the members attending on those dates. They
will report back with the details and next action steps.

Betty says we need to show up to make sure they know we are going to be
there for Rodney over and above the current challenge.

All are welcome to the Chapter Board Meeting. The purpose is to set the
agenda for the chapter business meeting.  Takes place Thursday evening
before the Saturday chapter business meeting. 

General Election - Voting

Several members shared their experiences voting. Cheryl and others mentioned
the difficulties in having a consistent signature. Members mentioned that
in-person voting went smoothly.

Michael described using a Braille ballot for the first time.

Sharonda mentioned that she will send out the details of how to request
different accessible options for voting.

Macaulay noted that he will make arrangements for our participation in the
Martin Luther King Jr. Day event at Margaret T Hans Park on Jan 20.

Plan to attend the Phoenix seminar Jan 21 and Washington Seminar Feb 3-4

Jordan offered his thoughts on serving as President during the philosophy
discussion. He asked us all to remember the why. We are all responsible for
helping the movement grow. He is excited for the future. 

Michael thanked Jordan for his encouragement and mentoring that has led to
the growth of the chapter. He noted that the future looks bright for Jordan.

There was No New Member Ceremony.

Announcements 

Betty mentioned that her Michael has a birthday this month and to think of
him as he continues cancer treatment.

Cheryl invited people to the ornament event at the Heard Museum. 

Lori mentioned that there will be a senior event at FBC to celebrate the
holidays.

Many members voted to adjourn.

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