[NFBA-Phoenix] October 2024 National Federation of the Blind of Phoenix Chapter Business Meeting Minutes

Sat Nov 2 15:57:34 UTC 2024

National Federation of the Blind of Phoenix Chapter Business Meeting Minutes

Sat., October 5, 2024 9:30 AM

Location - Hybrid 

In-person at Saavi Services for the Blind, Phoenix

Virtual over zoom

Minutes

Call to order at 9:33 AM

Jordan Moon, President called the meeting to order with 20 members and 5
guests in attendance.

Jordan led the group in the pledge of allegiance and NFB pledge. Prayer
requests were shared. 

During the Presidential Report, Jordan asked us to reflect on how you want
to live your life and to remember our song "Live the Life You Want." Keep up
the great Federation work.

Secretary's Report Rachel Kuntz, Secretary

*	Sharonda Goode moved to table July and August minutes until
available. Michael Smith, 1st Vice President, seconded. Motion carried.
*	Macaulay Beasley moved to accept September minutes as read. Michael
S. Seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report, Donna Silba, Treasurer

*	Michael S. Moved to accept the October Treasurers Report as read.
Sharonda Seconded. Motion carried.

Donna requested that we send her a note when we make a contribution to the
chapter. If sending funds through Zell locate the correct donna Silba by
using her email address within the Zell application. 

Jordan will work with the Affiliate board to resolve the chapter membership
payment page language on our AZ website that does not indicate that new
members must be voted in and that the Treasurer is notified of payment of
chapter dues. 

National & Arizona Affiliate Updates

Presidential Release: Chapter Version. This will be held during meetings
moving forward. National President Mark Riccobono shared historical context
of the NFB Pledge. He encouraged all chapters to recite it in their meetings
and commit to its meaning in all that we do. He also read the revised NFB
belief statement. New cards with these details are available.

Sharonda moved to purchase two sets of 50 cards for a total of $40. Kurt
Pare Seconded. Motion carried.

Legislative: Affiliate /National

Jordan reports that the Arizona affiliate will come together to honor
Congressman Greg Stanton for his support of our accessible autonomous
vehicle legislation. Stay tuned for the event details. 

Get registered to vote in the general election. Attend the upcoming voting
machine presentation and interview with Rinaldo Fouler regarding voting
rights access at Saavi Phoenix.

Vote yes on Prop 479 which is a renewal of the Half cent sales tax funding
transportation projects/programs such as paira-transit. 

Jordan reminded us that regardless of the general election outcome we work
to garner support for our issues across all party lines.

Chapter Committee Reports

Membership: Vicki Farley, Chair 

Alison and Daryle Hilliker introduced themselves and announced they are
ready to make Phoenix Chapter Membership official. Their membership in the
organization dates back to childhood. Their children are also active
members. Daryle and daughter are planning to attend the ride share
rally/protest in San Francisco this month. 

Two other guests introduced themselves, Rhonda, and Travis.

Vicki reported that committee members are reaching out to everyone to
provide reminders of the meetings each month and to gather the details
needed for the national database. 

Vicki noted that we have been reciting the NFB pledge in our business
meetings since 2004.

Outreach: Vicki Farley, Chair

BEAM (Blind Equity Achievement Month events were reviewed. They include
First Friday downtown Phoenix, Talking Book Library Newsline presentation,
Phoenix Mayors Proclamation, White Cane Day at the VA, and Game Night at
Saavi. 

Vicki asked if we remember to get photos when attending events.

A report on the planning progress for Game Night by Sharonda, Coordinator
was provided. She invited people to attend the next meeting and volunteer.

Roy Stinson invited us to join the Blind Veterans division. Reach out to him
for more information at 440-785-7587 or  <mailto:bigroy7447 at gmail.com>
bigroy7447 at gmail.com. 

Fundraising: Betty Love, Chair.

Betty reported that the Driven Coffee Fundraiser will end October 7. She
asked that we get people to give outside of the federation. The campaign is
going well and special thanks to new member Dee Herron for getting many of
her friends and family to purchase coffee. 

Betty is giving away a prize. It will be drawn from the names of those
members who let her know of their donation or their referral's donations.

Social: Lori Kirsop, Chair 

Lori reported that The Christmas party will be Saturday December 14 from 4
to 7 PM at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Phoenix. They are preparing the
agreement. Gratuity is a separate amount that will be assessed to the bill.
One bill will be created and paid in full at the event. A fee for the third
hour of the event in the amount of $75 is required up front to reserve the
private room. The meals will include a small dessert, entre, and a
non-alcohol drink. 

Lori noted that the final cost will depend on the entrees that we select but
a rough estimate of $37 to $38 per person is needed to enjoy the meal. Betty
helped to determine this estimate based on their menu pricing. 

Jordan suggested that we plan for about $40 per person.

Lori will provide the final estimate for members at the November meeting.

Prepare to prepare for your meal by the December meeting. 

Macaulay moved to allocate $75 to reserve the third hour of the party at the
Olde Spaghetti Factory. Sharonda seconded. Motion carried.

Nominating Committee Report: Mike Smith, Chair

Committee members were Donna S., Macaulay, and Rachel.

Michael submitted the following slate President Joe Goode, 1st Vice
President Michael Smith, 2nd Vice President Macaulay Beasley, Treasure Donna
Silba, Board Seats 1 Vicki Farley, and Board Seat 2 Tom Johnson. The
Secretary position had no members who submitted or expressed direct interest
prior to finalizing the report.

Vicki moved to accept the report. Betty seconded. Motion Carried.

Jordan noted that all parties must be Present to run, can't nominate
yourself, and he encouraged members to come in person for a smoother
election process. He promised to provide doughnuts for those in-person. 

Jordan skipped affiliate and division reports in the interest of time. Send
updates if any to the listserv.

New Business

All are welcome to attend the Chapter Board Meeting to set the agenda for
the chapter business meeting. 

Chapter Election was further discussed:

*	Election is held during November business meeting, must be a member
in good standing attending the meeting either in-person or over Zoom to
vote. Open positions and election process.

VRATE November 1 at ability 360 register at vrate.org and Volunteers Needed,
contact Cindy Garfio, Co-Chair at  <mailto:volunteers at vrate.org>
volunteers at vrate.org 

Affiliate quarterly board meeting November 9, 2024 at 9:30 AM, Location TBD

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan 20- Chapter participation in Maricopa Event
and the Phoenix seminar the same week.

Washington Seminar in Feb 

Philosophy Discussion: Blind Equality Achievement Month was discussed, and
Jordan shared his perspective on the importance of educating the public.

New Member Ceremony

Alison and Daryle Hilliker and their daughters pledged to join. 

Jordan read The NFB Pledge and then it was affirmed by Alison and Daryle
with one objection from a five year old comedian.

Michael S. moved to accept Alison and Daryle Hilliker as members of the
Phoenix Chapter. Vicki seconded. Motion carried.

The NFB One-Minute Message was recited by the chapter.

No Birthdays/Anniversaries were announced.

Many moved to Adjourn. The motion carried.

Lunch was held at Flower Child coordinated by Ms. Shaffer an Associate
Member.

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