[NFBA-Phoenix] Minutes of 4-4-2025 Meeting

[Sharonda Goode]

*National Federation of the Blind*

*Phoenix Chapter Meeting Minutes for*

April 4, 2025

Location: Virtual (over Zoom)



The meeting over Zoom began at 9:35 a.m.

Approximately 17 members and guests were in attendance.

Both the Pledge of Allegiance and the NFB pledge were recited. Members
shared prayer requests, and President Michael Smith led the group in prayer.



*Secretary’s Report*
Sharonda read the report. Vicki moved, and Joe seconded. With no further
discussion, the minutes were adopted as read.



*Treasurer’s Report*
Donna presented the treasurer’s report.
The coffee fundraiser raised $491. Donna proposed sharing $245 with the
affiliate. Betty motioned to give $250 to the affiliate, and Sharonda
seconded. Vicki noted that this motion is a formality under affiliate
policy. Donna explained that if the affiliate sees the funds will help
members attend convention, we are often allowed to keep the money.

Beasley suggested looking into a debit card for the chapter. Vicki
clarified that game night income is not subject to the 50/50 policy. Donna
reported she had not received the $30 sent through Square; Sharonda will
follow up with Joanne to ensure the funds are deposited. During the
meeting, Sharonda also sent Donna the $250 collected from the March game
night.



*President’s Comments*
President Smith expressed his excitement for strong attendance at next
week’s picnic.



*National and Affiliate Updates*
Registration for the National Convention is now open, with a $25
registration fee. Members were encouraged to book hotel accommodations
soon; the Marriott is the main hotel, with the Sheraton as the overflow.
Betty shared the registration link: NFB.org/convention.
No affiliate updates were reported.



*Legislative Report*
Amy, Kim, and several seniors attended the hearing for SB1130 (the ILB
funding bill), which is now in negotiations. Jordan encouraged members to
continue calling legislators to ask for co-sponsorship.



The Presidential Release was played during the meeting.
Advocacy updates included:

   - HR1529, the Accessible Technology Affordability Act, now has 15
   co-sponsors. Members were encouraged to continue advocacy efforts.
   - The Texas vs. Kennedy case poses a threat to protections under Section
   504. Members in the 17 states involved were urged to advocate against the
   lawsuit, and members in other states were encouraged to reach out and ask
   those states to withdraw.

President Smith reminded everyone of the upcoming deadlines:

   - State scholarship applications are due May 31.
   - Jernigan Scholarship applications for first-time convention attendees
   are due April 15.



*Committee Reports*

*Membership* (Monica)
Beverly Smith, Kevin James, and Justin Pierce expressed interest in joining
the chapter. A motion to welcome them was made by Sharonda and seconded by
Monica. The new member ceremony was postponed for the May meeting.

*Outreach*
Joe, Monica, Beasley, and Sharonda shared their experiences using the
OneCourt device, which will soon be available for purchase. The devices
will be accessible for basketball, baseball, football, and hockey. Suns
fans can request them at guest services.

*Fundraising*
No report was given. The picnic raffle will feature three prizes.

*Social Committee* (Lori)
Game night raised $300. Plans are underway for a karaoke event in May at
Ain’t Nick’s Tavern, 6840 N 27th Ave, Phoenix (602-242-2345).

Joy made a motion to allocate $75 for the BELL program; after discussion,
the amount was increased to $100. Sharonda and Betty seconded.

*Transportation Updates* (Monica)
Dial-a-Ride accounts will now auto-renew. Justin reported that RideChoice
will expand starting in July. To get on the waitlist, call 602-716-2200.



*PAC Plan*
No updates were provided.



*Philosophy Discussion*
Mike shared song lyrics: “Don’t look back; move forward; find something you
can move towards; don’t look back,” and asked members to reflect on how
these words relate to Federation work.





*Announcements*

   - *SkillsUp* is a 12-week training program for college students. Contact
   Beasley for details.
   - *BELL* is a two-week day program for preschool through eighth grade,
   focused on Braille and other skills, with strong blind leadership and
   mentorship.



*Adjournment*
The meeting was adjourned at 12:16 p.m.


Respectfully Submitted,

Sharonda Goode, Secretary
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