[NFBA-Phoenix] Phoenix Chapter Meeting Minutes from April 11, 2026

[Sharonda Goode]

The following minutes are from our April 11, 2026 meeting.


National Federation of the Blind of Arizona – Phoenix Chapter

Meeting Minutes

Date: April 11, 2026



The meeting was called to order at approximately 9:36 AM by President
Michael Smith.

We began with roll call, with members joining both by phone and online. A
quorum was confirmed.

We began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the NFB Pledge.

The NFB Belief Statement was read by First Vice President Joe Good. We were
reminded by President Smith  everyone how important it is for all of us to
learn the belief statement, since it reflects what we stand for as an
organization. He also mentioned that members may be called on in future
meetings to read it.



President Smith briefly reviewed a few housekeeping guidelines for the
meeting:

* Please stay muted unless you’re speaking

* Say your name before speaking

* Wait to be recognized before jumping in

This helps keep the meeting organized and respectful for everyone.



President Smith opened us in prayer and then opened the floor for requests.

Members shared requests for personal and health concerns, as well as
prayers for the Stem2U program as well as prayers for chapter growth.

We closed with a final prayer.



President’s Remarks

Our President shared that he was very proud of the chapter, especially
highlighting the recent picnic.

He mentioned how great it was to see so many people show up and
participate, and that it’s a tradition we’ll likely continue in the coming
years.



Secretary’s Report – Sharonda Goode

Sharonda had an excused absence. She had also given notification that the
minutes for March were not yet available, but she would insure that they
were posted via email.

Joe motion to table the minutes. Vicki seconded. The motion passed.



Treasurer’s Report – Donna Silba

Donna presented the treasurer’s report. During her report, she noted that
some funds from PayPal and Square have not yet been received and she will
be following up to resolve that

After discussion Vicki motioned and it was seconded that the report be
approved. The motion passed.


National Update

The Presidential Release was played by Joe.

Key points included:

* The National Convention in Austin is approaching, and although the main
hotel is full, overflow hotels are available nearby

* Chapters are encouraged to use the Braille Monitor as a discussion tool

* There is a serious concern about threats to Section 504, which protects
disability rights

We were reminded concerning

* The importance of advocacy

* Preserving our history and documenting our work



Legislative Report – Jordan Moon

Because of Jordan’s excused absence, President Smith shared updates.

* SB 1001 (Older Blind Program funding)** is moving forward

The progress so far is largely thanks to member advocacy through calls,
emails, and outreach



National efforts continue around the following legislation:

* Accessible technology

* Employment for blind Americans

* Accessible voting

Members were encouraged to review the detailed email Jordan sent out and
reach out to him with questions.



Scholarship Committee – Vicki Farley

Vicki shared details about the State Scholarships offered:

There are three scholarships available for ($1,200 each)

The deadline may be extended to June 30.

Plans are in progress to host a Q&A session for applicants as well as
improve communication and outreach to potential applicants.



Phoenix Chapter Committee Reports

Membership – Vicki Farley

Vicki welcomed Sarah Patnaude and Diane Taylor to the membership committee.

She also Reminded members to pay their 2026 dues and to follow up with an
email when payment is submitted.

As the National Convention is upcoming, Vicki notified us to look out for
the “Rookie Roundup” session** to help first-time convention attendees feel
more comfortable while attending Convention.



Fundraising – Sharonda Goode

Upon Sharonda’s absence, Richard shared that the committee is planning
another game night fundraiser. We will meet soon to organize this event,
and members are encouraged to participate.



Social Committee – Lori Kirsop

Lori gave a recap of the recent picnic event. She stated that about 35
people were in attendance and overall, it was a great success.

Feedback from chapter members included:

* The location was nice, but hard to find

* Suggestion to add signage or better navigation next time

Lastly, the after meeting lunch was announced. The restaurant was Bobby-Q’s.



New Business

The Leadership Series

President Smith introduced a new series focused on explaining board
positions and responsibilities ahead of upcoming elections. This series is
meant to give people a look into the duties and responsibilities of each
leadership role in the chapter, hopefully encouraging members to step up
for nominations.

This month’s focus was the President, First Vice President, and the Second
Vice President.

Key points discussed included:

* Leadership requires responsibility, communication, and thoughtful
decision-making

* Leaders should be approachable and willing to ask for help

* Delegation is important—you don’t have to do everything alone

* Members are encouraged to consider running if they’re interested

Several members shared personal experiences about leadership and what it
involves.



Philosophy Discussion

This month’s topic was How do we make the “Federation family” a real, lived
experience?

This led to a very open and thoughtful discussion band garnered great
participation from many members.

Key ideas shared were:

* We need more connection outside of meetings—social events help build
relationships

* One-on-one outreach (calls, texts, check-ins) can make a big difference

* New members need more intentional follow-up and inclusion

* At events, people tend to stay in small groups—there should be ways to
encourage more mixing

Communication challenges:

* Some members feel discouraged when they don’t get responses

* Others shared that different people prefer different communication
methods (calls vs. text vs. email)

Recommendations included:

* Ask members their preferred communication style

* Divide outreach responsibilities among teams

* Create more structured networking opportunities at events

Important takeaway:

While the Membership Committee will be discussing these things, engagement
is a two-way street—members are encouraged to take initiative to reach out
as well to each other.

This was a very honest and productive conversation about how to strengthen
the chapter.



Announcements, Birthdays, & Anniversaries

* Chapter Board meetings take place the Thursday before each chapter
meeting at 7 PM

* Chapter Membership committee happens the Tuesday before each meeting at 7
PM

* the Affiliate board meeting will be Saturday, May 9



Birthdays

We recognized and sang to the following members who had April birthdays:

* Moreblessings Chikavanga

* Donald Porterfield

* Cody Beardsley

* Andre Romero

* Brad Khun



Adjournment

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with appreciation expressed for
everyone’s participation.
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