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

[barbaraann jones]

Thanks

On Wed, Apr 29, 2026 at 2:58 PM Sharonda Goode <s.goode1013 at gmail.com>
wrote:

> 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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