[NFBA-Phoenix] Minutes from the NFBP Meeting July 14, 2026

[Sharonda Goode]

National Federation of the Blind of Arizona

Phoenix Chapter Meeting Minutes

Date: July 14, 2026

Time: 6:32 p.m.

Location: Virtual meeting via Zoom



1. Call to Order and Welcome

President Michael Smith called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.

As an opening icebreaker, members shared one experience they especially
enjoyed from the 2026 National Convention. Highlights included the banquet
address, general sessions, resolutions, the veterans’ recognition, the
technology exhibitors showcase, youth activities, the tactile art room and
Braille book fair, fellowship with other members, and opportunities to
participate virtually.



Members also reflected on personal convention experiences, including
zip-lining, visiting an elephant sanctuary, reconnecting with Federation
friends, and seeing first-time attendees experience National Convention.



2. Attendance

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

The Chapter recited the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the NFB Pledge.

The chapter agreed to postpone reading the NFB belief statement until the
August meeting.



3. Prayer Requests and Member Support

President Smith opened us in prayer and members and guests shared
thanksgivings and prayer requests.

After a few minutes of silence, our President closed with a final prayer.



4. President’s Comments

President Smith thanked the chapter members who attended National
Convention and expressed pride in the chapter’s participation.

He shared that his first National Convention was energizing and encouraged
members to carry that enthusiasm into the upcoming Arizona State Convention.



5. Secretary’s Report

Secretary Sharonda reported that the June minutes were not yet complete due
to the demands of finishing a class. She stated that the minutes would be
completed and distributed by email.

Vicki moved to table the June minutes.

Judy seconded the motion and the vote carried unanimously.



6. Treasurer’s Report



Donna presented the treasurer’s report dated July 14, 2026. After reading
the report, she

acknowledged that previously approved National Convention donation checks
had not been issued and apologized for the oversight.



In further discussion, members noted that the $1280 from Square had not yet
been transferred to the Chapter account. This total includes $440 from
Square and $50 from PayPal for the Valentine’s event plus $790 from Square
for game night. Sharonda agreed to resend the relevant information and
contact Emily our State Treasurer, and copy Donna our Chapter Treasurer and
other chapter leadership, to clarify the Square balance and discuss the
transfer.

After the discussion, Sharonda moved to accept the treasurer’s report.

The motion was seconded and the report was accepted.



7. National and Arizona Affiliate Updates

Resolution 2026-01

Jordan provided an overview of National Resolution 2026-01 concerning Texas
v. Kennedy and challenges to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the
principles established by the Olmstead decision. He explained that the case
could affect the right of people with disabilities to receive services in
integrated community settings. The resolution was adopted early during
National Convention, and affiliate presidents from affected states
immediately and personally delivered it to the Texas Attorney General’s
office.

Members noted that the immediate action demonstrated the Federation’s
commitment to advocacy.



Rehabilitation Services Administration

Jordan reported that federal rehabilitation programs, including vocational
rehabilitation, the Business Enterprise Program, and Older Individuals Who
Are Blind services, had been moved from the U.S. Department of Education to
the Department of Health and Human Services.

Concerns were raised regarding the possibility of reduced oversight,
changes in accountability, and a return to a more medicalized view of
disability services.



Arizona Older Individuals Who Are Blind Funding

Jordan reported that Arizona increased funding for the Older Individuals
Who Are Blind Program by $150,000.

Although the increase was significantly less than requested, he noted that
the program received an increase while many other state services
experienced reductions. This suggested that advocacy letters and member
participation had an impact.

The affiliate plans to continue advocating for additional funding during
the next legislative session.



8. Arizona State Convention

The Arizona State Convention will be held August 20–23, 2026, at the
Sheraton in Tucson.

Registration is open through the affiliate website at az.nfb.org. Members
were encouraged to register early because prices will increase after August
14.



Transportation Survey

Members were reminded to complete the transportation survey as soon as
possible, even if their convention plans are not final. The affiliate will
use the responses to determine whether group transportation or a bus is
needed. Secretary Sharonda will locate and resend the transportation survey
out to everyone.



Convention Assistance

President Smith invited discussion regarding chapter assistance for members
needing help with registration, meals, or other convention-related expenses.

Sharonda moved that the chapter set aside up to $400 to assist members
attending State Convention.

The motion was seconded and the vote carried.

President Smith will coordinate with Donna and distribute information about
how and when members may request assistance.



Door Prize Contribution

Jordan moved that the chapter donate $100 for State Convention door prizes.

The motion was seconded and the vote carried.

Members were reminded to contact chapter or affiliate leadership when
businesses request the organization’s tax identification documentation.



Kimberly Fetterman, who is serving as our door prize and auction chair,
will distribute a donation-request letter. Members were encouraged to seek
donated items from businesses, restaurants, and organizations they
regularly visit.



Convention Auction

Allison shared concerns about how donated items were grouped and described
during a previous auction. Several handmade and technology items had been
bundled together and sold without all items being properly identified.

Kimberly thanked her for the feedback and stated that organization and item
descriptions would be handled more carefully this year.



9. Membership Report

Vicki reminded members that 2026 chapter dues are $5 and that

members who have not yet paid their dues should pay them before State
Convention to retain active-member privileges, which include the ability to
vote, make or second motions, serve on committees, and hold elected office.

The chapter must submit its membership list to the affiliate approximately
30 days before State Convention.



Guest Cornelius Turnage introduced himself and stated that he is exploring
both the Phoenix and East Valley chapters. He shared that he attended Saavi
in 2024 and wants to learn more about issues affecting the blind community.

Vicki welcomed Cornelius, provided her contact information, and offered to
connect him with East Valley Chapter President Homrighausen.



10. Outreach and Blind Equality Achievement Month

President Smith invited members interested in serving on the Blind Equality
Achievement Month  (BEAM) committee to contact him. Diane Taylor and
Danielle Jones had previously expressed interest.



The first committee meeting was scheduled for:

Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

President Smith stated that he has a possible activity in mind and expects
to provide additional information at the August meeting after confirming
that all participating parties remain available.



11. Fundraising Report

Sharonda invited discussion regarding future fundraising activities.

Members discussed repeating the Poppin Popcorn online fundraiser. The
fundraiser offers popcorn, candy, nuts, coffee, cookie dough, baking mixes,
soups, and other products. Members noted that purchases are shipped soon
after ordering and that supporters may also make direct donations.

The chapter receives 50 percent of the proceeds from orders and 80% of
donations.



Concerns were raised about taffy sold during National Convention becoming
difficult to unwrap after exposure to heat. Members noted that this was
likely related to transporting the product during hot weather.



Additional fundraising ideas included karaoke and a possible introductory
Mastodon class before State Convention.



Vicki moved that the chapter conduct another Poppin Popcorn fundraiser and,
if possible, continue it through the end of October.

It was seconded and the motion carried.

Sharonda will establish the fundraiser and email the ordering link and
chapter code to members.



Mastodon Workshop Idea

Allison proposed a low-cost virtual workshop teaching members how to begin
using Mastodon and follow the State Convention hashtag.

The suggested registration cost was $5. She noted that the chapter already
has Zoom access and several experienced Mastodon users who could assist.

Sharonda and Joe expressed interest and agreed to continue discussing the
idea.



12. Social Committee Report



Lori reported that no social event was held during July because the chapter
meeting was virtual. The committee will identify a location for the August
in-person meeting.



Members were also encouraged to begin considering plans for the chapter’s
Holiday Celebration. Betty noted that the previous Christmas party had low
attendance and suggested considering an event similar to the successful
Valentine’s celebration.



14. Philosophy Topic: National Convention Reflections

Members shared additional reflections from National Convention.

President Smith described his first convention as welcoming, energizing,
and similar to “coming home.” He spoke about meeting national leaders,
connecting with other blind members, attending general sessions in person,
and developing a stronger commitment to attend future conventions.

Kimberly thanked everyone who volunteered at the Arizona fundraising table
and praised their reliability and enthusiasm.



Sharonda encouraged members to follow the #NFB26 hashtag on Mastodon to
read updates from seminars, general sessions, exhibits, and other
convention events. She also shared that convention inspired her to step
into new leadership opportunities.

The chapter congratulated Sharonda on singing the Black National Anthem
during the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders meeting and on
being elected secretary of the Performing Arts Division.



Jordan reflected on the banquet message and emphasized that every member
contributes to the Federation, whether or not they are able to attend
convention in person. He described the Federation’s diversity and
collaborative advocacy as an example of how people with different
backgrounds can unite around shared goals.



Joe shared the story behind Arizona’s friendly roll-call challenge with the
Maryland delegation and noted that the exchange added energy and fellowship
to the convention.

Cornelius recalled serving as a marshal at a previous Orlando Convention.
Members thanked him and emphasized that marshaling is an important and
meaningful form of service.



15. Birthdays

The chapter recognized the following July birthdays:

Steve Castorena– July 3

Roy Stinson – July 4

Jordan Moon – July 5

Brian Delude – July 11

Kimberly Hobbs – July 18

Voin White – July 19

Philip Davis – July 21

Morgan – July 22

Macaulay Beasley – July 24



16. Announcements

East Valley Summer Party

The East Valley Chapter summer party will be held at Jim Sohl’s home which
is located at 311 West McNair Street, Chandler.

The time is from 3:00–7:00 p.m.

The event will not include swimming because the pool is being renovated.



Phoenix Chapter Board Meeting

The Phoenix Chapter Board meets at 7:00 p.m. on the Thursday before each
chapter meeting. Board meetings are open to members and the public and use
the regular Phoenix Chapter Zoom link.



Membership Committee Meeting

The Membership Committee meets at 7:00 p.m. on the Tuesday before each
chapter meeting using the Phoenix Chapter Zoom link.



Affiliate Board Meeting

The next Arizona Affiliate Board meeting will be held Saturday, August 8,
2026, at 9:30 a.m.



Next Chapter Meeting

The next Phoenix Chapter meeting will be held August 1, 2026.



17. Adjournment

President Smith thanked everyone for attending and participating.

Following all announcements, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.



Respectfully submitted,

Sharonda Goode

Secretary | NFBA Phoenix Chapter

Secretary | NFB Arizona Affiliate

Secretary | NFB Performing Arts Division
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