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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Phoenix Chapter business meeting Minutes <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sep 07, 2024 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In-person at Saavi Phoenix and virtual on Zoom.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Call to order at 9:30 AM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jordan Moon, President called the meeting to order. There were eighteen members and four guests in attendance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jordan led the group in the pledge of allegiance and NFB pledge. Prayer requests were shared. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jordan gave a chapter update. He proposed inviting a representative from the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office to discuss general election voting options. Members discussed the importance of active engagement and fundraising to support community growth and national convention participation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Secretary’s Report Rachel Kuntz, July, and August 2024. Sharonda Goode moved to postpone the secretary’s July and August report to October. Vicki Farley seconded. The motion carried.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Treasurer’s Report, Donna Silba, September 2024. Sharonda moved to accept the report as read. Mike Smith seconded. The motion carried.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Donna noted that the check written to Saavi for the 2024 chapter picnic has not cleared and recommended that a new check be sent. Jordan agreed and they planned to connect post meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Guest Speaker Christine Tuttle, Outreach Librarian, Topics Talking Book Library, and its services. Christine shared her experience in the library sector and her family's history of blindness and deafness. She discussed the current state of the library, mentioning that they are fully staffed and are not hiring new employees because of the state hiring freeze. Christine also mentioned that they are part of the Marrakesh Treaty, which aims to increase the availability of books in different languages, and that they will be offering more Braille books in the next fiscal year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She explained the application process for the Arizona Talking Book Library, which includes options for schools, organizations, and individuals. Christine highlighted the need for volunteers who live and work within their community, emphasizing the value of personal interaction. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National & Arizona Affiliate Updates<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Presidential Release Recap: September, 2024.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jordan reported upcoming changes in chapter meetings, including a condensed version of the Presidential release and the second cohort of the Kenneth Jernigan Leadership and Service program. He also addressed the issue of rideshare companies denying service to blind passengers with service animals, encouraging members to attend a protest in San Francisco on October 15th. Jordan emphasized the importance of reporting denials to the Department of Justice and the National Federation of the Blind. He also discussed advocacy efforts for better accessibility in transportation services and the ongoing Paralympics. Jordan highlighted the new partnership between NFB President Mark Riccobono and Jonathan Mosen, who won the Jacob Bolotin Award at the National Convention. He recommended listening to Jonathan Mosen's interview on the latest episode of Living Blindfully. Jordan noted the upcoming national virtual career fair and the Midwestern student seminar. He emphasized the importance of voting in the upcoming general election and encouraged everyone to register to vote.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chapter Committee Reports<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Membership: Vicki Farley, Chair, discussed efforts to maintain connection with members. She thanked committee members who volunteered to call members about meetings and events. Vicki also mentioned the importance of collecting demographic information for the National Office. She expressed gratitude to Tanna Bielinski for making Braille copies of the membership roster. Lastly, she mentioned that the Hilliker family, have paid dues over PayPal and are joining the chapter. Vicki discussed welcoming Alison and Daryl as new members, but their formal induction ceremony was postponed as they were not in attendance. Jordan thanked Vicki for her leadership in a successful membership meeting. Vicki reminded members about paying dues through various methods and confirming payment via email. Donald Porterfield, Affiliate President emphasized the importance of protecting the privacy of members and not sharing their contact information outside of the organization without permission. He warned that doing so would be a code of conduct violation. Vicki and Jordan agreed and noted that they along with the secretary have and continue to follow this policy. Jordan suggested the addition of a disclaimer in emails to protect privacy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A membership committee meeting was scheduled for September 24<sup>th</sup>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Outreach: Vicki Farley, Chair, provided a Blind Equity Achievement Month Update.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Outreach activities planned for BEAM were noted including a White Cane Awareness proclamation, a game night coordinated by Sharonda, and a NFB Newsline presentation in collaboration with Arizona Talking Book Library. The team also agreed to participate in the Phoenix 1st Friday event in October, with plans to meet at 6 PM and invite members from other chapters and presenting at A Veterans Administration's White Cane Day event on October 24th, which will have both in-person and virtual components. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fundraising: Betty Love, Chair, reported on the Driven Coffee Fundraiser. Jordan proposed extending the coffee fundraiser to the end of the month or even October. Betty discussed how to navigate the website for ordering coffee and snacks, with 40% of the proceeds going to NFB Phoenix. Betty clarified the importance of including the group name NFB Phoenix when ordering. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Betty discussed recent activities and plans for reaching out to potential donors and supporters. She ended with a call to action for everyone to reach out to ten potential donors and supporters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Macaulay Beasley is working on a connection with Walmart to have a table for outreach and fundraising. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jordan asked that the Social Committee Chair Lori Kirsop hold the annual Christmas party report until the next meeting in the interest of time and Lori agreed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Arizona Affiliate Committee and Division updates<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>election results for the Senior and Parents Division were announced. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>New Business<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chapter Election Discussion <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jordan introduced the nominating committee which is Chaired by Mike S and has three voting members, Donna, Rachel, and Macaulay. Mike is a non-voting member. Jordan encouraged members to run for positions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jordan emphasized the importance of volunteering at the VRATE event and interacting with new blind people. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During Philosophy, members shared their personal experience of attending the national and affiliate conventions and how they impacted their lives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jordan noted the upcoming State convention, affiliate board meeting, Martin Luther King Day event, and Washington Seminar. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>No perspective members were present.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The chapter recited the NFB One-Minute message.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Members expressed well wishes for those celebrating Birthdays/Anniversaries in September.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The chapter moved to adjourn at 12:30 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lunch: IHOP <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>