<div dir="ltr">Hello NFB Phoenix chapter and friends,<div>Below you will find the minutes from our last meeting on September 5, 2026. </div><div>In addition, today, you'll have the agenda for our upcoming meeting this Saturday, October 3, 2026.</div><div>We will be going to Oregano's after our meeting, so I hope we have a great turnout to enjoy delicious food!</div><div>The 9/2/2026 minutes are below:</div><div><br></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><b>National Federation of the Blind of Arizona</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 12pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><b>Phoenix Chapter Meeting
Minutes</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Date: September 5, 2026</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Location: Both in person and on Zoom</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </p>
<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">1. Call to Order and Welcome</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">President Michael Smith called
the meeting to order at 9:33 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the Phoenix
Chapter\u2019s September business meeting. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </p>
<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">2. Roll Call</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">President Smith took roll,
starting with those gathered in person at Saavi and then moving to those
joining on Zoom. Members and guests participated both in person and online, and
additional members and guests joined as the meeting went on.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </p>
<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">3. Pledges and Belief Statement</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The chapter recited the Pledge
of Allegiance, followed by the NFB pledge. Secretary Sharonda Goode then read
the NFB belief statement, and several members recited as well.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </p>
<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">4. Prayer Requests</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">President Smith opened in
prayer, giving thanks for bringing the chapter together and for a wonderful
state convention, and asking for continued blessings on the chapter. The floor
was then opened for prayer requests. Members lifted up those affected by natural
disasters in Tibet, Nepal, and around the world, family members facing health
concerns, and wisdom and stamina for members returning to school. President
Smith closed the prayer by asking that the chapter be honored and blessed in
all that it does going forward.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </p>
<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">5. Presidential Comments</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">President Smith shared how proud
he was of the Phoenix Chapter at state convention: \u201cWe showed up.\u201d He thanked
everyone who helped staff the chapter\u2019s popcorn table and everyone who bought
popcorn, and said it was a very fun convention. He noted that the chapter now
looks ahead to October and Blind Equality Achievement Month (BEAM), with more
details to come later in the meeting.</p>
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<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">6. Secretary\u2019s Report</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Secretary Sharonda Goode read
the minutes of the August 1, 2026, business meeting. Monica moved to accept the
secretary\u2019s report; Cheryl seconded and the motion carried.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">During discussion, Lori followed
up on the Emanuel Caddy memorial. Thanks to Cindy Garfio, who contacted ACBVI,
the chapter learned that ACBVI is no longer offering memorial paver bricks, so
that plan can no longer move forward. Sharonda shared some background for newer
members: after Emanuel\u2019s passing, his family asked that, rather than giving
money to the family, the chapter direct funds toward a blindness-related cause.
She suggested that returning the $70 currently set aside to the chapter\u2019s
account would be in keeping with the family\u2019s wishes. Teresa suggested a
friendship bench as a possible alternative, though it was noted this would cost
considerably more than $70. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The chapter agreed to save this
for a later discussion.</p>
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<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">7. Guest Presentation \u2013 Lumen</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">With the President\u2019s approval,
the agenda was adjusted so that the chapter could hear from our guest speaker
in order to respect his time. Joe Goode introduced Pat Quinn and developer
Sriram Ganesh of Lumen, an iPhone app that lets users read, reply to, and send
email simply by talking to it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Sriram, an engineer based in San
Francisco, shared how his own experience with vision loss, and how hard it
became to read text on screens and in the world around him, led him to build a
tool that could help both himself and the wider blind community. Lumen was
designed accessibility-first: it is VoiceOver friendly and has just two
buttons, one to connect and talk to Lumen and one to manage accounts. The app
launched about two months ago at the NFB National Convention in Austin, Texas,
has passed 700 users, and is currently free. The team asks only for feedback in
return.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">During a live demonstration,
Lumen summarized and prioritized unread email, described a photo attachment,
drafted and sent replies by voice, summarized an attached Word document, and
switched between several voice options. Joe added that he has used Lumen to
open a spreadsheet, pull out only his own class schedule, and email it to
himself, and he offered to help any members who want to get started.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Questions and answers included:</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Vicki Farley asked about attaching files. Lumen can
currently read PDFs, images, PowerPoint slides, and Excel sheets, and the
ability to attach files is coming soon.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Mark Felice asked whether Lumen helps with restaurant
menus. Sriram said he photographs the menu and sends it to himself, and Lumen
recommends dishes based on his preferences.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Mark also asked about BlindShell phones for seniors who
don\u2019t use touchscreens. The team started with the iPhone to stay focused, but
plans to expand to other platforms, including eventually calling Lumen by
phone, and intends to reach BlindShell as well.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Kimberly Fetterman expressed interest in a presentation
for seniors; Pat will follow up with her through Joe.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Guest Jim Barber offered to connect the Lumen team with
the NFB San Francisco chapter.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Judy Clark asked about an Android release date. There
is no date yet, but it is on the roadmap. Support for Microsoft Outlook is the
next major feature coming.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The website is <a href="http://trylumin.ai">trylumin.ai</a>, and
the team can be reached at <a href="mailto:hello@luminade.ai">hello@luminade.ai</a> or <a href="mailto:pat@luminade.ai">pat@luminade.ai</a>. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">President Smith thanked Pat and
Sriram for the demonstration, wished them great success, and gave a shout-out
to Joe Goode for inviting them.</p>
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<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">8. Treasurer\u2019s Report</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Treasurer Donna Silba gave her report.
Monica moved to accept the treasurer\u2019s report; Joe Goode seconded, and the
motion carried. Donna also noted that any dues paid from this point forward
will be applied to 2027.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </p>
<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">9. Presidential Release #563</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Joe Goode played Presidential
Release #563 from NFB President Mark Riccobono, dated August 27, 2026.
President Riccobono used the release to walk through how the Federation is
structured. Our national organization brings together one affiliate from each state,
the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Each affiliate is an independent
501(c)(3) bound by Federation policy, and chapters exist because the state
affiliate authorizes them and relies on them to carry out its programs locally.
He pushed back on the idea that the NFB is \u201ctop-down,\u201d reminding members that
we set the direction through our conventions and elect the leaders who carry it
out. His call to action was to take part in fall affiliate conventions, respect
the will of the majority, and bring what we learn back to our chapters,
especially for newer members. </p>
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<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">10. Legislative Report</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Jordan Moon was unable to attend
and had planned to email his report; since it had not been received, there was
no legislative report this month.</p>
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<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">11. State and Division Updates</h1>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span><b>Seniors Division: </b>Kimberly Fetterman reported
that the Seniors Division has adopted its constitution and elected a new board:
Kimberly Fetterman, President; Mark Felice, Vice President; Sharonda Goode,
Treasurer; Teresa Maresco, Secretary; and Cheryl and Monica Nunez as board
members. The division meets in person at Saavi on the first Friday of each
month from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with a Zoom option available. Everyone is
welcome.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span><b>Parents of Blind Children Division: </b>Newly
elected board member Diane Taylor deferred the report, and Ashley Moon shared
on the division\u2019s behalf. The division plans to meet twice a month on Zoom,
with announcements coming soon, and is planning an October event and a
Thanksgiving or holiday get-together.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span><b>Tech Seminar Wrap-Up: </b>Joe Goode and Sharonda
Goode reported that the state convention tech seminar went extremely well. This
year leaned into the fun side of technology, with Reaper on Windows, accessible
AI-assisted shopping on Amazon, music creation on the Mac with Slim, Suno, a
comparison of Meta and Echo Vision smart glasses, and a presentation from
HapWare.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span><b>State Convention Wrap-Up: </b>President Smith
encouraged everyone to complete the affiliate\u2019s post-convention survey and
share feedback, and he thanked the affiliate for a great convention. Vicki
Farley gave a shout-out to our own Sharonda Goode, a member of the 2026
affiliate scholarship class.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span><b>Southwest Student Seminar: </b>Amanda Adcook shared
that the Southwest Student Seminar will be held September 18\u201320 at Saavi
Tucson: a weekend of advocacy, learning, and connecting. Registration closed on
August 31.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </p>
<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">12. Membership Report</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Vicki Farley reported that the
membership committee met on Tuesday and was not aware of any prospective
members attending. She invited any newcomers to introduce themselves. Guest Jim
Barber introduced himself as a retired computer engineer now living in
Mississippi who was in town helping a friend and was glad to join us. Danielle
Jones also brought in Sue Fields from the East Valley Chapter by phone, and the
chapter welcomed both guests.</p>
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<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">13. Outreach \u2013 Blind Equality Achievement Month (BEAM)</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">President Smith announced that
the next BEAM planning meeting will be Wednesday, September 9, at 7:00 p.m. on
the chapter\u2019s Zoom link, with details going out on the listserv. He shared that
the committee has come up with some exciting ideas, and all interested members
are invited to help plan.</p>
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<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">14. Fundraising Report \u2013 Popcorn Fundraiser</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Sharonda Goode reported that
online popcorn sales are currently around $475, and the chapter receives 50% of
sales. She thanked everyone who has ordered, encouraged members to share the
link with family and friends and on social media, and offered to help anyone
who needs assistance placing an order. Orders are currently taking about two
weeks to arrive because of FedEx driver shortages, not because of the popcorn
company.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">At state convention, the chapter
sold all 18 bags at $15 each, for about $270. Because those bags sell for $20
on the website, selling at $20 would have brought in $360. The strong demand
showed that having popcorn on hand at future conventions is a great idea, and
pricing can be revisited outside of the meeting. Because the popcorn arrived
late, some buyers who had already paid were not present to pick up their bags.
Sharonda sold the inventory on hand and then personally reordered five bags at
the $20 website price, plus shipping, so those buyers would receive what they
paid for. All affected buyers have been contacted.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The current fundraiser link runs
through September 16. The vendor, Chad, will then provide a new link so the
fundraiser can continue through October.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Vicki Farley moved that the
chapter reimburse Sharonda up to $55 to cover the replacement popcorn and
shipping; Monica seconded. The motion carried.</p>
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<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">15. Social Committee Report</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Lori invited everyone to the
chapter social following the meeting at Zinburger, 2502 E. Camelback Road. She
also shared that planning for the chapter\u2019s Christmas party, with Kimberly
Fetterman\u2019s help, should begin in October. Thursday late-afternoon or evening
meetings work best for her.</p>
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<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">16. New Business \u2013 Chapter Elections and Nominating Committee</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Continuing the chapter\u2019s series
on the November elections, Vicki Farley, chair of the nominating committee,
shared the following:</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Members must be current on their dues, including the $5
Phoenix Chapter dues, to vote or be nominated in November.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>President Smith has appointed Betty Love, Monica Nunez,
and Cheryl as voting members of the nominating committee, with Vicki as chair.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Anyone interested in running should contact Vicki by
Saturday, September 12, and share which position they are interested in. Vicki
can be reached by call or text at 602-403-9019.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Because so many members have expressed interest this
year, the committee will meet individually with each interested member.
Candidates will receive an email with available dates and are asked to choose
three in order of preference. Candidates are asked not to share the interview
questions afterward.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>All candidates are asked to read President Riccobono\u2019s
2026 banquet speech; a link will be included in the email.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>The committee will then meet to select the slate of
officers and board members, which will be presented at the November business
meeting before elections.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Members may also be nominated from the floor in
November if they are present, current on dues, and willing to serve and carry
out the duties of the office.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Sharonda asked about the
thinking behind the new interview and reading requirements. Vicki explained
that, with a large mix of longtime, newer, and brand-new members interested,
the committee wants everyone on the same page with Federation philosophy and
President Riccobono\u2019s current focus. There are no right or wrong answers, and
the questions have been updated from when this process was last used two or
three years ago. Vicki also asked for tech help getting the links to paste
properly into her document.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Kimberly Fetterman asked whether
members attending virtually may be nominated. Vicki confirmed they may, and
said the board will need to discuss how virtual votes will be collected. In the
past, designated members received votes by text and added them to the in-person
tally. In-person ballots use 3×5 index cards: no corners torn for the
nominating committee\u2019s candidate, one corner torn for the first floor nominee,
and two corners torn for the second, and so on.</p>
<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </h1>
<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">17. Philosophy \u2013 \u201cThe Nature of Independence\u201d</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Joe Goode led this month\u2019s
philosophy discussion on Dr. Kenneth Jernigan\u2019s 1993 speech, \u201cThe Nature of
Independence,\u201d one of his all-time favorites. He began by asking, \u201cWhat is
independence, and what does it mean to you?\u201d Members described independence as
the freedom to come and go as they please, the ability to handle their own
tasks with tools like a braille display, confidence, and the means, skills, and
choices to do what they want, when and how they want.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Joe then outlined the three
stages of independence described in the speech: the fearful stage, the
rebellious stage in which all help is refused, and the comfortable stage in
which a person is secure enough to accept or decline help as needed. Members reflected
honestly on where they see themselves. Some said they move between stages
depending on the day and the situation, and others respectfully questioned
whether \u201ccomfortable independence\u201d should be seen as the final goal. Members
also shared personal stories about unsolicited help, especially being grabbed
without asking, and how they choose to respond. Joe connected the discussion to
an experience President Riccobono shared in his banquet speech.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Because the conversation was so
rich, it will continue as a part two at the October meeting. A link to the
speech is in the agenda, and everyone is encouraged to read it.</p>
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<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">18. Birthdays</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Vicki Farley recognized the
September birthdays: Cindy Garfield, Allison Hilliker, and Aria Renteria (5th);
Donald Cosby (7th); President Michael Smith (8th); Alonzo Cuellar (10th); Hilda
Davis (12th); Chris Crawley of the East Valley Chapter (16th); Sharonda Goode
and Amy Porterfield (19th); and Jean Lynn (27th). Happy birthday to all!</p>
<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </h1>
<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">19. Announcements</h1>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Members were informed that Vicki Farley will be
unavailable on Tuesday, September 8; please direct any chapter business that
day to President Smith.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Nominating committee: contact Vicki Farley by Saturday,
September 12, if you are interested in running for office.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>BEAM planning meeting: Wednesday, September 9, at 7:00
p.m. on Zoom.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt 0.5in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u2022<span style="font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>The current popcorn fundraiser link closes September
16, and a new link will follow.</p>
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<h1 style="margin:14pt 0in 6pt;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">20. Adjournment</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">A motion to adjourn was made.
The motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt 0in 3pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt 0in 3pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Respectfully submitted,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><b>Sharonda Goode</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 6pt;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Secretary | Phoenix Chapter,
National Federation of the Blind of Arizona</p></div></div>