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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Tina Thomas <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Email:tina.thomas90044@gmail.com <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Phone: 323.337.7775 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of California <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>California Association of Guide Dog Users <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Vice-President- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At Large-Chapter <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Board Member <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pathfinder-Chapter of Los<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Email: <a href="mailto:Tina.thomas90044@gmail.com">Tina.thomas90044@gmail.com</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Phone: 323.337.7775 Angeles <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nations blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want. <o:p></o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><br>Begin forwarded message:<o:p></o:p></p></div><blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'><div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b>From:</b> "President, National Federation of the Blind via Chapter-Presidents" <<a href="mailto:chapter-presidents@nfbnet.org">chapter-presidents@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Date:</b> January 13, 2021 at 6:22:47 AM PST<br><b>To:</b> NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list <<a href="mailto:chapter-presidents@nfbnet.org">chapter-presidents@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> "President, National Federation of the Blind" <<a href="mailto:OfficeOfThePresident@nfb.org">OfficeOfThePresident@nfb.org</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> <b>[Chapter-Presidents] NFB Safety and Support Update</b><br><b>Reply-To:</b> NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list <<a href="mailto:chapter-presidents@nfbnet.org">chapter-presidents@nfbnet.org</a>><o:p></o:p></p></div></blockquote><blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dear Chapter Presidents,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The following communication (also attached) was shared with affiliate presidents and national division presidents yesterday. We thought you all should be familiar with it as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mark Riccobono<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><h1 align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:18.0pt'>Safety and Support #MarchingTogether Status Update<br>January 12, 2021</span><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body>As you know, there has recently been discussion of inappropriate abuse and sexual conduct in the blindness community. This document provides links to recent announcements and offers some guidance on having conversations and answering questions related to this issue. It is intended to help members of the National Federation of the Blind discuss this topic with empathy, love, and sensitivity as conversations take place at the national, state, and local level. The National Federation of the Blind is fully committed to ensuring a safe, healthy environment throughout our movement. We offer this guidance to best encourage healing for survivors and our community.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><h2 style='background:#E7E6E6'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Recent NFB Announcements</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body>On Monday, January 4, 2021, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) announced a partnership with RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN will assist us in furthering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming culture free of sexual misconduct for all NFB programs and activities. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body>On January 4, we also announced the formation of the Survivor Task Force, an advisory team led by survivors who are also NFB members. In representing the voice of survivors, task force members will focus on addressing and preventing abuse and sexual misconduct within the Federation by serving as advisors to the National Federation of the Blind leaders, members, and third-party partners. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body>Below are the links to the online statements:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><a href="https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces-partnership-rainn"><span class=Hyperlink0>Partnership with RAINN</span></a><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='color:blue;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><span style='color:windowtext'><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/safety-support-marchingtogether"><span class=Hyperlink0>Introducing Our Survivor Task Force</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><h2 style='background:#E7E6E6'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Talking About These Issues</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body>You may receive questions from staff, partners, volunteers, or outside stakeholders on this issue. <b>Please remain supportive, loving, trusting, and empathetic throughout this process.</b> The following guidance has been prepared to help you with these conversations. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body>Please be sure to follow your state and local legal requirements concerning mandatory reporting. And, as leaders, notify the victim or survivor of your mandated reporting status prior to them sharing any information with you. This is critical in creating a consent-centered environment across our organization.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><h3><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Media Inquiries</span></i><o:p></o:p></h3><p class=Body>Important note: major media coverage is currently anticipated, although timing is very uncertain in light of other recent national events. All press inquiries at any level—national, state, or local—are requested to be forwarded to Chris Danielsen, <a href="mailto:cdanielson@nfb.org"><span class=Hyperlink1><span lang=DA style='font-size:14.0pt'>cdanielsen@nfb.org</span></span></a> or cell 410-262-1281. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><h3><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Conversations with Survivors</span></i><o:p></o:p></h3><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'>Follow your state and local legal requirements concerning mandatory reporting, if the victim or survivor is interested in this path to healing.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoListParagraph> <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'>To report a sexual misconduct issue, follow the procedures outlined in NFB’s code of conduct at <a href="https://www.nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct"><span class=Hyperlink0>https://www.nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct</span></a>, or contact <a href="mailto:code@nfb.org"><span class=Hyperlink0>code@nfb.org</span></a> or 410-659-9314, extension 2475. Remember that the victim or survivor must be interested in this path prior to a grievance being filed. Additionally, you, as a leader, must inform the victim or survivor of this path prior to proceeding.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'>To get information about NFB’s Survivor Task Force, contact <a href="mailto:survivors@nfb.org"><span class=Hyperlink0>survivors@nfb.org</span></a> or 410-659-9314, extension 2238.<span style='color:black;background:yellow'> </span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'>To access professional support and resources, contact RAINN. The <a href="https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline"><span class=Hyperlink0>National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline</span></a> is at 800-656-HOPE (4673). Callers will be contacted by a trained staff member from a service provider in their area.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><h3><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Conversations with Internal and External Stakeholders</span></i><o:p></o:p></h3><p class=Body>Here are some tips for talking about this issue with our members and external partners. We are committed to focusing on the future and to speak in ways that encourage healing. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>Stress NFB’s commitment to a safe and healthy environment.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:1.0in'><span lang=DE>“</span>We are committed to a safe and healthy environment throughout our movement.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:1.0in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:1.0in'><span lang=DE>“</span>We do not and will not tolerate abuse of any kind.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:1.0in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:1.0in'><span lang=DE>“</span>We are taking all necessary steps to ensure blind people can lead their best lives.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Rather than discussing the details of NFB’s plans, as outlined in the two public statements, offer a copy of the public statements. <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>Victims and survivors have the right to tell their own stories. Others should not engage in discussion or speculation about any particular incident. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><h3><i><span lang=PT style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Social Media</span></i><o:p></o:p></h3><p class=Body>The following sample post is approved for use. You may also link to our public statements. If you see anything on social media that seems unusual or concerns you, please contact our national social media coordinator, Danielle McCann, <a href="mailto:dmccann@nfb.org"><span class=Hyperlink1><span lang=IT style='font-size:14.0pt'>dmccann@nfb.org</span></span></a>, extension 2246.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=m1689383287217101093xmsonormal style='margin:0in'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#222222'>CW: Sexual Abuse</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='margin:0in'><span style='color:#222222'>We have engaged @RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, as well as our Survivors Task Force, to assist us in furthering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming culture free of abuse and sexual misconduct as part of all our programs and activities. #MarchingTogether <a href="https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces-partnership-rainn">https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces-partnership-rainn</a> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body>Below are the links to the NFB’s statements:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><a href="https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces-partnership-rainn"><span class=Hyperlink0>Partnership with RAINN</span></a><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/safety-support-marchingtogether"><span class=Hyperlink0>Introducing Our Survivor Task Force</span></a><o:p></o:p></li></ul><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'></span><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><h2 style='background:#E7E6E6'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>FAQs</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p class=Body> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>Q: How long has this been going on? What did you know and when? Were there any incidents at your office/center/facility?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>A: Out of respect for survivors, we are not commenting on any specific incidents. The National Federation of the Blind announced a partnership with RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN will assist us in furthering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming culture free of sexual misconduct as part of all NFB programs and activities. We are committed to a safe, healthy environment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>Q: What exactly will RAINN be doing? <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>A: We are entering a committed long-term partnership with RAINN to ensure a safe and healthy environment. The details are included in this statement. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>Q: What is the role of the Survivor Task Force?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>A: The Survivor Task Force will serve as an advisor during this process to ensure we build a safe, healthy environment. More details can be found in the Introducing Our Survivor Task Force section to nfb.org/survivor. The Task Force will provide monthly updates on our efforts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>Q: What do I say to anyone who reports an incident?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>A: The National Federation of the Blind does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. Advise people to follow state and local legal requirements concerning mandatory reporting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in'>Reports can be filed using the code of conduct grievance report form, by calling our dedicated voicemail box at 410-659-9314, extension 2475, or emailing <a href="mailto:code@nfb.org">code@nfb.org</a>. The code of conduct process can be used to file a grievance regarding another member, employee, or contractor of the NFB. If someone files a complaint addressing sexual misconduct as part of our programs or events, that matter will be investigated by an external investigator. Find a way to emphasize this last point because many are wondering what happens to grievances filed now.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in'><i> </i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in'><i>Note: please also provide information for the NFB Survivor Task Force and the RAINN hotline outlined above as needed.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body><i> </i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body>Q: Why isn’t more information available?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>A: We are just beginning these processes. More information and guidance will be available as it is developed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>Q: Any other kind of question.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=Body style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>A: We are only commenting on our steps to ensure a safe, healthy organization at this time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div></blockquote></div></body></html>