From rachel.grider at gmail.com  Thu Dec  3 07:17:10 2020
From: rachel.grider at gmail.com (Rachel Grider)
Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2020 23:17:10 -0800
Subject: [NFBC-Info] International Day of Disabled Persons Event
Message-ID: <6685160A-04E9-48D1-B8AA-A0419A185696@gmail.com>

Hello, everyone:

Sciartsrus and Arts Abilities For All  will be Hosting a five-day event to commemorate the International Day of Disabled Persons starting tomorrow at 7 AM Pacific. This event will feature various artists with diverse disabilities from all over the world. If you would like to find out more information and attend, check out the links below. I am also attaching an accessible flyer for the event. 


https://www.facebook.com/artablities4all/

https://www.facebook.com/SciArtsRUs/

https://youtu.be/E0GfAfaD-0g

Cheers!

Rachel

From rhouston58 at gmail.com  Thu Dec  3 23:54:21 2020
From: rhouston58 at gmail.com (Rochelle Houston)
Date: Thu, 3 Dec 2020 15:54:21 -0800
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Fwd: Please share with your networks
Message-ID: <81432312-4BA2-42A7-A7EA-9843B263099A@gmail.com>

?


Rochelle Houston,
National Federation of the Blind of California
President, Pathfinder Chapter Los Angeles
rhouston58 at gmail.com
323 807-0300
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. 

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Darren Gresham <dgresham at daylemc.org>
> Date: December 3, 2020 at 2:47:11 PM PST
> Subject: Please share with your networks
> 
> ?
> Hello Community Members,
> Please help the Dayle McIntosh Center share the below AIRA opportunity with as many individuals with vision loss as possible. The only requirements are that individuals be 18 years of age, and live in Orange or Los Angeles County.
>  
>  You may have heard of a service called Aira, which provides people with visual disabilities access to visual information (their surroundings, signs, etc.) through the use of a cell phone's video camera. A live, trained operator is available 24/7 to provide this information in English and Spanish. Aira's website has a more
>  Detailed description of their services. 
> 
> The University of California, Irvine and Toyota North American Motors (TNAM) are partnering to sponsor persons with vision disabilities a free, 500 minute, a month AIRA subscription from October 2020, through August 2021. The project  has allocated funds to provide 600 AIRA subscriptions to interested individuals with visual disabilities.
>  
> The Dayle McIntosh Center (DMC) is assisting in the research project with ensuring the community is aware of the opportunity. DMC is reaching out to local organizations, schools, Disabled Student Service Programs, CCB chapters, NFB and many other groups to share information regarding the free, AIRA subscriptions.
>  
> Please spread the word to your clients, members and associates. Those interested have only to complete this
>  Google Form.
> The form simply requests: First Name, Last Name, Email address, and Phone number. The email address is optional (to be inclusive of people who may not have one) but preferred.
>  
> Thank you for your support and sharing the news.
> Dayle McIntosh Center
> 501 N. Brookhurst St, Suite 102
> Anaheim, CA 92801
> Office: (714) 621-3300
> Access and independence by, and for, people with disabilities
> Disabilities



From shannonldillon at gmail.com  Mon Dec  7 17:34:32 2020
From: shannonldillon at gmail.com (Shannon Dillon)
Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2020 09:34:32 -0800
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Fwd: BTBL Service Update: December 7, 2020
In-Reply-To: <dacfa367c242711b7d6f73ca7.64211fc4f6.20201207155932.345fe41920.9b8f851a@mail243.atl271.mcdlv.net>
References: <dacfa367c242711b7d6f73ca7.64211fc4f6.20201207155932.345fe41920.9b8f851a@mail243.atl271.mcdlv.net>
Message-ID: <CA+JLRL9S=XFywAWUo0HYsiBPF+Coj5++9kikvRoxcHngxmNsRQ@mail.gmail.com>

Good morning, everyone,
Below please see a message from the Braille and Talking Book Library.
Best,
Shannon


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Braille & Talking Book Library <btbl at library.ca.gov>
Date: Mon,  7 Dec 2020 15:59:35 +0000
Subject: BTBL Service Update: December 7, 2020
To: shannonldillon at gmail.com



View this email in your browser
(https://mailchi.mp/library/btbl-service-update-12-7-20?e=64211fc4f6)
https://www.library.ca.gov/btbl/


** December 7, 2020
------------------------------------------------------------

As of Monday, December 7, 2020, for at least three weeks, the Braille
and Talking Book Library will temporarily cease circulating braille
and talking books, descriptive DVDs, and talking book machines to our
patrons.

In response to recommendations made by the California Department of
Public Health and as a precaution to help limit the spread of
coronavirus (COVID-19), BTBL staff will be teleworking and unable to
send out materials through the U.S. Postal Service.

Patrons may contact us by email with book requests, and whenever
possible we will facilitate limited physical book circulation
assistance from our NLS Multi-State Center West in Utah.

At their discretion, patrons may continue to return checked out
library materials in their possession as we will be able to receive
and quarantine incoming mail on a weekly basis.

Whenever possible, BTBL staff will continue to process new
applications for library service. The Braille and Audio Reading
Download service known as BARD is available and we are processing new
BARD applications. We urge you to register for BARD, where you can get
all the books you want without receiving physical items in the mail.
BARD has been improved in the last few years, and is easier to use
than ever--especially BARD Mobile, which allows you to listen to books
on your smartphone or tablet. To register for BARD, please visit
https://nlsbard.loc.gov/nlsbardprod/CA1A/ApplicationInstructions.html

As before, we are unable to resume normal telephone service. We hope
to facilitate full telephone service as soon as possible, and in the
meantime we are still available through email at btbl at library.ca.gov
(mailto:btbl at library.ca.gov) .

Please be patient with us during this unexpected situation.

Thank you,
Braille & Talking Book Library Staff

============================================================
** BTBL on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BTBLSacramento)
** BTBL Website (https://www.library.ca.gov/btbl)
** Email BTBL (mailto:btbl at library.ca.gov)
You received this email because you have subscribed to the California
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-- 
SHANNON L. DILLON
Secretary and Legislative Coordinator
National Federation of the Blind
of California
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and
friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation?s blind.
Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they
want.
www.nfbcal.org


From rachel.grider at gmail.com  Tue Dec  8 15:11:28 2020
From: rachel.grider at gmail.com (Rachel Grider)
Date: Tue, 8 Dec 2020 07:11:28 -0800
Subject: [NFBC-Info] CAGDU Holiday Party!
Message-ID: <28072BE3-D91F-4395-9A1D-D0BE63905D3D@gmail.com>

?Hello, everyone:

CAGDU Will not be having a business meeting tonight, but we will be having something just as awesome. This Saturday, December 12, at 4 PM, settle down with your favorite beverage and log in to our holiday party! This will take the place of our normal social hour and will include some fun activities such as NFB trivia, music trivia, and a special time for us to share holiday traditions and stories with each other.

I will be posting the link to join the party later this week. It will be different than the link to the usual social hour, so stay tuned.  Also, don?t forget that there is no CAGDU meeting tonight. 

I can?t wait to see you all on Saturday!

Rachel

Rachel Grider
Vice-President, California Association of Guide Dog Users

From nfbsf at nfbnet.org  Wed Dec  9 00:47:00 2020
From: nfbsf at nfbnet.org (Christina Daniels via NFBSF)
Date: Tue, 8 Dec 2020 16:47:00 -0800
Subject: [NFBC-Info] [NFBSF] Next Chapter Meeting is our Holiday Party!
Message-ID: <20201209004657.GB133325@barcore.com>

NFB of California - San Francisco Chapter Holiday Party

 

When: Tuesday, December 8, 2020 from 6 to 8 pm

 

Hey guys, next week in lieu of a regular meeting, we're having our holiday
party! Details are below: 

 

Make your favorite food and beverages and come share your favorite Fall or
Winter holiday traditions. These can include songs, poems, recipes, stories,
or any holiday traditions that are new or old that are important to you.
Examples include stories around traditional meals you or family members
make, a story about a significant gift you received, the anniversary of a
significant life event that happened during the holiday season and more. 

 

We will also have a fun Holiday scavenger hunt. Depending on time, we may
play some fun NFB-themed holiday stories and other fun entertainment.
Everyone is welcome to come share things they celebrate. 

 

We will have a few general announcements before the party including
information for next year's dues, elections, and donations. Please note that
we will still have connections at 5 pm and then we will start our party at 6
pm.

 

Drop in any time and invite guests!

 

Zoom info is below. See you all there. 

 

Christina

 

NFBSF Connections & Holiday Party

Tuesday, December 8

5 to 6 pm - Connections

6 to 8 pm - Holiday Party

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://lighthouse-sf.zoom.us/j/462780914?pwd=VzRhaElHYU9MTVVvU2dxcGNxb0x5UT09

 

Meeting ID: 462 780 914

Passcode: 416618

One tap mobile

+16699006833,,462780914# US (San Jose)

+12532158782,,462780914# US (Tacoma)

 

Meeting ID: 462 780 914

Find your local number: https://lighthouse-sf.zoom.us/u/aeE5HigqBQ

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________________
NFBSF mailing list
NFBSF at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsf_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBSF:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsf_nfbnet.org/jbar%40barcore.com



From rachel.grider at gmail.com  Fri Dec 11 18:37:51 2020
From: rachel.grider at gmail.com (Rachel Grider)
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2020 10:37:51 -0800
Subject: [NFBC-Info] CAGDU Party Tomorrow
Message-ID: <CAAQhqyRwFtuF-7b08itMmxgcg8xSRM2GB30cYmAOTeFKGh+MKg@mail.gmail.com>

Hello, Everyone!

Don't forget about our CAGDU holiday party tomorrow at 4:00 PM. We
will be sharing holiday traditions, playing games, and just enjoying
spending time together.

The link to join the party is below. It is different from our usual
CAGDU social link.

I can't wait to see y'all there!

Rachel

The National Federation of the Blind of California is inviting you to
a scheduled Zoom meeting.

 Topic: Holiday Party
 Time: Dec 12, 2020 4:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

 Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92690556294?pwd=SVhib09lRFFGMWZvY0d0eTUvZEtHZz09

 Meeting ID: 926 9055 6294
 Passcode: 569688
 One tap mobile
 +14086380968,,92690556294# US (San Jose)
 +16699006833,,92690556294# US (San Jose)

 Dial by your location
         +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
         +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
         +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
         +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
         +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
         +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
         +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
 Meeting ID: 926 9055 6294
 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adu0MpvCos


From tmanosh at gmail.com  Sat Dec 12 23:09:45 2020
From: tmanosh at gmail.com (tmanosh at gmail.com)
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 2020 15:09:45 -0800
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Washington Seminar Form
Message-ID: <02d901d6d0db$e2037160$a60a5420$@gmail.com>

Hello All,

 

It is once again time to sign up for Washington Seminar.

 

The 2021 Washington Seminar will take place from February 8-11 and be
virtual & Free for all. You will get the opportunity to develop a
relationship with your Congressional Representative and Senators and meet
them on Zoom. This is a great opportunity for members of all ages and
abilities to directly participate in our democratic government. If you are
interested in attending the 2021 Washington Seminar please fill out the form
below and submit your request. The deadline to submit your request is
January 1, 2021.

 

Washington Seminar form:
https://ulwxastpyh.formstack.com/forms/washington_seminar

 

Tiffany Manosh

NFBC Board Member

President River City Chapter

National Federation of the Blind of California

 


From rachel.grider at gmail.com  Mon Dec 14 17:59:42 2020
From: rachel.grider at gmail.com (Rachel Grider)
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 09:59:42 -0800
Subject: [NFBC-Info] No Tech Talk Today
Message-ID: <52C283E4-4255-428D-A402-ABCADC9EB393@gmail.com>

Hello, everyone:

I just wanted to drop a quick note in here that the Central Valley Chapter Will not be having our Tech Talk  today. We will most likely resume them in 2021. We will send out more information within the next few weeks.

I hope you are enjoying your holiday season!

Rachel

From president at nfbcal.org  Mon Dec 14 22:01:08 2020
From: president at nfbcal.org (president at nfbcal.org)
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 14:01:08 -0800
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Positive Change
Message-ID: <040401d6d264$a1177540$e3465fc0$@nfbcal.org>

Dear Friends,

 

Some have recently been discussing the history of sexual harassment and
disrespectful behavior within the activities of our organization.  I welcome
a loving and considerate discussion.  We should validate those in our family
who have been hurt in the past by their blind colleagues.  For those who
raised concerns, I hear you and understand your frustration.  We must
affirmatively work to improve so that this inappropriate behavior is
absolutely eliminated.  

 

Every blind person, regardless of background, wherever they might be on
their journey in life, deserves to benefit from the unique life-changing
experiences of the National Federation of the Blind and the remarkable
training it provides.  We cannot succeed in our struggle for equality if we
injure our fellows and exploit our peers.  Racism, sexual harassment,
discrimination, elitism, exploitation, apathy, and corrupt motivation are
unfortunate flaws of our society.  Without exception, our Federation has
been vulnerable to these dangerous diseases of selfish behavior that
distract from our collective impact.  

 

We are a people's movement.  The individuality of the people are
simultaneously our greatest strength and greatest struggle.  But I believe
in the capacity of humans to grow smarter, become better, and advance for
good on the whole.  

 

As President of our California affiliate of the National Federation of the
Blind, I reaffirm my commitment and our organization's commitment to foster
a welcoming and inclusive environment that is safe for everyone.  I will do
everything within my power to act upon the concerns that have been raised
and support the leaders of our movement in response.  

 

If you have been the victim of such harmful mistreatment, my heart breaks
for the injustice and injury that you experienced.  you have my sympathy,
apology, and devotion to earn your trust back.

 

We can and will do more.  As a leader, I promise not just to react, but to
affirmatively prevent.  I will work to see the "culture of consent" that we
discussed at our most recent state convention become the norm.  I will help
educate our long-standing leaders in California to ensure that our
leadership structure understands the relevance of this moment in our
evolving movement.  I will affirmatively seek diverse leaders and role
models to ensure that blind people from all cross sections have a voice in
the solution.  I will take time to further understand the nature of these
problems and how other organizations have made progress.  I will work as an
ally with those who want to support our national leaders' effort to advance
positive change.

 

We need to have this conversation to figure out what more needs to be done.
And we need to have it without disenfranchising or further harming blind
people.  The Federation is ours to build.  Please help me and the many other
leaders and members who want to be a part of the solution and commit to
change and healing.

 

Tim Elder

President

National Federation of the Blind of California 

president at nfbcal.org <mailto:president at nfbcal.org>  

(916) 382-0372 

 

 


From dkouniaris at gmail.com  Mon Dec 14 22:15:35 2020
From: dkouniaris at gmail.com (Dimitrios Kouniaris)
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 16:15:35 -0600
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Positive Change
In-Reply-To: <040401d6d264$a1177540$e3465fc0$@nfbcal.org>
References: <040401d6d264$a1177540$e3465fc0$@nfbcal.org>
Message-ID: <5F900E56-51D3-4C78-8D41-070E3E5E01CB@gmail.com>

Hi Tim, and all: 
	Tim thanks for your well detailed email! You said a lot and i want to try and keep this short, and to the point. 
	My frustration with all of this is for example with the story with the 16 year old girl that got touched in her private areas by an instructor should not have happened. This instructor that taught at the step program 1/2 should have been fired, and 2/2 in my personal opinion he should get time for what he did. 
	A parent who sends their child to training should not have to deal with this. Those who allowed this to happen should be held accountable. All parties should be heard when a complaint is filed regardless if they are well known or not. Let the investigation run it?s course! 
	All instructors at centers that train blind people need to be patient and not disrespect or discriminate them in any way shape or form! Some restructureing needs to be done! I challenge our national president and the national board of directors and the rest of us to continue to find solutions so we can put a end to this! Yes we are different and we all come from diverse backgrounds, and cultures! At the same time Tim, and all we want the same thing! We as the National Federation of the blind need to address these issues and not sweep them under the rug! 

Warm Regards,
Mr. Dimitrios Kouniaris
Direct Phone: 504-607-2776
Email: dkouniaris at gmail.com

> On Dec 14, 2020, at 4:02 PM, president--- via NFBC-Info <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> ?Dear Friends,
> 
> 
> 
> Some have recently been discussing the history of sexual harassment and
> disrespectful behavior within the activities of our organization.  I welcome
> a loving and considerate discussion.  We should validate those in our family
> who have been hurt in the past by their blind colleagues.  For those who
> raised concerns, I hear you and understand your frustration.  We must
> affirmatively work to improve so that this inappropriate behavior is
> absolutely eliminated.  
> 
> 
> 
> Every blind person, regardless of background, wherever they might be on
> their journey in life, deserves to benefit from the unique life-changing
> experiences of the National Federation of the Blind and the remarkable
> training it provides.  We cannot succeed in our struggle for equality if we
> injure our fellows and exploit our peers.  Racism, sexual harassment,
> discrimination, elitism, exploitation, apathy, and corrupt motivation are
> unfortunate flaws of our society.  Without exception, our Federation has
> been vulnerable to these dangerous diseases of selfish behavior that
> distract from our collective impact.  
> 
> 
> 
> We are a people's movement.  The individuality of the people are
> simultaneously our greatest strength and greatest struggle.  But I believe
> in the capacity of humans to grow smarter, become better, and advance for
> good on the whole.  
> 
> 
> 
> As President of our California affiliate of the National Federation of the
> Blind, I reaffirm my commitment and our organization's commitment to foster
> a welcoming and inclusive environment that is safe for everyone.  I will do
> everything within my power to act upon the concerns that have been raised
> and support the leaders of our movement in response.  
> 
> 
> 
> If you have been the victim of such harmful mistreatment, my heart breaks
> for the injustice and injury that you experienced.  you have my sympathy,
> apology, and devotion to earn your trust back.
> 
> 
> 
> We can and will do more.  As a leader, I promise not just to react, but to
> affirmatively prevent.  I will work to see the "culture of consent" that we
> discussed at our most recent state convention become the norm.  I will help
> educate our long-standing leaders in California to ensure that our
> leadership structure understands the relevance of this moment in our
> evolving movement.  I will affirmatively seek diverse leaders and role
> models to ensure that blind people from all cross sections have a voice in
> the solution.  I will take time to further understand the nature of these
> problems and how other organizations have made progress.  I will work as an
> ally with those who want to support our national leaders' effort to advance
> positive change.
> 
> 
> 
> We need to have this conversation to figure out what more needs to be done.
> And we need to have it without disenfranchising or further harming blind
> people.  The Federation is ours to build.  Please help me and the many other
> leaders and members who want to be a part of the solution and commit to
> change and healing.
> 
> 
> 
> Tim Elder
> 
> President
> 
> National Federation of the Blind of California 
> 
> president at nfbcal.org <mailto:president at nfbcal.org>  
> 
> (916) 382-0372 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFBC-Info mailing list
> NFBC-Info at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbc-info_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBC-Info:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbc-info_nfbnet.org/dkouniaris%40gmail.com


From dkouniaris at gmail.com  Mon Dec 14 22:25:40 2020
From: dkouniaris at gmail.com (Dimitrios Kouniaris)
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 16:25:40 -0600
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Positive Change
In-Reply-To: <5F900E56-51D3-4C78-8D41-070E3E5E01CB@gmail.com>
References: <5F900E56-51D3-4C78-8D41-070E3E5E01CB@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <3AA6F979-D21F-4F37-9E9A-3281C668D269@gmail.com>

I take a lot of pride of suggesting to people about the importance of going to training! I think that the skills that are taught are outstanding but their are some issues that need to be addressed, and in my personal opinion i can?t continue to advocate to others about training until some serious reform and restructureing is done! That doesn?t mean that i hate the centers or anything like that! 

Warm Regards,
Mr. Dimitrios Kouniaris
Direct Phone: 504-607-2776
Email: dkouniaris at gmail.com

> On Dec 14, 2020, at 4:15 PM, Dimitrios Kouniaris <dkouniaris at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> ?Hi Tim, and all: 
>    Tim thanks for your well detailed email! You said a lot and i want to try and keep this short, and to the point. 
>    My frustration with all of this is for example with the story with the 16 year old girl that got touched in her private areas by an instructor should not have happened. This instructor that taught at the step program 1/2 should have been fired, and 2/2 in my personal opinion he should get time for what he did. 
>    A parent who sends their child to training should not have to deal with this. Those who allowed this to happen should be held accountable. All parties should be heard when a complaint is filed regardless if they are well known or not. Let the investigation run it?s course! 
>    All instructors at centers that train blind people need to be patient and not disrespect or discriminate them in any way shape or form! Some restructureing needs to be done! I challenge our national president and the national board of directors and the rest of us to continue to find solutions so we can put a end to this! Yes we are different and we all come from diverse backgrounds, and cultures! At the same time Tim, and all we want the same thing! We as the National Federation of the blind need to address these issues and not sweep them under the rug! 
> 
> Warm Regards,
> Mr. Dimitrios Kouniaris
> Direct Phone: 504-607-2776
> Email: dkouniaris at gmail.com
> 
>> On Dec 14, 2020, at 4:02 PM, president--- via NFBC-Info <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> ?Dear Friends,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Some have recently been discussing the history of sexual harassment and
>> disrespectful behavior within the activities of our organization.  I welcome
>> a loving and considerate discussion.  We should validate those in our family
>> who have been hurt in the past by their blind colleagues.  For those who
>> raised concerns, I hear you and understand your frustration.  We must
>> affirmatively work to improve so that this inappropriate behavior is
>> absolutely eliminated.  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Every blind person, regardless of background, wherever they might be on
>> their journey in life, deserves to benefit from the unique life-changing
>> experiences of the National Federation of the Blind and the remarkable
>> training it provides.  We cannot succeed in our struggle for equality if we
>> injure our fellows and exploit our peers.  Racism, sexual harassment,
>> discrimination, elitism, exploitation, apathy, and corrupt motivation are
>> unfortunate flaws of our society.  Without exception, our Federation has
>> been vulnerable to these dangerous diseases of selfish behavior that
>> distract from our collective impact.  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> We are a people's movement.  The individuality of the people are
>> simultaneously our greatest strength and greatest struggle.  But I believe
>> in the capacity of humans to grow smarter, become better, and advance for
>> good on the whole.  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> As President of our California affiliate of the National Federation of the
>> Blind, I reaffirm my commitment and our organization's commitment to foster
>> a welcoming and inclusive environment that is safe for everyone.  I will do
>> everything within my power to act upon the concerns that have been raised
>> and support the leaders of our movement in response.  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> If you have been the victim of such harmful mistreatment, my heart breaks
>> for the injustice and injury that you experienced.  you have my sympathy,
>> apology, and devotion to earn your trust back.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> We can and will do more.  As a leader, I promise not just to react, but to
>> affirmatively prevent.  I will work to see the "culture of consent" that we
>> discussed at our most recent state convention become the norm.  I will help
>> educate our long-standing leaders in California to ensure that our
>> leadership structure understands the relevance of this moment in our
>> evolving movement.  I will affirmatively seek diverse leaders and role
>> models to ensure that blind people from all cross sections have a voice in
>> the solution.  I will take time to further understand the nature of these
>> problems and how other organizations have made progress.  I will work as an
>> ally with those who want to support our national leaders' effort to advance
>> positive change.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> We need to have this conversation to figure out what more needs to be done.
>> And we need to have it without disenfranchising or further harming blind
>> people.  The Federation is ours to build.  Please help me and the many other
>> leaders and members who want to be a part of the solution and commit to
>> change and healing.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Tim Elder
>> 
>> President
>> 
>> National Federation of the Blind of California 
>> 
>> president at nfbcal.org <mailto:president at nfbcal.org>  
>> 
>> (916) 382-0372 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NFBC-Info mailing list
>> NFBC-Info at nfbnet.org
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>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBC-Info:
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From lauren7877 at outlook.com  Mon Dec 14 22:35:22 2020
From: lauren7877 at outlook.com (Lauren Merryfield)
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2020 22:35:22 +0000
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Positive Change
In-Reply-To: <040401d6d264$a1177540$e3465fc0$@nfbcal.org>
References: <040401d6d264$a1177540$e3465fc0$@nfbcal.org>
Message-ID: <BN6PR14MB12993E512D4712E19AEDA931D2C70@BN6PR14MB1299.namprd14.prod.outlook.com>

Hi, everyone,
I am still involved in a negative ongoing incident in the NFB, however, I am not quitting. My loyalty is too strong for that. I would encourage those who are contemplating leaving our Federation to please think again. Please, with your negative experiences, stay or come back, in order to work with us to make sure nothing negative happens to you or anyone else you know in the NFB.

I have always been one to promote love, kindness, and the cessation of any negative treatment in our NFB.
Sometimes, I have been treated somewhat like the hippie that I am "Oh that's Kum Bah y" thinking; all hearts and rainbows and cats, like a little kid not facing reality," type comments.

 "When are you ever going to grow up?" Well, I'm not. Many grown ups in my life were somewhere between stuck where they were, to abusive. I decided at a young age I was never going to be like that.

 It needs to be stated that there is a difference between being "childish" and "child-like." I represent the latter. That is my style.

We say we are a family. I read once that the normal family is dysfunctional. So, the dysfunctional behavior in the NFB is normal. however, this doesn't make negative behavior in our organization okay, just as such behavior is not okay in a dysfunctional family.

I think it is important to realize this fact, but to make ours a "functional" family, with more love, respect, kindness, acceptance, treatment as equals, etc, toward being a healthy family! 
Thanks,
Blessings,
Lauren Merryfield?


-----Original Message-----
From: NFBC-Info <nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of president--- via NFBC-Info
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 2:01 PM
To: 'NFB of California List' <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
Cc: president at nfbcal.org
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Positive Change

Dear Friends,

 

Some have recently been discussing the history of sexual harassment and disrespectful behavior within the activities of our organization.  I welcome a loving and considerate discussion.  We should validate those in our family who have been hurt in the past by their blind colleagues.  For those who raised concerns, I hear you and understand your frustration.  We must affirmatively work to improve so that this inappropriate behavior is absolutely eliminated.  

 

Every blind person, regardless of background, wherever they might be on their journey in life, deserves to benefit from the unique life-changing experiences of the National Federation of the Blind and the remarkable training it provides.  We cannot succeed in our struggle for equality if we injure our fellows and exploit our peers.  Racism, sexual harassment, discrimination, elitism, exploitation, apathy, and corrupt motivation are unfortunate flaws of our society.  Without exception, our Federation has been vulnerable to these dangerous diseases of selfish behavior that distract from our collective impact.  

 

We are a people's movement.  The individuality of the people are simultaneously our greatest strength and greatest struggle.  But I believe in the capacity of humans to grow smarter, become better, and advance for good on the whole.  

 

As President of our California affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, I reaffirm my commitment and our organization's commitment to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that is safe for everyone.  I will do everything within my power to act upon the concerns that have been raised and support the leaders of our movement in response.  

 

If you have been the victim of such harmful mistreatment, my heart breaks for the injustice and injury that you experienced.  you have my sympathy, apology, and devotion to earn your trust back.

 

We can and will do more.  As a leader, I promise not just to react, but to affirmatively prevent.  I will work to see the "culture of consent" that we discussed at our most recent state convention become the norm.  I will help educate our long-standing leaders in California to ensure that our leadership structure understands the relevance of this moment in our evolving movement.  I will affirmatively seek diverse leaders and role models to ensure that blind people from all cross sections have a voice in the solution.  I will take time to further understand the nature of these problems and how other organizations have made progress.  I will work as an ally with those who want to support our national leaders' effort to advance positive change.

 

We need to have this conversation to figure out what more needs to be done.
And we need to have it without disenfranchising or further harming blind people.  The Federation is ours to build.  Please help me and the many other leaders and members who want to be a part of the solution and commit to change and healing.

 

Tim Elder

President

National Federation of the Blind of California 

president at nfbcal.org <mailto:president at nfbcal.org>  

(916) 382-0372 

 

 

_______________________________________________
NFBC-Info mailing list
NFBC-Info at nfbnet.org
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From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Wed Dec 16 17:24:54 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket Bidleman)
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2020 10:24:54 -0700
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Fwd: Open Letter of Apology from President Riccobono
References: <20201216171845.16A80616A1B7@lx-web-pri.nfb.org>
Message-ID: <DA85953B-5BD5-4A5E-91BA-09BA89DDB6CF@gmail.com>



Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

> From: National Federation of the Blind <webmaster at nfb.org>
> Date: December 16, 2020 at 10:19:40 MST
> To: Cricket Xiao Jiu Bidleman <bidleman at stanford.edu>
> Subject: Open Letter of Apology from President Riccobono
> Reply-To: "National Federation of the Blind" <webmaster at nfb.org>
> 
> ?
>  
> 
> 
> Open Letter of Apology from President Riccobono
> 
> Content warning: the following letter addresses sensitive topics regarding sexual misconduct and violence.
> 
> Dear Fellow Federationists:
> 
> Many NFB members, former members, and people within our blindness community are hurting. For some, the pain comes from their lived experience of being abused or violated by one of our members and/or made to feel like no one else was listening or came to their defense at a Federation event or training program. For others, what they feel is empathy for survivors who were harmed by participating in the National Federation of the Blind, recognizing that we have not done enough within our movement and systemically within our community. We are deeply sorry that this is true and apologize for where we have failed. As the elected President of this movement, I carry the responsibility of this pain. I am profoundly sorry that anyone has been harmed by experiences in our movement. As a husband, father of three children, and leader who tries to live by a strong set of ethical values, I hurt for the survivors, and I deeply regret that I have made mistakes along the way. At each opportunity that I have to sit with my young children, I am directly reminded how fragile the balances are in our lives and how much our actions can have a lasting impact on others. I live with the regret and sorrow for the mistakes I personally made in dealing with inappropriate behavior in the past. Sometimes my mistakes have only been illuminated later through the honest reflection of a friend or the vulnerable sharing of someone who has been harmed. How do you adequately write a letter to apologize for that? How do you spread this sentiment to an entire movement of people including those who have left our organization? How do we, collectively, create an adequate action plan to promote healing, prevent future incidents, and continue our development of a culture that is welcoming, safe, and eliminates the barriers to bringing concerns forward for resolution? This letter attempts to explore those questions, but this is merely a single moment in these needed conversations.
> 
> Our hearts break for the survivors of abuse and sexual misconduct who have bravely shared incidents that have happened within our organization over the decades. During the past couple of weeks, a number of courageous individuals have shared painful stories about their experiences on social media and in individual conversations. We thank those brave survivors for sharing their stories because we recognize how difficult that is and how each story creates a unique set of emotions and challenges. We deeply regret that over our eighty years we have not handled each situation appropriately or been able to heal the pain that such incidents create. We do not reject these feelings of pain. In fact, we want to find and establish better ways to hear them and continuously eliminate the actions that caused them. We have no intention of debating the circumstances of any instance. Instead we acknowledge that if a survivor was left feeling the situation went unaddressed, then we have failed. The membership demands we do better. I, as President, demand this of myself and expect it from our movement. We will do better. In addition to calling upon all Federationists to listen better, honestly reflect upon your own biases, and to actively align our actions to our words, I call upon you not to dismiss those who cannot believe that our intentions are sincere or those who have had the courage to come forward. It is our individual and collective action, positively focused on making things better that will create belief. That is what has been true for us since 1940, and it will continue to be true for us going forward.
> 
> Let us get down to the hard facts. Words appear to mean nothing without actions, so below I?ve outlined six steps that we are committing to in the near future. Before I list them, please understand that these are initial steps, and we are committed to exploring and implementing whatever policies, programs, trainings, or resources necessary beyond these steps to appropriately address these horrible situations.
> 
> Improvements to Reporting of Incidents
> 
> We are currently thoroughly reviewing the pathways for reporting incidents and how those paths are handled. We are open to revamping all of the reporting mechanisms we have. We are in discussion with outside consultants who are expected to do a complete review of our processes with a specialized emphasize on sexual misconduct and harassment. We will rebuild all of our procedures if needed. We expect our revised processes to involve a third-party entity, but since we do not yet know how that will turn into actionable efforts within our organization, we cannot be specific about that process. Our hope is to be more transparent about our partnership and timelines for action during the first quarter of 2021. We hear you about the uncomfortable position some people feel is created by the current reporting system when a person must report through members they will later need to deal with personally. Regardless of the reporting mechanisms we maintain and create, we must be very clear on one point: Every elected leader of this organization must be prepared to take concerns seriously and to act upon information they are given as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Furthermore, the safety of blind youth who are under our supervision is our highest priority, and any incident that is discovered must be dealt with immediately.
> 
> Open Meeting and Supporting Survivors
> 
> We are committing to hold an open meeting or series of listening sessions to discuss these issues and solicit feedback on what support and resources victims and survivors need. We have not yet detailed what the open meeting and conversations will be. Because we do not want to unintentionally contribute to further pain among survivors, we want blind people with lived experiences and our consultants to guide that process. In the meantime, we continue to answer calls and emails from Federation members seeking clarity about these issues and offering solutions that we will carefully weigh as our learning continues. We are grateful to those of you who have reached out directly offering your personal experiences as a guide to future development. The members of the Federation are expected to shape what we do, and your readiness to bring solutions makes a big difference. Our goal is to provide support and healing to victims and survivors.
> 
> Enhancing the Code of Conduct Work
> 
> Prior to recent events and the stories that have emerged, we were in the process of considering and implementing several enhancements surrounding our code of conduct and its related procedures and programs. We have now paused those efforts. Why? Because we are listening. We have done horribly at messaging and sharing our internal procedures and our plans for effectively administering our organization's code of conduct. I say paused because we want to carefully evaluate where we are and our next steps guided by the expertise of anti-sexual-violence experts from outside our movement. If we must completely reset, that is what we will do. For now, our code and existing procedures are in place to set expectations within our organization. We will carefully evaluate current grievances to ensure that they continue to be safely and swiftly investigated even while our procedures are under review.
> 
> Illuminating Expectations
> 
> You may already know, but the board made its annual revisions to the code and procedures process on December 5, 2020. When we went to post the revisions, we realized that the FAQ we planned to post after the December 2019 review did not happen. No excuses, that was a pretty big dropped ball. That document is intended to answer questions like what happens when a grievance is filed, how is information kept confidential, and what communications can a filing party expect? Overall, we have failed to communicate broadly the procedures we have been using. For example, we allow for advocates to participate with parties who are involved with code of conduct investigations. Moreover, these FAQs will also be informed and expanded based upon questions that continue to be raised. They will also evolve as we implement additional avenues for raising concerns and for training members of the organization. We take ownership for the misinformation that is now circulating. Please keep those questions and suggestions coming.
> 
> Continuous Training
> 
> Training on issues around misconduct and abuse is something we have only skimmed the surface of in the recent past. We have done a minimal amount of training for affiliate presidents and workshops at our national convention. We were not satisfied that our training was sustainable, so we have been seeking other partners. That has been unreasonably slow. No excuse, we understand. We are going to be putting together training with the specific goal of preventing misconduct and abuse at Federation events and to strengthen the level of comfort with reporting. We have also hired an individual to assist in a number of areas including coordinating training?that person only started on November 30, which is why we had not yet introduced her to the membership.
> 
> Consistency across NFB Training Centers
> 
> A lack in consistency in practices across the three training centers that are affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind has been raised as a concern. It is worth noting that only BLIND Incorporated, the Colorado Center for the Blind, and the Louisiana Center for the Blind have made the specific partnership commitments necessary to be formally and officially affiliated with the organized blind movement. On a regular basis, I have been meeting with our training center directors with the specific goal of better aligning our practices and policies. There is more work to do there. We expect these centers to fully commit to our code of conduct practices and set the highest standard of professional practice in all programs. During the most recent revisions of our code of conduct, we discussed the topic of consistency in handling and reporting concerns at our centers. We will be conducting a full review and implementing consistent training for the personnel at each of our centers. I stand with those who have been harmed by any employee, contractor, or volunteer at one of our centers, and I am prepared to help eliminate ineffective practices and urge the termination of those employees and contractors (as well as the exclusion of volunteers) who violate our policies in this area.
> 
> Let me also add that our training centers have made a great difference in raising the standard of training for blind people in this nation and all around the world. As a graduate of one of our centers, I share that pride for the training I received but also the pain that even one person coming through one of our centers would have had a harmful experience. The employees at our centers are some of the most dedicated and thoughtful folks I know, and they are committed to the safety and wellbeing of program participants. However, that does not excuse harmful incidents that have happened in our training programs. I know our centers are committed to doing better. I know the executive directors and boards of each of these training centers will be prioritizing the advancement of these conversations. Most importantly, I know they feel your pain in a very deep and personal way.
> 
> Again, these are immediate actions and commitments. This is not a complete roadmap for the years to come, but it outlines some of the forthcoming actions we are focusing on. We know that we need to examine more ways to support our members such as mental health resources and the expertise of crisis professionals. Members of the Federation have a right to demand information about what is being done, and Federation leaders are expected to share that information. When we committed to the code of conduct in 2018, we made a commitment to a much-needed journey. Our commitment has not wavered even if we have not been outwardly demonstrating a commitment that you can trust. As leaders, we will continue to work to earn your trust and we will remain committed to continuous improvement and an open dialogue for organizational change. We are committed to finding ways to heal that pain, while preventing any future pain that results from unacceptable behavior. We are going to need the ideas and support of the members of this movement to do that in a meaningful and effective manner, so all are welcomed.
> 
> You continue to be our wise teachers. You who have shared your personal experiences and who have dared to open yourselves continue to guide us. In the National Federation of the Blind, we value diversity, we strive to be fully inclusive, and we want to be the safe space for all blind people. Every blind person in this nation deserves what this movement has to offer, and we recognize we have work to do so that every blind person feels like there is a place here for everyone. We are going to get there together. We apologize that we have not yet made it all the way, but we pledge that the commitment is deep and it is real. We are not done with our changes.
> 
> With love and commitment, we are #MarchingTogether.
> 
> ? Mark Riccobono, President
> officeofthepresident at nfb.org, 410-659-9314
> 
> The National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors shown below requested that the President write an open letter regarding our commitments. By signing below, each of us affirms our support and commitment to the content of the letter above. Anybody with concerns regarding the content of this letter, the commitments that have been expressed, or potential incidents that may have happened at Federation events are welcome to contact any of the individuals endorsing this statement.
> 
> Pam Allen, First Vice President and Board Chair, pallen at louisianacenter.org, 318-251-2891
> 
> Ron Brown, Second Vice President, rb15 at iquest.net, 317-213-7031
> 
> James Gashel, Secretary, jgashel0923 at gmail.com, 808-234-9259
> 
> Jeannie Massay, Treasurer, jeanniemassay at gmail.com, 405-600-0695
> 
> Denise Avant, davant1958 at gmail.com, 773-991-8050
> 
> Everette Bacon, baconev at yahoo.com, 801-631-8108
> 
> Amy Buresh, amy.buresh74 at gmail.com, 402-440-4722
> 
> Shawn Callaway, callaway.shawn at gmail.com, 202-352-1511
> 
> Norma Crosby, ncrosby at nfbtx.org, 281-968-7733
> 
> John Fritz, president at nfbwis.org, 608-622-7632
> 
> Ever Lee Hairston, ever.hairston at gmail.com, 323-654-2975
> 
> Carla McQuillan, president at nfb-oregon.org, 541-653-9153
> 
> Amy Ruell, aruell at comcast.net, 617-752-1116
> 
> Joe Ruffalo, nfbnj1 at verizon.net
> 
> Terri Rupp, terri.rupp at gmail.com, 702-524-0835
> 
> Adelmo Vigil, nfbnewmexicopresident at gmail.com, 575-921-5422
> 
>  
>  	 	 	 	 	
> National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD 21230 | 410-659-9314
> Unsubscribe | Opt Out |  Sign Up for Our E-newsletter

From gene.sh.kim at gmail.com  Fri Dec 18 23:38:21 2020
From: gene.sh.kim at gmail.com (Gene Kim)
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2020 15:38:21 -0800
Subject: [NFBC-Info] =?utf-8?q?You=27re_Invited!_CABS_Holiday_Party_On_We?=
	=?utf-8?b?ZCAxMi8yMyA3OjAwIC0gODozMCBQTSBQU1Qg8J+OhOKcqPCfjok=?=
Message-ID: <CAEvYTGN=n8A7ypR4H7mo-C8mWu5jsbvorH96Q9d7R5Skrdrvtw@mail.gmail.com>

Hello NFBCA family!

Happy Friday! I hope you have exciting and rejuvenating plans for the
weekend. To help foster connection and good spirits during this holiday
season, CABS is hosting a virtual holiday party on Wednesday, December 23
from 7:00 - 8:30 PM PST, and you're invited!! ?? Join the student
division for games, laughs, fun (and maybe deep) conversations, and more
using the zoom invitation below! We'd love to meet you there ?

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
https://stanford.zoom.us/j/97141435014?pwd=STB5RFNMc2FraVpsMHcwNDdFYVBLQT09
    Password: 123456

Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +18333021536,,97141435014# or
+16507249799,,97141435014#

Or Telephone:
    Dial: +1 650 724 9799 (US, Canada, Caribbean Toll) or +1 833 302 1536
(US, Canada, Caribbean Toll Free)

    Meeting ID: 971 4143 5014
    Password: 123456

Warmly,
Gene
--
Secretary | California Association of Blind Students

From gene.sh.kim at gmail.com  Sat Dec 19 23:25:04 2020
From: gene.sh.kim at gmail.com (Gene Kim)
Date: Sat, 19 Dec 2020 15:25:04 -0800
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Reminder: CABS Outreach/Fundraising Committee Meetings
 Today 4 PM/5 PM PST
Message-ID: <CAEvYTGNjF3nJeQbQZLRboEP0MiYHbD_o22NU_YZ+NattKn7gcw@mail.gmail.com>

Hello everyone!

Just a friendly reminder that we will be having our Outreach Committee and
Fundraising Committee call at 4 PM and 5 PM PST respectively today per our
monthly schedule! Join us to plan for the upcoming year!! Hope to see you
there:

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
https://stanford.zoom.us/j/97703995906?pwd=dGhmSERLOUFWaXVXaFQ0QzFxdmFzZz09
Password: 314159

Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +18333021536,,97703995906# or
+16507249799,,97703995906#

Or Telephone:
Dial: +1 650 724 9799 (US, Canada, Caribbean Toll) or +1 833 302 1536 (US,
Canada, Caribbean Toll Free)

Kindly,
Gene
--
Secretary | California Association of Blind Students

From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Sun Dec 20 23:00:00 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket X. Bidleman)
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0700
Subject: [NFBC-Info] You're invited! Student division holiday party this
 Wednesday!
Message-ID: <CABP7S8NoJZvLAg0EaaEVPCdormRf9E9xin=aAHG5-1JZ7mJBNw@mail.gmail.com>

Hey there, folks!

We know this holiday season, in particular, is more stressful than
those in the past, and we wanted to bring you a bit of cheer. We are
planning a fun gathering for this Wednesday, December 23rd, at 7:00 PM
Pacific (10:00 PM Eastern). there will be time to chat, and plenty of
games. Come join us for a relaxing evening.

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
https://stanford.zoom.us/j/97141435014?pwd=STB5RFNMc2FraVpsMHcwNDdFYVBLQT09
    Password: 123456
Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +18333021536,,97141435014# or
+16507249799,,97141435014#
Or Telephone:
    Dial: +1 650 724 9799 (US, Canada, Caribbean Toll) or +1 833 302 1536
(US, Canada, Caribbean Toll Free)
    Meeting ID: 971 4143 5014
    Password: 123456

Happy holidays,
Cricket X. Bidleman (on behalf of the CABS board)

-- 
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)










-- 
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)


From lauren7877 at outlook.com  Sun Dec 20 23:42:49 2020
From: lauren7877 at outlook.com (Lauren Merryfield)
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 2020 23:42:49 +0000
Subject: [NFBC-Info] You're invited! Student division holiday party this
 Wednesday!
In-Reply-To: <CABP7S8NoJZvLAg0EaaEVPCdormRf9E9xin=aAHG5-1JZ7mJBNw@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CABP7S8NoJZvLAg0EaaEVPCdormRf9E9xin=aAHG5-1JZ7mJBNw@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CY4PR14MB1301A3AC15D8831F7CB7E6F2D2C10@CY4PR14MB1301.namprd14.prod.outlook.com>

Hi, Crickett,
I am just so curious, what does the X stand for? (unless you'd rather not divulge it).
Thanks,
Lauren Merryfield


-----Original Message-----
From: NFBC-Info <nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Cricket X. Bidleman via NFBC-Info
Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2020 3:00 PM
To: NFB of California List <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Cricket X. Bidleman <cricketbidleman at gmail.com>
Subject: [NFBC-Info] You're invited! Student division holiday party this Wednesday!

Hey there, folks!

We know this holiday season, in particular, is more stressful than those in the past, and we wanted to bring you a bit of cheer. We are planning a fun gathering for this Wednesday, December 23rd, at 7:00 PM Pacific (10:00 PM Eastern). there will be time to chat, and plenty of games. Come join us for a relaxing evening.

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstanford.zoom.us%2Fj%2F97141435014%3Fpwd%3DSTB5RFNMc2FraVpsMHcwNDdFYVBLQT09&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C90023799e34646250e8508d8a53b2619%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637441020744296300%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=r43aDSIS0oeHwlFMWUQpy1mYKxlBrM4sV17Jj%2BK7aoY%3D&amp;reserved=0
    Password: 123456
Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +18333021536,,97141435014# or
+16507249799,,97141435014#
Or Telephone:
    Dial: +1 650 724 9799 (US, Canada, Caribbean Toll) or +1 833 302 1536 (US, Canada, Caribbean Toll Free)
    Meeting ID: 971 4143 5014
    Password: 123456

Happy holidays,
Cricket X. Bidleman (on behalf of the CABS board)

--
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)










-- 
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)

_______________________________________________
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From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Mon Dec 21 18:35:33 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket X. Bidleman)
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2020 11:35:33 -0700
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Student Division Newsletter: 12/14/2020-12/20/2020
Message-ID: <CABP7S8MVo72YQXLmKbGBGG=Z7ecxZn0bgNgJ2K3mRv9vP-a-sQ@mail.gmail.com>

Dear all,

Many of you?along with us?have been digesting the recent sexual
misconduct testimonials that have been coming out recently in regards
to NFB members. We admire the courage it takes for any survivor to
share their story, and we hope every leader in this organization does
the same. Everyone on the CABS board is available if anyone wants to
talk, about this issue and in general. We?the California student
division board?will never tolerate inappropriate behavior like this in
the division. Perpetrators will be immediately removed from the
division, and we encourage all chapters to take the same approach.
Further, we urge state and national leaders to continue developing and
enforcing practices to minimize incidences of sexual misconduct, and
to clarify those practices to the general membership.

There are very few announcements this week. The holidays are here, and
we want to remind everyone to take care of themselves. Spend time with
friends and family, watch some movies, play some games, and rest for
the months ahead. Join us for our holiday party on Wednesday. And be
sure to wear masks when you?re in public not among family.

Lastly, the committee chairs and co-chairs have been finalized! The
Affiliate communications Squad leadership consists of Shelbi Felter,
Ethan Fung, and Lindsay Kerr. They will continue meeting on the first
Saturday of the month, at 3:00 PM Pacific. The outreach leaders are
Gene kim and Mary Church, and Bhavya Shah; they meet on the third
Saturday of the month at 4:00 PM Pacific.  Fundraising consists of
Kyle Garcia, Nikki dadlani, and Aaron Espinoza; they meet on the third
Saturday of the month at 5:00 PM Pacific. Here?s the Zoom link for all
committee meetings:

https://stanford.zoom.us/j/97703995906?pwd=dGhmSERLOUFWaXVXaFQ0QzFxdmFzZz09
    Password: 314159
iPhone or Android one-tap (US Toll): +18333021536,,97703995906# or
+16507249799,,97703995906#
    Meeting ID: 977 0399 5906
    Password: 314159

Please reach out with any questions, comments, and/or concerns, or if
you?d like to get involved. We?re here for you! And happy holidays!

Best,
Cricket X. Bidleman, President (cricketbidleman at gmail.com)
Mary Church, Vice-President (churchm94 at gmail.com)
Gene Kim, Secretary (gene.sh.kim at gmail.com)
Kyle Garcia, Treasurer (kgarcia2432 at gmail.com)
Nikki dadlani, Board Member (nikkidadlani at gmail.com)
Shelbi Felter, Board Member (sfelts at hotmail.com)
Ethan Fung, Board Member (ethanhinfung at gmail.com)


-- 
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)


From shannonldillon at gmail.com  Tue Dec 22 23:56:08 2020
From: shannonldillon at gmail.com (Shannon Dillon)
Date: Tue, 22 Dec 2020 15:56:08 -0800
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] Legislative Alert -
 12/22/2020
In-Reply-To: <MN2PR17MB387181174A38F566AE0AD1B1CADF0@MN2PR17MB3871.namprd17.prod.outlook.com>
References: <MN2PR17MB387181174A38F566AE0AD1B1CADF0@MN2PR17MB3871.namprd17.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <CA+JLRL-uyaD9SgHNTuqyYNw6vc4VXYGCnBT=YLNnwvkmvQLrFg@mail.gmail.com>

Please see the legislative alert from John Pare below.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Pare, John via NFBNet-Members-List" <nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>
Date: Tue, 22 Dec 2020 22:53:25 +0000
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Legislative Alert - 12/22/2020
To: "nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org" <nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>

Dear Fellow Federationists:

Late Monday night Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2021. This bill provides for an "additional 2020 recovery rebate for
individuals" in the amount of $600 per person. Married couples who
file jointly will receive $1,200 and $600 per eligible child (aged 16
and under), if applicable.

Similar to the previous Economic Impact Payments, eligibility will be
based on one's 2019 tax return. Full recovery rebates will go to
individuals with up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income, heads of
household with up to $112,500, and married couples under $150,000.
Individuals with $87,000 or more in income and married couples who
file jointly earning $174,000 or more will not receive any recovery
rebate.

Similar to the CARES Act, individuals who are claimed as a dependent
on someone else's tax return will not qualify for an individual
recovery rebate. As with the stimulus checks sent through the CARES
Act this Spring, you will still need a valid Social Security number in
order to be eligible. This time, however, a spouse who has a Social
Security number who files jointly with a spouse who does not will
still receive their own $600 check. Their children may also qualify,
provided they have Social Security numbers of their own.

Recovery rebates are set to be sent to federal beneficiaries, such as
those who receive income from Social Security, Supplemental Security
Income or Veterans Administration, even if they did not file 2019
returns. The payments will be protected from garnishment by banks or
levies by debt collectors.

Recovery rebates will be considered unearned income and will not
affect one's Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
This spring's economic impact payments did not have an effect on
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, as long as the funds
were used within twelve months of receipt. We anticipate that the same
rule will apply for the additional recovery rebate. We will send
further legislative alerts as we learn more details.

Warm regards,
John

John G. Par? Jr.
Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Telephone: (410) 659-9314, extension 2218
Cell phone: (410) 917-1965
Email: jpare at nfb.org

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and
friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind.
Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they
want.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this communication from the sender is
confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and
others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are
hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking
action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly
prohibited and may be unlawful.

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-- 
SHANNON L. DILLON
Secretary and Legislative Coordinator
National Federation of the Blind
of California
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and
friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation?s blind.
Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they
want.
www.nfbcal.org


From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Wed Dec 23 20:14:21 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket X. Bidleman)
Date: Wed, 23 Dec 2020 13:14:21 -0700
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Fwd: You're invited! CABS holiday party this Wednesday
In-Reply-To: <CABP7S8P4Vjm424eag9y885K3w+zFXGUQ3zEqqATebBKvNcB6fA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CABP7S8M4rjBwf8rdeHSqBxenES36HDXYi4i6XQ_MRSupCYyDuA@mail.gmail.com>
 <CABP7S8P4Vjm424eag9y885K3w+zFXGUQ3zEqqATebBKvNcB6fA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CABP7S8MtYruEL6n0r7x4xLxE-0CaJZ=5pjicduqTRxO2oNhOKA@mail.gmail.com>

Hi hi,

Last reminder for the holiday party this evening. You don't have to be
a student to participate. See you there!

Best,
Cricket


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Cricket X. Bidleman" <cricketbidleman at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 23 Dec 2020 13:12:29 -0700
Subject: Fwd: You're invited! CABS holiday party this Wednesday
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>

Hi hi,

Last reminder for the holiday party this evening. See you there!

Best,
Cricket

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Cricket X. Bidleman" <cricketbidleman at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 2020 15:59:08 -0700
Subject: You're invited! CABS holiday party this Wednesday
To: California Association of Blind Students Mailing List <cabs-talk at nfbnet.org>

Hey there, folks!

We know this holiday season, in particular, is more stressful than
those in the past, and we wanted to bring you a bit of cheer. We are
planning a fun gathering for this Wednesday, December 23rd, at 7:00 PM
Pacific (10:00 PM Eastern). there will be time to chat, and plenty of
games. Come join us for a relaxing evening.

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
https://stanford.zoom.us/j/97141435014?pwd=STB5RFNMc2FraVpsMHcwNDdFYVBLQT09
    Password: 123456
Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +18333021536,,97141435014# or
+16507249799,,97141435014#
Or Telephone:
    Dial: +1 650 724 9799 (US, Canada, Caribbean Toll) or +1 833 302 1536
(US, Canada, Caribbean Toll Free)
    Meeting ID: 971 4143 5014
    Password: 123456

Happy holidays,
Cricket X. Bidleman (on behalf of the CABS board)

-- 
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)



-- 
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)