[NFBC-Info] President's notebook

[Cricket X. Bidleman]

Friends,

I’m in Baltimore, after having attended my first Great Gathering-in
yesterday. It was truly fantastic, and it’s events like these that
fill me with energy for our continued future work. As President
Riccobono said yesterday, nothing holds us back. Covid-19—which
prevented much of the country from doing legislative work—did not hold
us back. Just as we overcame this barrier, so will we overcome the
other obstacles standing in the way of equality.

I wish everyone success this week. While we ask that you please
refrain from posting about congresspeople’s promises or lack thereof
on social media, we would love to hear about your experiences. We are
using the hashtag #NFBinDC. We are not using the old hashtag system,
because we believe that #NFBinDC allows us to perpetuate our work by
not making it necessary for people to look up things pertaining to
each year. Are you participating virtually? We still welcome your
perspective. #NFBinDC

The communications team is looking for your stories, particularly
pertaining to our three bills. If you have had difficulty with
inaccessible websites, software, and apps. If you have had difficulty
with inaccessible medical devices, and thus have not had independence
and privacy to your health. If you have had to hold back career
advancement so that you can remain on social security. We deeply value
all of your experiences because authenticity and personality bring
these bills to life. Please send your stories to story at nfb.org. We
plan to use some of these in social media and other public places, but
I’ll do my best to reach out to each person individually before that
happens. Consent is important.

We have one update this month, from the San Joaquin chapter. They
offered free Braille valentines this year, as they do each year.
People sent Braille messages, which will arrive to San Joaquin County
residents by the 14th.

That’s it for now. If we’re missing things, please inform your chapter
presidents and request that they email me each month with updates.
Have a great Washington seminar, and a great February.

Best,
Cricket

-- 
Cricket X. Bidleman, B.A (she/her/hers)
Marketing Coordinator | National Federation of the Blind