<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-ae7cba9e-7fff-b514-6cf6-0f06e467d858"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Hello Statewide Chapter Advocates and Members of the NFB of Florida,</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">As we enter October, we are officially accepting dues for the 2026 calendar year for the Florida Statewide Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;text-align:center;margin-top:18pt;margin-bottom:4pt"><span style="font-size:18pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">What does membership in our chapter offer?</span></p><ul style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Noto Sans Symbols",sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">The opportunity to be part of a network of active blind advocates from across the state.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Noto Sans Symbols",sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Access to guest presentations on a variety of topics.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Noto Sans Symbols",sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Opportunities to advocate on blindness-related issues at both the state and national levels.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Noto Sans Symbols",sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Eligibility to receive funding to attend events such as Tallahassee Days, Washington Seminar, the NFB National Convention, and the NFB of Florida State Convention.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Noto Sans Symbols",sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">The ability to be part of a chapter no matter where in the state you reside.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Noto Sans Symbols",sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">The right to vote on chapter matters, make motions, and participate in chapter decisions.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Noto Sans Symbols",sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">The right to run for office on the Statewide Chapter board.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Noto Sans Symbols",sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" role="presentation"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">All the rights and privileges that come with being a member of the National Federation of the Blind.</span></p></li></ul><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;text-align:center;margin-top:18pt;margin-bottom:4pt"><span style="font-size:18pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Why Join?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">As our political climate becomes increasingly challenging for the blind, it is more important than ever to advocate for our rights and independence. Join a chapter full of energetic, committed people who are ready to take on these challenges and make Florida a better place for the blind.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;text-align:center;margin-top:18pt;margin-bottom:4pt"><span style="font-size:18pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Everyone is welcome!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">If you don\u2019t have a local chapter, we invite you to join us.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">If you already belong to another chapter but would like to be involved on a statewide level, you\u2019re also welcome.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">We proudly accept all blind Floridians and allies who wish to make a difference.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;text-align:center;margin-top:18pt;margin-bottom:4pt"><span style="font-size:18pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Message from Treasurer Scott Wilson</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Greetings, statewide members, Future members and advocates.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Announcing the 2026 membership dues are now open.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">If you or somebody you know, would like to be a statewide member now is the time to pay your dues. This payment will ensure you are able to vote in this Februarys election, and will secure your membership through 2026.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">How to pay:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">You can pay using Zelle through the State Wide Chapter email </span><a href="http://nfbf.statewide@gmail.com" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(70,120,134);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline">nfbf.statewide@gmail.com</span></a></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Be sure to include your information in the memo part of the Zelle transaction.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">If you\u2019d like to mail a check, please contact me at the phone number below.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Best regards,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Scott Wilson</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">727-423-4312</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;text-align:center;margin-top:18pt;margin-bottom:4pt"><span style="font-size:18pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Message from Secretary Jose Bohorquez</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">After paying your dues, please fill out our </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfB8VUYoqEEwK6-XKYPWTimVWTtab5Coy1pTiKX6KFBDPVIdg/viewform?usp=header" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(70,120,134);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline">Google Form</span></a><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> to help us keep our membership records current.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">As a chapter, we are required to maintain general demographic information \u2014 including your first and last name, email, phone number, and address \u2014 and submit it to both the National Federation of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of Florida.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">If you have any questions about how your information is used, please contact me at </span><a href="http://statewide@nfbflorida.org" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(70,120,134);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline">statewide@nfbflorida.org</span></a><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">The form also includes a question about membership coins. These coins are a proud symbol of NFB membership, and we want to make sure each of our members has one.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">If you need assistance completing the form, I will be available 15 minutes before our next meeting on October 19 to help. You may also text me at 407-780-3727 to schedule a time for assistance.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Thank you for taking the time to read this email, and I hope to see you all at our next meeting on October 19. More information about the meeting will be released soon.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">If you know anyone who would like to join the chapter, please pass this email along!</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Best regards,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:2.4;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Jose</span></p></span></div><div><br></div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix">-- </span><br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr">Jose Bohorquez, Secretary<div>Florida Statewide Chapter - National Federation of the Blind of Florida</div><div>"<span style="text-indent:0.25in">We know that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or our future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between
blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity
achieve the aspirations of all blind people."</span></div><div><span style="text-indent:0.25in">-- NFB Belief Statement</span></div><div><a href="https://forms.gle/qokDRMGtvpR3GTfC7" target="_blank">Click here to become a member of the Statewide Chapter.</a></div><div><a href="mailto:statewide@nfbflorida.org" target="_blank">Click here to email the secretary.</a><br></div><div>If you wish to keep up with all things Statewide, please subscribe to one of the mailing lists below. Subscribing to both ensures you will receive all statewide-related communication. The NFB of Florida internet mailing list does not require moderator approval, but the Florida Statewide mailing list requires approval so patience is key. Always check your spam folder for emails.</div><div><a href="https://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-statewide_nfbnet.org" target="_blank">Subscribe to the Statewide Chapter Mailing List (moderator approval required)</a><br></div><div><a href="https://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-l_nfbnet.org" target="_blank">Subscribe to the NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List</a><br></div><div>Upon submitting the form, wait five minutes and check your inbox for a confirmation message and follow the instructions. Always check your junk/spam folder for emails.</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.25in"></p></div></div></div>
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