<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:initial;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">Hi Tampa Bay Chapter Members, family, and friends,</span></div><p class="gmail-isSelectedEnd">I hope you\u2019re all doing well. I wanted to take a moment to share a new chapter <span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small"></span>p<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small">olicy</span> regarding funding for members who wish to attend National or NFBF conventions.</p><p class="gmail-isSelectedEnd">Our goal with this guideline is to ensure that funding support reflects active participation and engagement within our chapter. We truly value the time, energy, and commitment each of you <span class="Asgive ng" style="border-style:none;background:none">brings, and this is one way we can continue to support those who are</span> actively contributing to our shared mission.</p><p class="gmail-isSelectedEnd"><strong>Here is the guideline:</strong></p><p class="gmail-isSelectedEnd"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small">The exact wording of the approved motion is</span></p><p class="gmail-isSelectedEnd"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small">&quot;</span><span style="color:initial"><span class="Asgive ng" style="border-style:none;background:none">In order for</span> a member to receive funding to attend a National or NFBF convention, the member must be <span class="Asgive ng" style="border-style:none;background:none">active, meaning:</span> attending at least a majority of <span class="Q6ibn ng" style="border-style:none;background:none">meetings, either in person or via Zoom,</span> and <span class="Asgive ng" style="border-style:none;background:none">that the member works toward some</span> aspects of the chapter\u2019s activities, such as fundraising,<span class="Q6ibn ng" style="border-style:none;background:none"> being a chapter officer,</span> serving on a chapter committee,<span class="Asgive ng" style="border-style:none;background:none"> etc., which is</span> approved by the president or board of directors. <span class="Asgive ng" style="border-style:none;background:none">In addition,</span> the member cannot be receiving funding from the <span class="Q6ibn ng" style="border-style:none;background:none">NFBF or</span> a division or another chapter of the NFBF.<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small">&quot;</span> </span></p><p class="gmail-isSelectedEnd">This is intended to serve as a guideline for both officers and members as we make decisions about funding. It helps us stay consistent, fair, and transparent while encouraging strong participation across the chapter.</p><p class="gmail-isSelectedEnd">If you have any questions or would like to talk about ways to get more involved, please don\u2019t hesitate to reach out. We\u2019re always excited to help members find meaningful ways to connect and contribute.</p><p class="gmail-isSelectedEnd">Thank you for all that you do to make our chapter strong and supportive. I\u2019m looking forward to continuing this journey together.</p><p>Warmly,<br><span class="gmail-text-token-text-primary gmail-cursor-text gmail-rounded-sm"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small"></span>D<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small">ebbie Malone</span></span><br><span class="gmail-text-token-text-primary gmail-cursor-text gmail-rounded-sm"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small"></span>P<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small">resident</span></span><br>Tampa Bay Chapter<br>National Federation of the Blind</p><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:small"></div></div><div><br></div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div>
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