[NFBMD] Community Impact: Advocacy in Action

[Mark Riccobono]

THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE ACTION

"We know how to build solutions. We know how to lead. Our independence is
not a theory or an aspiration. It is self-evident and it is our daily
experience. Advocating for its recognition is not radical. It is common
sense," President Mark Riccobono said during the Great Gathering In [1],
the kickoff to our week in the Nation's Capital. Together, we transform
dreams into reality. We can't do it alone. 

Read the National Federation of the Blind's 2026 legislative priorities
[2]. 

ACTION ACROSS THE COUNTRY

We are a network of volunteers, mentors, and advocates who advance the
lives of blind people. 

ADVENTURE IN ANNAPOLIS

 "We showed people in Annapolis how competent blind folks can work together
to put forward a highly complex program of information on blindness issues.
This may be the most lasting, and most worthwhile, thing we accomplished."
Read more about the NFB of Maryland's day of advocacy at the State Capitol
[3] in Shawn Jacobson's recent _Braille Monitor_ Article. 

LIVING WITH PURPOSE THROUGH SERVICE

On the _Nation's Blind Podcast_, Anil Lewis shared how he benefitted and
grew as a person through his own work as a mentor. "Encouraging them how to
learn. Getting them to that point where they recognize that problem solving
is important and having a positive self-concept about themselves is
important for their life direction." 

Anil and Melissa Riccobono were joined by Dorothy Griffin of Georgia and
Brian Mackey of Pennsylvania to discuss volunteer service and how it can
help you fulfill your purpose. Listen to the full episode [4]. 

STANDING WITH BLIND BUSINESS OWNERS

About 1,400 blind entrepreneurs participate in the Randolph‑Sheppard
Program, which helps to address discrimination in federal contracting. We
stand with these business owners who serve our nation's armed forces every
day. A recent unlawful decision by the U.S. Department of Education now
threatens the livelihoods of blind vendors on Army installations. Read our
full statement [5]. 

UNTIL NEXT TIME

Mark your calendar for our National Convention, July 3-8 in Austin, Texas
[6]-the largest gathering of blind people in the world! 

You are subscribed to our monthly community impact email, formerly called
_Imagineering Our Future_ e-newsletter, where we share how we are advancing
the lives of the Nation's Blind. The National Federation of the Blind is a
network of members, friends, and people like you who believe in the hopes
and dreams of blind people. 

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 		 National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD
21230 | 410-659-9314 

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Links:
------
[1] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41917&qid=12297208
[2] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41918&qid=12297208-services/advocacy/washington-seminar
[3] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41919&qid=12297208-and-media/braille-monitor/early-access-articles/adventure-annapolis
[4] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41919&qid=12297208-and-media/nations-blind-podcast
[5] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41920&qid=12297208-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-and-blind-entrepreneurs-file-federal-lawsuit
[6] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41909&qid=12297208
[7] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41910&qid=12297208
[8] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41911&qid=12297208
[9] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41912&qid=12297208
[10] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41913&qid=12297208
[11] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41915&qid=12297208
[12] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=26002&qid=12297208&h=dbd8790b3a58fed1
[13] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=26002&qid=12297208&h=dbd8790b3a58fed1
[14] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41916&qid=12297208
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