[nfbmi-talk] Great Convention!

Tue Nov 10 18:33:10 UTC 2015

Hi everyone,

I had a blast at this year's convention. This was the largest group of students I've seen at a state convention in a while which is super exciting. .

I'd also like to congratulate our new Michigan Association of Blind Students board:
President: Jeff Crouch
Vice President: Donna Posont
Secretary: Elizabeth Dunn
Treasurer: JJ Meddaugh
Board Members: Alexander Dalipagic, Cheryl Stahl, Osman Koroma, and Tyler Zahnke

I'm really looking forward to all our student division will be accomplishing this year.

Please keep in touch everyone! I'm only a phone call, tweet, or email away, and I'll definitely be back to visit!

Jordyn
> On Nov 10, 2015, at 9:40 AM, Larry Posontt via nfbmi-talk <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello Fellow Federationists,
> 
> 
> 
> I wish to congratulate you all on a great convention.  There was more
> participation than I have seen in a long time, especially the great interest
> in running for election.  You are showing that we are working on those
> things you see as important to blind people in our state and that you wish
> to work to help other blind people live the lives we want.
> 
> 
> 
> I wish to send special thanks to Dave Robinson and Sarah Norwood for their
> service to our board Their participation and contributions have made a
> difference.  Knowing these folks as I do, I know they will be right in there
> contributing and working as they always have.
> 
> 
> 
> Special congratulations to Derek Moor, Dianna Mohnke, Mary Wurtzel, Melinda
> Latham and Fred Wurtzel on your election to our 2015-16 NFB of Michigan
> Board of Directors.  We have a lot on our plate and everyone's input and
> involvement will be needed to continue to grow our affiliate and make a
> difference for blind people in our state.  I am expecting our board to be
> positive, dynamic and hard-working this year and next.  I have great
> confidence in your dedication energy, creativity and willingness to roll up
> your sleeves and work on the many issues before us.
> 
> 
> 
> I will be appointing committees for the 2015-16 year.  We have some
> traditional standing committees..  They are:
> 
> 
> 
> Legislation - This year we will be working on our resolution to have
> oversight hearings regarding the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons.  Our
> resolutions call for a return to a Commission structure.  There are other
> matters which will call for our legislative vigilance which this committee
> will need to work on.  This is a "boots on the Ground committee" which will
> need to spend time in the halls of the Anderson and Romney buildings meeting
> legislators  and building relationships.  This committee will need to
> coordinate with members to work with their legislators to assist in passing
> our legislation.  If you like traveling to Lansing, meeting state
> representatives and senators and explaining our needs for legislation we
> need you.  This work takes patience, a smile and a knack for policy.  If
> this describes you, please let me know.
> 
> 
> 
> Fundraising - Of course, no organization can operate without money.  We need
> money to get people to Lansing, educate the public, provide training and
> information to blind citizens and a myriad of other activities.  If you like
> entrepreneurial activities, meeting people, finding creative ideas for
> fundraising, we need you.  We need to raise lots of money if we are going to
> accomplish our very ambitious goals for 2016.
> 
> 
> 
> Membership - We are attracting new people.  We need to attract more.  There
> are thousands of blind people who have never heard of our organization.
> Many of them need us to help them accomplish their goals and dreams.  We
> need new members to help us make Michigan the best state to be blind.  We
> need creative, friendly and outgoing people to reach out to the community
> and build the Federation here in Michigan.
> 
> 
> 
> We have some committees which have not functioned recently and are needed to
> meet our needs this year.  They are:
> 
> 
> 
> Youth Outreach - Fred Wurtzel was appointed Youth Outreach Coordinator last
> August.  He needs a crew of fun-loving, energetic people who are interested
> in helping young blind people and their families dream of their futures and
> then go out and make those dreams come true.  If you like action, fun and
> are willing to share your mentorship with young people, please let me know.
> 
> 
> 
> Special Events - J.J. is our point person on convention arrangements and
> Washington Seminar.  This year we are anticipating a statewide Walk-a-thon
> fundraising event in the Spring in Grand Rapids.  We will need people to
> assist in lots of logistical activities to make these and other events fun,
> attractive and successful.  If you like organizing, welcoming and creating
> exciting and fun events, please let me know.
> 
> 
> 
> Communication - In the 21st century there are more channels of communication
> than ever before.  Information is still difficult to get to everyone when
> they need it.  We need you if you are interested in spreading the word about
> our organization to our members and to the public.  We need you if you like
> talking on the phone, managing a Twitter account, keeping a Facebook page
> up-to-date and even sending out information through the mail (I'm sure you
> have heard of mail).  If you feel we need better communication and you have
> creative ideas please let me know.
> 
> 
> 
> If you have other ideas for our organization or think we need other
> committees, please call me at 313-727-3546 and talk to me.  Together we will
> find a way to work on your particular passion.
> 
> 
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> 
> 
> Larry Posont, President
> 
> National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
> 
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