[NFBMI-Talk] NFB national convention

[Michael Powell]

Greetings to all on this list serve.  Below is the text of a message I sent
to all state leaders of our Michigan affiliate asking them to get people
registered for our national convention, which, for the first time, will be a
virtual event and open to everyone who would like to attend.  I have omitted
some information from that message which had to do with circulating
materials I sent to be posted in various venues.  I invite any of you who
subscribe to this list ,  members and nonmembers alike, to register for our
national convention.  If you should need any help contact any  of our
leaders in your chapter or someone you might know who lives in your area and
they can help you.  If you don't know who you should reach out to,  or
Should you run into any problems contact me directly and I will get you the
help you need.

Tell others you know about our upcoming convention.

You will also see information concerning our next state board meeting.

 

Greetings to board members and chapter and division leaders of the NFB of
Michigan.

As many of you know the recent measures around Covid-19 will call upon us to
make adjustments to events we are having throughout the summer as we start
getting back to functioning in public again with guidelines in place for
social distancing and living with the "new normal."  Many of you have seen a
number of virtual events over the past few months and we of the NFB of
Michigan need to continue to do our part.  First, our June state board
meeting, originally scheduled to be the first weekend of June in Kalamazoo,
will be a Zoom meeting held Saturday, June 13, 2020, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
or later if we need.  Details will be coming soon.

You may also know that our national presidential releases have been live and
virtual the past two months and will be the same in June.

The annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind has always
been the largest gathering of blind people anywhere in the world.  The fact
that this year's national convention will be a virtual event, that can be
heard and seen through on line and computer access, will allow all of us to
participate free of charge, without  having to make travel and hotel
arrangements.  As we always actively promote the annual convention, when
those of us who are planning to go prepare to attend in person,  I am asking
that all chapter and division leaders let every member of your chapter and
division know about this virtual event so they can plan to attend this
convention with their families and friends.  We also need to get the word
out since this kind of event gives us the opportunity to reach out to blind
people and families who may not yet know the federation.   Seeing and
hearing the federation in action can help them come to know what we believe
and promote about the blind and our ability to live the lives we want.  This
will also be an excellent opportunity for parents of blind children and
members of other divisions to take part in our national seminars and
meetings, perhaps for the first time.  This will all be taking place the
week of Tuesday, July 14 through Saturday, July 18.

At our state convention last year in Grand Rapids we pledged to get around
sixty people to come to Houston,Texas that was to be the site of our
national convention this year.  Getting there definitely would have involved
some cost.  As this is now an event that all can attend free of charge, and
since we have over 200 members there is no reason why we can't have most or
all of us there in attendance to participate in a national event of this
size that will have the capacity to reach the widest possible audience and
truly make a difference in the lives of the blind throughout the nation and
the world.  

As of May 22 we show 33 registered.  This indicates we still have a way to
go.  Registration is open to all and provisions are planned for those of us
who do not have access to computer technology or on line access.  Any one of
us who have access to a computer can help to register those who fit into
this group.  When you provide their contact information indicate they have
no email.  This will give convention planners an idea of how many will need
alternative arrangements so we all can be accommodated.    

To register for the convention go to nfb.org/convention.  Once you are
registered you will begin receiving updates on the arrangements ,  be
eligible for door prizes and notification of any other announcements and
attractions.  All who plan to participate in this year's convention must be
registered by June 15, 2020.  In the days ahead I will be contacting you to
see how you are doing and offer any help I can give you.  So let's begin the
push for the NFB of Michigan and get ourselves and others registered for
this celebration of our 80th year as a national organization which continues
to be the largest organization of blind people anywhere in the world.
Please make sure to remember that we are invited and encouraged to make
donations to help with the costs associated with hosting an event of this
kind.  This also includes door prizes.

Keep a lookout for details and call in instructions concerning our state
board meeting,  Saturday,  June 13, 2020.  

Remember that I am here for you as we are all here for each other.  That is
what makes the NFB what it is.

Michael Powell, President

National Federation of the Blind of Michigan

(586)754-1325

Mpowell7583 at yahoo.com

 

 

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