[NFBMI-Talk] agenda for Saturday's state board meeting

Sat Aug 20 14:47:51 UTC 2022

Hello Robert,

It is easier to actively participate in the National Federation of the Blind when proper advance notice is given to allow members to secure transportation to meetings and events. It is also easier to actively participate when meetings and events have a virtual component for when members cannot physically be at a meeting or event.

I do not believe actively participating in the National Federation of the Blind means giving up the rest of my life to attend every meeting that occurs across the state as a general member. I also do not believe I should have to track down the right board member to receive information about what is happening in the state affiliate.

The code of conduct states that the National Federation of the Blind is to foster a welcoming environment at NFB meetings, events, and conferences to create a cooperative and productive atmosphere for all members and nonmembers alike. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the leaders within this organization to create a welcoming and inclusive environment  For everyone. I consider providing announcements in advance with enough time to obtain transportation  as well as providing a virtual option for those who cannot be in person as a part of fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Earl Parsons <robert.e.parsons at wmich.edu> 
Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2022 8:53 AM
To: NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Elizabeth Mohnke <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: [NFBMI-Talk] agenda for Saturday's state board meeting

Good Morning All

I really appreciate everyone's interest in attending our quarterly state affiliate board meeting and wished everyone can make it this morning. I can understand the difficulty with making a meeting in a different location, especially with so many changes over the year due to pandemic-related differences for in-person attendance. I would like to add an option for people looking to learn what is going on at the meeting if they cannot make it to Grand Rapids. Unfortunately, we will not be providing a virtual option for the quarterly board meeting. It is not an option that would be sustainable for a meeting so short and wouldn't be possible, but there is a way you can learn about what is discussed. 
The NFB of Michigan's state affiliate board is dedicated to securing communication. After our board meetings, our state affiliate secretary will have the minutes for the meeting available and that is generally mailed out to the state email list once the meeting is over and the minutes have been refined. Aside from this, chapter presidents are encouraged to please discuss the content of our meetings with their members in order to keep this communication flowing. Finally, an option is that the affiliate's At Large chapter is always available and provides statewide updates at their meetings and events. Our past statewide social event, virtual jeopardy, discussed our meeting and marketed it. We also provided statewide updates at our philosophy discussions in May and June prior to national convention. If none of these options are available for individual members that live very busy lives, you are also welcomed to write an inquiry about our meeting to the list here or email me at Robert.E.Parsons at wmich.edu, where I can then get you connected with our state secretary or answer your question depending on its content.
Speaking of philosophy, I'd like to take some time to remind everyone of our wonderful NFB Pledge:

"I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind
To achieve equality, opportunity and security for the blind,
To support the policies and programs of the Federation, 
And to abide by its constitution."

When we take this pledge as members, we also take on a responsibility to support our membership and offer opportunities for them to live the life they want. Please, use the suggested methods of learning about today's meeting for what it is, an opportunity for us to remain transparent with our membership. With a state of so many excellent, active members, I am enthused by everyone's passion and cannot wait until we all get together in Grand Rapids from November 4-6, 2022 at the Plaza Grand Rapids. Remember, our organization is the largest organized movement of blind people working towards their individual and collective goals. Our independence and interdependence is a pivotal part of our identity as Federationists that separates us from support groups, charity organizations, and other consumer groups that don't actively practice this philosophy. Blessings and love to you all and safe travels to our guests on the west side of the state this afternoon.

With Love, Hope and Determination,

Robert E. Parsons, Jr., 
President| At Large Chapter
Board Member| National Federation of the Blind of MichiganDoctoral Student| Counselor Education and Supervision
Western Michigan University ‘25
Pronouns: He, Him, His
P: (269) 216-8640

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBMI-Talk <nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Elizabeth Mohnke via NFBMI-Talk
Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2022 8:26 AM
To: NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Elizabeth Mohnke <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFBMI-Talk] agenda for Saturday's state board meeting

Attention: This email is from outside Western Michigan University. Use caution when opening links and attachments.

Hello Ather,

The announcement J.J. sent out was sent rather late on Thursday at 11:19 pm. Therefore, I did not see the announcement until Friday. And could not contact any potential drivers until Friday as the announcement was sent out too late on Thursday to contact any of the drivers I use.

Yes, you are correct that this meeting was announced at the last quarterly state affiliate board meeting. However, I was not able to attend that meeting due to a family event that was planned several months in advance. However, you are not correct that it has been mentioned at chapter meetings as it has never been mentioned at any of the chapter meetings I have attended lately.

So if the only place to receive information about future meetings and events is at the quarterly state affiliate board meeting then it seems to me that the meeting should be opened to as many people as possible including a virtual option for those who cannot be there in person. I have seen other state affiliates do this so I do not see why the Michigan state affiliate cannot do it as well.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBMI-Talk <nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Ather via NFBMI-Talk
Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2022 1:05 AM
To: NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Ather <atherjammoa at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFBMI-Talk] agenda for Saturday's state board meeting

JJ sent out the information for the location of the board meeting on Wednesday. In addition, it's my understanding that this meeting has been mentioned at chapter affiliate meetings as well as the last quarterly board meeting. So there theoretically should've been plenty of opportunities available for transportation arrangements.

Ather
Sent from my iPhone.

> On Aug 19, 2022, at 8:27 PM, Elizabeth Mohnke via NFBMI-Talk <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> Hello Mike,
>
> It is great to hear that people have been talking about this meeting all summer long. However, it would have been even better if this could have been communicated with the general membership before yesterday.
>
> It is rather frustrating to receive an announcement regarding a state affiliate board meeting two days before it takes place. And it is also frustrating to receive a message from the President telling people not to attend this meeting when it appears as though the only way to find out information regarding the state affiliate is by attending state affiliate board meetings.
>
> It is helpful to have more than just a day or two to find transportation for a meeting scheduled to take place in person across the state. Perhaps if more advance notice was given people could have been able to save on transportation costs by car pooling with other individuals. Or perhaps there could have been a way to receive financial assistance from a local chapter to help pay for transportation. But without more advance notice none of these options could be explored.
>
> Since there was not much advance notice given for this meeting, and people are being discouraged from attending this meeting, is there any way to provide a virtual option for those who are not able to attend this meeting in person? Even if people could not participate by providing comments for the meeting virtually, it would be helpful if people could at least be able to listen to the meeting virtually.
>
> Warm regards,
> Elizabeth
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NFBMI-Talk <nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Michael 
> Powell via NFBMI-Talk
> Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2022 10:15 PM
> To: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
> Cc: mpowell7583 at yahoo.com
> Subject: [NFBMI-Talk] agenda for Saturday's state board meeting
>
> Greetings to all on this list.
>
> We have been talking about having this meeting all summer but in organizing it,  and with other matters personal and organizational that came up to hinder our progress,  we thought we might run into problems and have to postpone.  I know that being called upon to use personal funds to participate it isn't economical for most of us to just jump up to attend this state board  meeting.  As this year will be our first in person state convention since 2019, I would encourage you to concentrate on making plans to attend state convention instead so we can celebrate being together again in real federation fashion.
>
> Since we haven't been to the new renovated hotel this trip is 
> necessary for those of us who are able to arrange to be there to make sure all is in place for November.  That has always been our tradition to have our summer meeting at the site of state convention.  Stay tuned for plans for preconvention information as we plan to do some outreach events to reach out to the public and our state leaders with this year being an election year.
>
> Refer to the convention page on our nfbmi.org site to keep updated and we will be sure to get information to your local chapters so you know what is developing.
>
> In the meantime attached to this is the agenda and feel free to make recommendations for things you might like to see at state convention and we will do our best to include or address it in some way by what is presented at general session or as a breakout meeting.
>
> You are also welcome to email or call me with your thoughts, suggestions  or any questions.
>
> Thank you, and let's plan for a good convention.
>
> Michael Powell
>
> President
>
> National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
>
> (586)754-1325
>
> Mpowell7583 at yahoo.com  .
>
>
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