[NFBMI-Talk] Join us for Washington Seminar 2023, plus Learn about NFB in DC on December 13

[J.J. Meddaugh]

Join the Michigan Delegation for Washington Seminar 2022

Hello.

It's already Thanksgiving, and that means that Washington Seminar is 
just over two months away. Washington Seminar is one of the major ways 
we let our voices be heard through advocacy, as we speak directly with 
members of Congress about issues of importance to us and our 
organization. For me, it is the event that solidified my desire to be in 
the federation, and allowed me to see first-hand the real effects we can 
have on society.

If you have any interest in attending, please send an Email to 
vp at nfbmi.org with the information requested below. Whether you've 
attended many times before or this would be your first, we'd love to 
talk to you. We are not able to guarantee funding for all who apply, but 
we will do our best to assist those who are interested.

Here's some information to help you in your decision.

First, if you're new to Washington Seminar or have questions, we'll be 
hosting a short informational meeting on our affiliate Zoom channel on 
Tuesday, December 13 at 7 PM. Come to learn more about our legislative 
efforts and a detailed rundown of how Washington Seminar works.

The Great Gathering In Meeting, barring a blizzard, is on Monday, 
January 30 at 5 PM. This is a lively meeting where we talk about this 
year's legislative priorities and how we are going to achieve them. 
Often, members of Congress drop in and speak to us. There is also a 
legislative meetup at 2 PM which is highly recommended for first-time 
attendees.

Meetings with our representatives will be scheduled for January 31 anf 
February 1. Here's a page with more information from the national website
https://nfb.org/washington-seminar

The Michigan affiliate has allocated money to pay for two rooms for 
Washington Seminar (up to 3 nights each). Financial assistance has also 
been allocated from the affiliate.

We expect that those attending and receiving assistance will attend the 
Great Gathering IN meeting and all appointments assigned to them on 
Tuesday and Wednesday. There will also be a short meeting to discuss our 
plans, typically after the Great Gathering In.

I'm happy to help anyone in finding affordable flights or other travel 
arrangements, or to answer any questions you may have. There are often 
flights around $200 or cheaper from Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and 
other areas. If you are a student and worried about missing classes, I'm 
happy to help you work with your professors or teachers. Many are very 
understanding and would be excited for you to harness this opportunity.

Please let me know if you're interested in coming by December 22, 2022.

So many of the rights we have today as blind Americans came about 
because of the work at Washington Seminar. Together we can create the 
change we want to see in our world.

Here's the information to send:

Your name:
Email:
Cell phone:
Who is your representative in Congress? There are tools to look this up
if you are unsure.

Again, please Email these to vp at nfbmi.org by December 22.

Cordially,
J.J. Meddaugh, First Vice President
NFB of Michigan