[NFBMI-Talk] The Informant 2024-12

Tue Dec 17 23:15:50 UTC 2024

National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBMI

The Informant 2024

Vol. 12: Wrapping Up Success with the Federation 

December 17, 2024

Affiliate Zoom Link:
<https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09>
https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09 

>From the President: With the spirit of the Holiday upon us, the year ending
and feelings of giving coursing through me, I often reflect on the thing we
can be most proud of this year. With the number of accomplishments and
milestones that we as blind people achieve, small and not-so-very, each day;
it isn't difficult getting overwhelmed when I put this lens through that of
what we have given to another. Whether it is small moments of independence
or monumental milestone accomplishments where the entire family shines; the
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan has a reputation for giving to
others. In this month's issue of our monthly newsletter, I encourage all of
our leadership, membership, and guests to reflect on what they have given.
Whether it be through an NFB program experience, an opportunity for another
blind person to progress in their journey, a chance for blind people to have
equal representation in space or even securing the future of blind people
through meeting you. Take these moments, memories, testimonials; and, as you
reflect on which of these you feel most proud of, remember that the
philosophy of the Federation underpins some of this pride. Our shared belief
that blindness is but a characteristic that does not define us or our future
empowers us to live the life we want; regardless of the low expectations
placed upon us. Happy Holidays, my Federation Family. 2024 has been an
exhilarating, wonderful, awe-inspiring ride full of opportunities to gain
experience and grow as a leader with each and every one of you. I look
forward to all that 2025 can bring us as the National Federation of the
Blind of Michigan. 

Important National Program Updates

*	The National Federation of the Blind continues to advocate for the
promotion of braille literacy for children and adolescents. Please support
our initiative of providing braille holiday letters and cards to blind
children. If you are interested in learning more about this program, please
visit
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters
>
https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters.
*	The National Federation of the Blind excitedly partners with
64-ounce games on a wonderful holiday opportunity. By purchasing one of
their customized holiday braille Christmas ornaments, you can select your
NFB affiliate to donate $5 of your purchase toward. The ornament display
reads "National Federation of the Blind. Live the Life You Want 2024." For
more information, please visit:
<https://64ouncebraille.com/products/nfb-christmas-ornament-fundraiser>
https://64ouncebraille.com/products/nfb-christmas-ornament-fundraiser 
*	The 2025 NFB STEM2U national program training will take place at the
Jernigan Institute from January 9-12 for all affiliates that plan to bring
non-visual STEM curriculum programs for blind adolescents to their states.
The NFB of Michigan is proud to be represented by its NFB STEM2U
coordinator, Ather Jammoa, who will be attending the training in Baltimore.
We look forward to all that the training, and Ather, will bring our STEM2U
instructors and students. 
*	The 2025 NFB Washington Seminar will take place February 3-6 at the
Holiday Inn Washington Capital. The Washington Seminar is an annual,
national program where all 52 of the Federation affiliates gather to discuss
pertinent issues that affect the blind with their elected officials. It is a
joyous time for the blind to both advocate and celebrate our power as a
collective. To learn more about the enthusiasm, process, and participants of
the NFB Washington Seminar; please visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar. 
*	The 2025 NFB national convention will take place at the Marriott
Hotel from July 8-13 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Additional information about
convention registration and hotel reservations will come shortly. To learn
more about our national convention, please visit
<http://www.nfb.org/convention> www.nfb.org/convention.

Important State Updates

*	Visitors and members of the National Federation of the Blind of
Michigan can now view this issue and past issues of "The Informant" on the
NFBMI Webpage. You can access these issues by visiting
<http://www.nfbmi.org/informant> www.nfbmi.org/informant.
*	We encourage all chapters, divisions and members that are
considering ways they can support our organization more to join the
Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) plan for as little as $5 per month. To
learn more about the PAC plan and how it benefits members and programs of
the National Federation of the Blind, please visit  <http://www.nfb.org/pac>
www.nfb.org/pac.
*	The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan congratulates
Michigan Association of Blind Students Vice President and Flint Genesee
Chapter member, Tiaira Mays, in being named a National Association of Blind
Students (NABS) 2025 Washington Seminar sponsored attendee. NABS is a proud
national division of the National Federation of the Blind and we are excited
that Tiarra will be interacting with student leaders from around the country
in her first seminar experience; representing our affiliate every step of
the way.
*	The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan will be
participating in the 2025 MAER conference as a vendor. During this
opportunity, the affiliate will be able to promote its programs; including
the 2025 REAL program, 2025 BELL program  and our national scholarship
program. The conference will take place April 24-25 in Lansing. 
*	The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is excited to
announce the leaders of some of its 2024-2025 state committees. Please stay
tuned for announcements from these chairs for meeting dates and times that
are listed either within future issues of "The Informant" or personally by
the chair/ co-chair of the committee. Future committees are still being
finalized and will be announced. State committee chairs include Maryann
Murad (Membership Committee), Sanho Steele-Louchart (Scholarship Committee),
Ather Jammoa (Communications Committee), Sheila Fulmore and Mark Eagle
(Legislative Committee), Felecia Bradford (Leadership Development
Committee), Robert Parsons (Fundraising Committee), and Donna Posont (Youth
and Family Programs Planning Committee). 
*	 The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan recognizes and
congratulates Michigan Association of Blind Students (MIABS) President,
Jerusalem Crawley, and Vice President, Tiarra Mayes, for being named to the
planning committee of the 2025 National Association of Blind Students (NABS)
Midwest Regional Student Seminar, This regional student seminar aims to
unite the students of various Midwest NFB affiliates (Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin) for a weekend
of leadership building, skills training and professional development;
complete with presentations, social activities and networking opportunities.
If you are a blind high school student, college student or person interested
in the student experience that feels like this opportunity may benefit you;
please consider this program when registration information becomes available
in coming months.
*	The NFBMI fundraising committee is grateful for the efforts and
suggestions of so many of our members in its efforts to make our programs
successful. As a reminder, state affiliate fundraising programs aim to build
opportunities for members across the affiliate and support a variety of our
initiatives, including Washington Seminar, National Convention, State
Convention, and our different youth programs. The NFBMI Fundraising
committee calls are usually held on the first Friday of every month at 6pm,
however December's meeting will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 6pm
to discuss preparation for the Q1 fundraising plan after some communication
challenges. We look forward to everyone's participation and encourage at
least one member from each active chapter and division to participate live
on our state affiliate Zoom line. 

Chapter/Division Updates

*	At Large Chapter: We are excited for our virtual Holiday party,
taking place on December 17, 2024, on our affiliate Zoom. We are also
looking forward to having our quarterly in-person activity and future
philosophy discussion in 2025. Happy Holidays to everyone. 
*	Detroit Chapter: We are sending four members to the 2025 Washington
Seminar, including one member of the student division. We look forward to
all that 2025 brings.
*	Flint-Genesee Chapter: As always, we invite you to join us at our
monthly chapter meeting, held on the third Thursday of every month at the
Flint Public Library from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM. If you're outside the Genesee
County area, you can also join us via the MI Zoom link. The Flint Genesee
Chapter would like to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Holidays! We
are especially proud of our accomplishments this year. A big thank you to
all who helped make our Toys for Tots and Coats for Kids drives success.
Your generosity made a difference in many lives. We are also thrilled to
congratulate our chapter members on their recent achievements. Tara Mayes
was elected Vice President of the Student Division, and Steven Crouch was
elected Secretary of the Student Division. We are so proud of both of them!
Additionally, we are delighted to share that 18 of our chapter members
attended the state conference this year. We all gained valuable knowledge
and cherished the opportunity to bond with each other and other chapter
members across the affiliate. Our successful Gobble Gobble Popcorn
fundraiser allowed us to give back to the community and meet the needs of
our chapter. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this
cause. On December 14th, our chapter celebrated the holiday season together.
We were fortunate enough to visit the Wayne County chapter and had an
amazing time. We are excited for the activities and opportunities that 2025
will bring, and we look forward to continuing our work together. Once again,
we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
*	Michigan Association of Blind Students (MIABS): MIABS will be
sending four members of its board to the 2025 Washington Seminar. We look
forward to meeting new students and gaining new members in 2025.
*	Michigan Seniors Advocating for Seniors (BMISAFS): The BMISAFS
Seniors will be meeting on December 23rd. Please plan to attend as we
continue our discussion of cyber safety. 
*	New Wayne County Chapter: On Friday, December 13, our chapter
engaged in a festive, fun, food-filled party with a gift-wrapped auction.
With 25 partiers a grand time was had by all. We are looking forward to 2025
with great hope and excitement. Our first meeting will be held January 4 at
the Henry Ford Centennial Library on Michigan avenue in Dearborn from 1-3p
m. Please come by noon for social time and bring some goodies to share if
you wish. Our annual elections will occur and all dues paying members may
vote for the future leadership of our chapter. We are sending two members to
Washington Seminar and are planning fund raisers to help send all our
members to New Orleans for our national convention in July. Blessings for a
great 2025 filled with kindness, love, and joy.

Important Affiliate Dates 

*	12/17/24: NFBMI At Large Chapter Virtual Holiday Party - 8pm
*	12/20/24: NFBMI Fundraising Committee Meeting - 6pm 
*	12/21/24: NFBMI Detroit Chapter Holiday Party - 12pm 
*	12/23/24: Michigan Seniors Advocating for Seniors Meeting - 8pm 
*	12/27/24:NFBMI Soundboard-8pm
*	1/04/25: NFBMI New Wayne County Chapter Meeting-1pm 
*	1/06/25: NFBMI At Large Chapter Meeting-8pm
*	1/10/25: NFBMI Fundraising Committee Meeting-6pm
*	1/10/25: NFBMI Communications Committee Meeting-8pm

With Love, Hope and Determination, 

Robert Parsons, Jr., M. A., CRC, CVRT, LLPC

President, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan

(269) 216- 8640

www.nfbmi.org <http://www.nfbmi.org> 

"Without struggle, there is no progress." - Frederick Douglas