[NFBMI-Talk] The Informant 2024-07

Sun Jul 21 07:50:01 UTC 2024

National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBMI)

The Informant 2024

Vol. 7: Celebrating Federation Accomplishments

July 21, 2024

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

>From the President: Greetings Michigan Federationists, friends, and visitors
to a fashionably late summer edition of "The Informant." Though a tad tardy,
I'm excited our monthly newsletter offers important updates and
announcements for blind Federationists, continuing to align with the blind
people's movement in our steps to live the lives we want. 

The month of July has a variety of reasons for blind people to get into the
summer spirit. With this being national hot dog month, national ice cream
month and disability pride month; Federationists are encouraged to enjoy
themselves and proudly join the celebration. Much like President Riccobono's
message in his keynote address at our 2024 national convention banquet,
knowing who we are promotes a reason to reserve our dignity in all spaces.
Whether you, your chapter or division are planning to celebrate the
wonderful weather or just to have a gathering with a few hot dogs, the
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan encourages these activities and
welcomes you to invite your Federation family to the party. We may even
supply some ice cream. Let's continue to build the Federation. 

Important National Updates

*	The 2024 NFB National Convention was an exciting experience for both
virtual and in-person attendees. Throughout the convention, attendees had
opportunities to engage in a variety of seminars, make their voices heard
during general session and the resolutions committee meeting, and tune into
an amazing banquet address by our national president. 
*	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.
*	The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan was proud to have
30 confirmed in-person attendees at our 2024 national convention. Of this
number, 10 were first-time convention attendees and six were Kenneth
Jernigan Awardees. To follow the experiences of some of our in-person
attendees, please visit our Facebook page. Under "National Federation of the
Blind of Michigan," you can find posts, photos, and updates from our
membership during their time in Orlando. 
*	The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan congratulates Donna
Posont, the New Wayne County chapter president, for her acceptance of a 2024
Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award. Her story and continued dedication to empowering
blind people in her efforts are testaments to the success we can achieve
when we raise our expectations to work toward our dreams. 
*	The NFB of Michigan excitedly supported our national convention in
its first-ever sexual health education Research Fair. This
research-supported presentation, which promotes blind-led accessible sex
education in a safe space, offered convention attendees opportunities to
gain experience about a variety of developmental topics; including anatomy,
biology, identity, physiology, mental health, resources, and access. This
event, led by Federation leaders and professionals in various fields, took
place July 5 from 4-8pm at the Rosen Center. 
*	The NFB of Michigan excitedly broke new fundraising ground at the
2024 exhibit hall during our national convention. With the guidance of our
coordinator, Ather Jammoa, our affiliate completely sold out of our "Taste
of Michigan Cherry" themed items. Not to be outdone, the annual NFBMI 50/50
raffle surpassed its previous record, raising $1750 in funds over convention
week. Congratulations to Jordyn Castor for winning the 50/50 raffle this
year and a thank you to all members that supported our efforts through
working a shift or making a purchase.
*	The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan added exciting
changes to its delegation activities at our 2024 national convention.
Members gathered for an affiliate dinner at a local restaurant in Orlando on
July 3, had an opportunity to meet President Riccobono and the national
board members over coffee on July 4 and took part in a pre-banquet photo
shoot on July 8. A heartfelt thanks to numerous members for supporting our
membership in this new experience. I'd also like to recognize our leaders
for picking up responsibilities to create a true family atmosphere during
these experiences. 
*	The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan recognizes and
congratulates Maryann Murad, affiliate state secretary, for her advocacy
efforts in our national organization. Maryann authored and submitted the
resolution addressing Amazon's lackluster accommodations and human resources
process for blind employees. The resolution was unanimously accepted by the
convention, and she did a stellar job representing our affiliate and her
thoughts on the matter in Orlando during general session. To view our 2024
resolutions, please visit  <http://www.nfb.org/resolutions>
www.nfb.org/resolutions.
*	The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is excited to
continue to make a national presence at our convention. During the 2024
general session, the NFB of Michigan consistently became contenders for the
PAC-a-derm, a recognition for affiliates that have increased the percentage
of PAC plan memberships. We encourage all chapters, divisions and members
that are considering ways they can support our organization more to join the
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 2024 NFB of Michigan state scholarship program officially
launched on June 1, 2024. If you are a blind student in the state of
Michigan that is a high school senior or are attending a college/university,
please  email  <mailto:scholarships at nfbmi.org> scholarships at nfbmi.org  or
visit  <http://www.nfbmi.org/scholarship> www.nfbmi.org/scholarship24 for
more information. The state scholarship program is awarded at our state
convention each year and the application deadline is September 15, 2024. 

Chapter/Division Updates

*	Capital Region Chapter: The Capital Region chapter is excited to
have hosted the first NFBMI Open House. This event was held on July 15,
2024, from 5-7pm at the Foster Community Center, and included approximately
25 guests who shared information about the Federation, testimonials about
personal journeys from being a member and ways guests can get involved.
Attending vendors included BSBP, Michigan Department of Education: Low
Incidence Outreach, the National Library Services for the Blind, Peckham,
and Michigan State University. 
*	Detroit Chapter:  The Detroit Chapter presented our five
recommendations from the Blind People's Water Rights Agenda to the DWSD
Board of Commissioners. Led by Director Gary Brown, this Board gave us
incredibly positive feedback. They said that they have already begun
conversations with their contractors on how to make their bill-paying kiosks
accessible.
*	Flint-Genesee Chapter: Greetings from The FLINT Chapter! We meet
monthly on the third Thursday of each month at the Flint Public Library from
5:30 PM to 6:45 PM. Please join us for our next meeting. We are thrilled to
share the success of our 2024 Blindness Equality Gala, and hosting the
Michigan NFB REAL Program in downtown Flint, Michigan. It was a wonderful
event celebrating the Gala theme was blindness equality. Four of our members
had the opportunity to attend the National Convention in Orlando, Florida
this year. One of our members was honored with the prestigious Jernigan
Award, while another successfully completed a rigorous leadership program.
We are immensely proud of their achievements. Looking ahead, we are excited
to announce our upcoming Annual Community Picnic on July 27, 2024, from
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We invite everyone to join us for a day of fun and
community spirit.

Important State Affiliate Dates

*	07/22/24: Blind Seniors Advocating for Seniors Meeting (8pm)
*	07/24/24: NFBMI Convention Committee Meeting (7pm)
*	07/26/24: NFBMI Sound Board (8pm)
*	07/27/24: NFBMI Flint-Genesee Chapter Picnic (12pm)
*	07/27/24: Michigan Association of Blind Students Meeting (6:30pm)
*	08/06/24: NFBMI At Large Chapter 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