[NFBMI-Talk] The Informant 2024-06

Sun Jun 16 16:07:24 UTC 2024

Dear Mr. President, 

There was a discussion yesterday at the Detroit chapter meeting about the
salon room for the Mi Caucus.  We were told it is going to be in salon 13 at
9:00 P.M  .  In this email YOU you say salon 7.  Please clarify

Federationally Yours, 

John. 

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBMI-Talk <nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Robert Parsons
via NFBMI-Talk
Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2024 2:17 PM
To: 'NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List' <nfbmi-talk at nfbnets.org>
Cc: rob.parso3389 at gmail.com
Subject: [NFBMI-Talk] The Informant 2024-06

National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBMI)

The Informant 2024

Vol. 6: Taking Pride in the Federation 

June 15, 2024

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

>From the President: Greetings my Federation family, friends, and guests as
we welcome you all to an ultra-special edition of "The Informant!" June's
issue of our monthly affiliate newsletter is pivotal, as it commemorates a
monumental point of our movement; where we are able to evaluate our progress
thus far, determine how many of the goals we set in January have been met
and brainstorm on ways we can work towards meeting those we are still
working toward. We are also able to develop additional goals to keep up our
momentum. Before we do all of this, I want to wish our Michigan Federation
family a joyous and celebratory Happy Pride month, for it is the voices of
all blind people, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+, who contribute
so much to our development, proactivity and ability to continue to work in
tandem with the national blind people's movement. In our printed text that
outlines our organization's history, "Walking Alone and Marching Together,"
the message of solidarity of identity is thoroughly described, laying out
the premise for the three tenets that are described in the NFB pledge. The
first of three tenets "to achieve equality," can be attributed to not just
equality of rights, but of the respect of all blind people regardless of
their race, sexual orientation, gender identity or other identifying
characteristic. I invite all our members to embrace this interpretation of
our pledge and our message, just as our national office does, in
incorporating the message of inclusion, love and acceptance of all blind
people as an equally welcomed voice in our chapters, divisions and programs;
for their active participation brings fresh perspectives and vigor to our
membership every day. The Michigan affiliate is a microcosm of a larger,
diverse, and robust family that includes different backgrounds, shades, and
identities; let's continue to make sure everyone has a seat at our table. 

The month of June is important for a number of reasons. Our membership has
the motivation , aside from wonderful weather, to enjoy the sunshine and the
company of others; including national doughnut day, trial technology day,
national higher education day, national zoo and aquarium month,
international yoga day, Father's Day, and Juneteenth. All of these items
boast opportunities for chapters, divisions or groups of Michigan
Federationists to get together and celebrate or commemorate the day or
season; so whether you are recognizing the freedom of thriving blind black
Americans at a picnic or enjoying a day at the aquarium with your father, do
so knowing the Federation supports your right to do so. Continue to live the
life you want and respect others to do so at your side. 

Important National Updates

*	Hotel reservations for the 2024 NFB National Convention are filling
quickly. Though the Rosen Center is now booked, there are still
opportunities for members that are looking for rooms in the overflow hotels
to find them from attendees that have since changed their minds. If
interested in these opportunities, please email <mailto:President at nfbmi.org>
President at nfbmi.org or visit the NFB Members email list.
*	The 2024 NFB of Michigan caucus will take place on July 3 at 9pm at
the Rosen Center Hotel in Orlando. This meeting is required for all
first-time attendees, Jernigan Award recipients and recipients of our state
funding assistance program. The NFBMI Caucus will take place in Salon 7. 

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 is proud to have 39
confirmed registrants for the 2024 National Convention this year. Of this
number, 22 are registered for in-person attendance. All are welcome to
register for the virtual convention experience for $10, where members can
access meetings, the virtual exhibit hall experience, and a variety of other
opportunities. To learn about and register for the virtual convention
experience, please visit  <http://www.nfb.org/convention>
www.nfb.org/convention.
*	The NFB of Michigan is excited to support our national convention in
its first-ever sexual health education open house. This research-supported
presentation, which promotes blind-led accessible sex education in a safe
space, offers convention attendees opportunities to learn 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, takes place July 5 from 4-8pm at the
Rosen Center; and we encourage all members of our affiliate to learn about
all it offers. Table two, which features accessible information and
resources on sexual orientation and gender identity for attendees is led by
NFBMI President Robert Parsons and At Large chapter President, Sanho
Steele-Louchart. 
*	The NFB of Michigan is excited to fundraise at the 2024 exhibit hall
during our national convention. By visiting table D16, guests will be
treated to a taste of Michigan pride with our selection of products,
including Wild Cherry Gummi Bears ($9), Cherry Nut Mix ($12), Cherry
Barbecue Sauce ($12),  and Cherry Salsa ($9). We will also have our Michigan
table staples, including assorted whipped body butter ($4) and our popular
convention 50/50 raffle ($10). Our table offers mix-and-match options for
snacks (Two for $20) and body butters (three for $10). Finally, there is a
deal on raffles, with three tickets selling for $20. The NFB of Michigan
accepts cash, credit, debit, and all forms of electronic pay options. If you
are a virtual attendee of convention, you can also participate in our
fundraising and secure your items, simply contact me at
<mailto:President at nfbmi.org> President at nfbmi.org or (269) 216-8640 to
discuss how you can secure your items. All cherry-themed items are supplied
through Cherry Republic, a wholesale partner of the NFB of Michigan. 
*	The NFB of Michigan exhibit hall table still has two shifts open for
volunteers that are interested in assisting in fundraising while in Orlando.
If you are interested in this opportunity to fundraise on behalf of our
affiliate, please contact Ather Jammoa, exhibit hall coordinator, at
<mailto:Atherjammoa at gmail.com> Atherjammoa at gmail.com. 
*	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. 
*	The 2024 NFBMI Raising Expectations Accessing Life (REAL) program is
a dual-track opportunity for youth interested in learning about growing in
STEM-related fields. This year, our program has eight registered
participants and takes place June 21-23 in the city of Flint. If you are
interested in joining the NFBMI REAL volunteers in meeting the
students/families and learning about the programs; we encourage you all to
join us at the Flint-Genesee chapter's Blind Equality Gala 2024, held at the
Flint Institute of Art on Saturday, June 22. The gala begins at 6pm, the
theme is "Formal Masquerade", and tickets are $75 for general admission/$100
for VIP. A formal proclamation from Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be
presented, with an address from Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley, numerous
presentations from dignitaries, performances, and opportunities for blind
people to have a great time. 
*	The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan represented and
promoted both the Raising Expectation Accessing Life and scholarship
programs at the 2024 VISIONS conference. A huge thank you to members of the
Detroit and New Wayne County chapter members and officers for their
diligence and networking skills in bringing in interested applicants. Their
hard work garnered two new students and a strong interest in establishing an
Ann Arbor chapter in the future, potentially growing our affiliate. 

Chapter/Division Updates

*	At Large Chapter: We are excited to have six members attending our
national convention this year in Orlando. We encourage members to continue
to attend our monthly meetings, which take place the first Tuesday of each
month at 8pm, and our philosophy discussions on the third Tuesday of each
month at 8pm. In observation of national convention, the At Large chapter
will not meet for its monthly meeting but will resume meeting for its
monthly philosophy discussion on Tuesday, July 16 at 8pm. We look forward to
connecting then and continuing to develop ways we can get activated as
cohosts of this year's state convention in Kalamazoo this November.
*	Capital Region Chapter: We are excited to invite all blind people in
the Greater Lansing area and across the state of Michigan interested in
learning more about the Federation, its programs and the message of the
blind people's movement to the first NFBMI Open House; being held on July
15, 2024 from 5-7pm at the Foster Community Center, 200 N. Foster Ave.,
Lansing, MI 48912. This program, in partnership with our affiliate, is a
great way to learn about our work to promote the potential of blind people
around the nation, the way we empower our membership and how the Federation
can cultivate your skills. Light refreshments will be provided,
presentations from local program vendors and employers will also be present.
We look forward to connecting with all and encourage interested parties to
participate. 
*	Detroit Chapter:  Over the past month, the Detroit Chapter engaged
with others at the Visions Conference, Had a guest speaker from Alabama
present a brand new Alexa based accessible application for blind homebuyers
program currently launching in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Had a guest speaker
from Council Woman Mary Waters' Office explain the role of Detroit's newly
created Tenants Rights Commission, Advocated at the Great Lakes Water
Authority Board Meeting for the Implementation of a Blind Peoples Water
Rights Agenda, And Continued work on developing the concept of a quad county
(Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne) paratransit ride share program.
*	Flint-Genesee Chapter: We are excited to have four active members
attending our national convention in Orlando in July. One of our members is
a Jernigan awardee. Our chapter is hard at work preparing to host the NFBMI
REAL program June 21-23, which includes our annual gala held at the Flint
Institute of Art. We are also excitedly preparing for our annual chapter
picnic to be held in July, with date and location to be announced. Our
members have been hard at work promoting Federation programming, including
advertising these programs on local and regional radio, news networks and
podcasts. Please visit the NFB of Michigan Facebook page to view clips of
our membership and leaders as they discuss our local initiatives, state
programs and the journeys of our individual members as they live the life
they want. 
*	New Wayne County Chapter: Four members of our chapter are headed to
Orlando where we will be selling chocolate covered cherries. We have
returned our monthly chapter meetings to the Henry Ford Centennial library
in Dearborn. On August 3 we will have a guest from Washtenaw/Monroe
Disability Network. We have moved our picnic to August 31 with the location
to be determined.

Important State Affiliate Dates

*	06/17/24 NFBMI Capital Region Chapter Meeting (7pm) 
*	06/18/24: NFBMI AT Large Philosophy Discussion (8pm)
*	06/21/24: NFBMI Raising Expectation Accessing Life (REAL) Program
*	06/22/24: NFBMI Flint-Genesee Gala (6pm)
*	06/28/24: NFBMI Soundboard (8pm)
*	06/29/24: Michigan Association of Blind Students Meeting (6:30pm)
*	07/03/24: NFB National Convention 
*	07/15/24: NFBMI Capital Region Open House (5pm)

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

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