[NFBMI-Talk] The Informant 2025- 01

Tue Jan 21 00:06:53 UTC 2025

National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBMI

The Informant 2025

Vol. 1: United Steps with the Federation.

January 20, 2025

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

>From the President: Happy Monday, Inauguration Day, and; most
introspectively, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In this detailed, special
edition of "The Informant," I grow excited of the potential of our
affiliate. From the discussions we are on the verge of having to the
projects our leaders are developing, all the way down to the efficacy of the
membership I am observing at chapter meetings. The excitement reminds me of
the way I learned of grassroots work and how we truly accomplish things as a
collective. Though the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan's
mission may not be identical to those of abolitionists that moved with the
purpose of the 1960s; the  resolve of our membership still brims over with
every idea, meeting, concept, and conversation. I challenge you all; as you
read this newsletter and consider the part you take in interacting with the
variety of programs and opportunities outlined here; to consider bringing in
another members' perspective. Let's continue to build our family internally,
while expanding our presence externally, respectively. It is only in tandem
that we can continue to win and garner the respect and dignity that deserved
of the blind people's movement, respectively. This receptivity can further
us and I look forward to all we can learn from leaders like Dr. King, Dr.
Timbrook, Kenneth Jernigan, Dr. Mauer and so many more. Let's take these
steps together.

Important National Program Updates

*	The 2025 NFB STEM2U national program training took place at the
Jernigan Institute from January 9-12 for all affiliates. This training aimed
to bring non-visual STEM curriculum programs for blind adolescents to their
states. The NFB of Michigan was proud to be represented by its NFB STEM2U
coordinator, Ather Jammoa, who attended the training in Baltimore. We look
forward to all that the training, and Ather, will bring our STEM2U
instructors and students this summer. 
*	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 Midwest Regional Student Seminar is a joint program hosted
by the National Association of Blind Students and the National Federation of
the Blind of Illinois from March 7-9, 2025. During this weekend-long
program, blind students are able to network, increase their academic success
potential and learn about a medley of training and employment readiness
skills that can prepare them for the multitude of experiences they may face
in their individual journeys through life. It is an enriching experience
that encourages all blind Michigan students to attend and participate in. If
you are a blind student and are interested in participating, please complete
registration by February 14, 2025, by visiting
<https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=5>
https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=5. 
*	  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 is available by visiting
<http://www.nfb.org/convention> www.nfb.org/convention.
*	The NFB national scholarship program is now open. Each year, thirty
are awarded by our national organization to blind students that attend
colleges or universities around the nation. This is a competitive but
rewarding application pool that provides a myriad of opportunities, and I
encourage all blind  students in Michigan to apply. The deadline for
applications is March 31, 2025. All applicants must attend the entire 2025
NFB national convention in New Orleans. For more information or to apply,
please visit www.nfb.org/scholarship.

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 will hold an
affiliate board meeting on Tuesday, January 21, at 6:30pm. This board
meeting will be hosted on our state affiliate Zoom line. This meeting will
have a representative of our national president present. Please use the Zoom
link above to enter the meeting.
*	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 congratulates the
Flint Genesee chapter on its podcast partnership with the Flint District
Talking Book Library. On this quarter's latest episode, they host 2024 NFBMI
scholarship finalists and Michigan Association of Blind Students' board
members, to share their 2024 state convention experiences and thoughts of
being a Federationist. To listen in on the podcast, visit
<https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ_GsehX2f5lVuz6wllvSjZ80d0ykZujX>
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ_GsehX2f5lVuz6wllvSjZ80d0ykZujX. 
*	The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan welcomes and thanks
our affiliate webmaster, Benjamin McKenzie, for his service as he
transitions into the role of interim treasurer. We look forward to all that
Benjamin and his experience can add to what our affiliate aims are to
accomplish. 
*	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 proud to
announce Tara Morgan, affiliate board member, as its accessibility
coordinator. As our affiliate continues to create programs, events, and
opportunities for blind people across the state, we hope to maximize the
ways in which blind people can interact with them. If you have a reasonable
accommodation request while attending an NFBMI affiliate event, please feel
free to reach out to Tara by locating our accessibility policy that will be
updated on our NFBMI webpage later this month. We thank Tara for her
willingness to serve in this new role and look forward to her support in
this space. 
*	 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. 
*	The NFBMI fundraising committee thanks all members that attended its
lively January  3rd kickoff meeting. The quarter one fundraising effort
includes the 2025 Capital Crossing, our virtual walkathon highlighting our
Washington Seminar. Please stay tuned to the state list that serves this
week for the live link to share from our virtual platform for participants
on ways you can support our members as they advocate on Capital Hill for our
issues. Thanks to members Donna Posont, Tiarra Mayes, Damontae Scott, Sarah
Norwood, and Shaniece Milledge for their participation in supporting our
programs. All proceeds will further our efforts to support members that hope
to continue to advocate in the future.
*	The NFBMI communications committee thanks all members that attended
its January 3rd meeting, where goals of the state committee were discussed.
The committee is still interested in a co-chair and a state coordinator for
NFB Newsline. If you are interested in either of these roles or in being a
member of the communications team in general, please feel free to reach out
to Ather Jammoa at  <mailto:atherjammoa at gmail.com> atherjammoa at gmail.com.
*	The NFBMI Youth and Family Committee thanks its members that
attended its first meeting of 2025 on January 13. During its meeting, the
dates of the 2025 Raising Expectations Accessing Life (REAL) program, were
announced for June 27-29, 2025. We also discussed several potential agenda
activities for both the STEM2U track and the parents in attendance. If you
are interested in participating as a volunteer in our STEM2U or parent
philosophy building experience; please reach out to Donna Posont, chair; or
Diana Mohnke, co-chair. The NFBMI Youth and Family committee meets on the
second Monday of each month at 8pm and we are happy to continue to build the
confidence of blind children and families as we do the work of the
Federation.
*	The demand for the return of the 2025 Super Bowl Pool Roulette is
undeniable. If you are interested in supporting in popular effort to engage
with football lovers everywhere, while also helping the organization; please
contact your state fundraising chair for details. All proceeds support our
scholarship program. 

Chapter/Division Updates

*	At Large Chapter: The At Large chapter thanks its members, friends,
and members of fellow NFBMI chapters that attended our in-person outing to
the Trans-Siberian Orchestra live show on December 28 at Little Caesar's
Arena. This performance brought 16 members of the Michigan affiliate
together in fellowship. During our chapter meeting on  January 14, our
members discussed additional in-person activities and programs of interest.
The At Large chapter meets on the first Tuesday of each month, with our
philosophical discussions being held on the third Tuesday of each month via
the affiliate Zoom. We welcome all to join us in building great ideas and
the Federation. 
*	Detroit Chapter: Congratulations are in order to Chapter Members
Dewayne Rudd who just became the new 2025 Chair of the Local Advisory
Council (LAC) for DDOT, and Sabrina Rice for becoming the Vice Chair.
Congratulations also go out to Porscha Patrick who won the cash reward for
selling the most popcorn during our most recent fund raiser, and our Vice
President Sabrina Rice for receiving the Cookie Drop Award for her
outstanding community service. Go Lions and Pistons! The Detroit Chapter
will now host our Chapter Meetings along with the preceding Technology Hour
Presentations from noon-1 PM on our own Detroit Chapter Zoom Line. Please
use the Zoom information included at the bottom of the announcement for
record-keeping purposes.

Detroit Zoom: 

<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88219685776?pwd=06ZBYfFcCLixZaG1yY2WTuigOmgTcE.1>
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88219685776?pwd=06ZBYfFcCLixZaG1yY2WTuigOmgTcE.1

*	Flint-Genesee Chapter: We would like to extend a huge thank you to
everyone who helped make our holiday celebration a huge success! From the
committees to the members to the guests and Cracker Barrel of Flint, we are
grateful for your support. Additionally, kudos to the chapter for an
outstanding 2024 auction, which raised $375, allowing us to purchase $275
worth of toys for Toys for Tots. We also want to thank Above the Rest
Consignment Store of Davison  for helping us collect 32 coats for Coats for
Kids. Our Gobble Popcorn Drive was also a success, raising over $1,500 to
support both the community and our members. Looking ahead, four members will
be attending Washington Seminar next month, with two representing the
Student Division and two representing the Chapter. Upcoming events for
January and February:
*	Washington Seminar: February 2- 6, 2025
*	Live the Life You Want Bob It Tournament: February 22, 2025, at the
Flint Public Library from 11 AM to 2 PM. The mission fee is $10, which
includes a beverage and snack.

Please congratulate Damontae Scott for winning the Affiliate Fantasy
Football Experience Fundraiser, and Tiaira Mayes for winning the NABS
Scholarship to Washington Seminar and for serving on the 2025 Planning
Committee for the NABS Spring Convention. We are so proud of their
accomplishments!

*	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. Please join
us for our division meeting via Zoom on January 24, where we will discuss
our plans for both Washington Seminar and ways you can make Chicago and the
Midwest Regional Student Seminar a possibility with MIABS. 
*	Michigan Seniors Advocating for Seniors (BMISAFS): Welcome to 2025!
The BMISAFS (senior division) have 19 strong active members! Please join us
for elections at our next meeting. It will take place on Monday, January
27th at 8:00. Please give some serious thought to what you want our meetings
to look like this year and what you can do to help. We look forward to
another successful year. 
*	New Wayne County Chapter: The new Wayne County chapter is making
plans to raise money to help people go to New Orleans for national
convention. We will be raffling off a quilt and setting up a web store to
sell Terry Lynn's snacks. We have two members headed to Washington seminar
and we welcomed a new member to the family this month. Also, our chapter is
busy making plans for hosting the REAL program in June. Elections will be at
our next meeting, February 1, in the henry Ford Centennial library from 1-3p
m. All are welcome.

Important Affiliate Dates 

*	01/20/25: NFBMI Capital Region Chapter Meeting- 7pm 
*	01/21/25: NFBMI Board Meeting- 6:30pm
*	01/24/25: Michigan Association of Blind Students Meeting- 7pm 
*	01/26/25:NFBMI Soundboard-7pm

01/27/25: Michigan Blind Seniors Advocating for Seniors Meeting-8pm 

*	02/01/25: NFBMI New Wayne County Chapter Meeting-1pm
*	02/03/25- 02/06/25: National Federation of the Blind Washington
Seminar

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