[NFBMI-Talk] MIABS Mosaic Vol. 1.2- Jan. 11TH, 2026

[Jeffery Crouch]

The MIABS Mosaic
Jan. 11th, 2026


BREAKING NEWS!!!
    We have launched our very own MIABS YouTube channel, which will feature short-form video content like the MIABS Mosaic,  designed to keep you informed and engaged between meetings and events. Each and every one of you is a valuable piece of our mosaic. We cannot shine without you, and our art will not be complete until we bring in anyone and everyone who could benefit from what MIABS has to offer. Please keep spreading the word and Visit the channel below. Also, don't forget to subscribe, like and comment!
youtube.com/@miabssocial<http://youtube.com/@miabssocial>



Message From the Vice President: Riley Letterman
    I would like to welcome you all to the second installment of the MIABS Mosaic. This weekly newsletter is designed to ensure that all of our amazing members are kept up to date on the latest information and happenings of the MIABS division.
    Just as a mosaic is made up of hundreds of shards of glass and stones that come together to create a beautiful and inspiring masterpiece, we are many individuals coming together to build connection, foster community, and grow our collective strength as blind students across the state of Michigan. Each new member adds depth, color, and brilliance to our shared work.
    On every Sunday each month, you will receive an email from one of the four board members of MIABS with information pertaining to a specific area. Keep an eye out for specific dates each month, and if there is a bonus week, there may or may not be content, but we will let you know either way. Below is the schedule on which board member you will receive an email from, and the topic area.


Week 1: President Jeffery Crouch: Advocacy
Week 2: Vice President Riley Letterman: Membership and Outreach
Week 3: Secretary Steven Crouch: Communications and Technology
Week 4: Treasurer Danielle Agajan: Fundraising and the monthly wrap up


We sincerely hope that you will find value in these newsletters. If you have any suggestions, you can email miabs-president at outlook.com with your feedback.


Membership and Outreach
Information
    MIABS continues to grow, and we could not be more excited. At our January 3rd and January 9th board meetings, we officially voted in new members, further strengthening our division and expanding our statewide network of blind students. To our newest members: WELCOME! We are so glad you are here.
    If you are interested in joining MIABS, know of any friends who are interested in joining MIABS, or know of any blind students in the state of Michigan who are not yet connected with the National Federation of the Blind, we want to hear from you. Please refer them directly to me using my contact information below. Community grows best through personal connection.


Email: rileyletterman07 at gmail.com


Announcements
MIABS XOXO Auction: Have a Heart, Take a Part
    Our MIABS XOXO Auction went live this morning! We have all sorts of prizes and awesome activities for you to bid on. Whether you're looking for a special something for your swoon-worthy sweetheart, or a little bit of loving for yourself, we have something for you! All proceeds from the auction will be put toward funding for our students to attend the Midwest student seminar in Chicago later this year! You can contribute at
this link<http://www.32auctions.com/miabsxoxo>.

Midwest Regional Seminar interest and funding application
    The application for requesting funding for the Midwest Regional Seminar and letting us know that you are interested in going is now live. If you are wanting to connect with other students from the Midwest to learn about advocacy and issues surrounding blind students, this is the event for you.


Midwest Regional Student Seminar Information
    The Midwest Regional Student Seminar will take place March 13th–15th at the Holiday Inn in Chicago, Illinois. This seminar is an incredible opportunity for blind students to connect with peers from across the Midwest, learn about advocacy, leadership, and issues impacting blind students, and deepen involvement within the Federation.
    If you are interested in attending and would like to apply for funding through the Michigan Association of Blind Students, you can complete the application using the following form:
MIABS Midwest Interest and Funding Application<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEy7QiQUg5pKkusVurWgAhUfQflt4uAujJYKDUnttuvAm1LQ/viewform?pli=1>
    If you plan to fund your own attendance or are able to secure funding through either MIABS or the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, you can register for the seminar and reserve your hotel room here:
NABS Midwest Regional Seminar registration Form<https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/info?id=7&reset=1>


Connect With Us
WhatsApp
    MIABS has a WhatsApp group for members to share resources with one another, get connected with a vast statewide network of peers going through many of the same experiences, exchange tips and tricks for navigating student life, ask those burning student questions, and stay up to date on MIABS news and events. Please reach out to President Jeffery Crouch at miabs-president at outlook.com and we will make sure that you are invited.


Facebook<http://facebook.com/MIBlindStudents/>
   Did you know that you can find us on Facebook? Plug on in by visiting
this link<https://www.facebook.com/MIBlindStudents/>.
We have a discussion group as well as a page. Please come on over and check us out!


Email Listserv<https://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mi-abs_nfbnet.org>
   If you are not on our MIABS division email list, please subscribe at the link below. It's just another way to make sure that you are staying up to date and having the chance to email with other blind students. You can visit
this page<https://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mi-abs_nfbnet.org> to sign up. If you have any problems signing up, please email miabs-president at outlook.com.


Calendar of Events
All are welcome to all meetings.
Jan. 24th, 1P.M.- MIABS board meeting
Jan. 31st, 1P.M.- Membership meeting


In Closing
    Thank you for reading this week’s installment of the MIABS Mosaic. Please keep an eye out for next week’s edition from our Secretary, Steven Crouch, as he shares updates focused on communications, technology and keeping our members informed.


With love, hope, and determination: let’s go build the federation!