[NFBMI-Wayne-County] FW: August Chapter meeting

[Shaniece Milledge]

See you tomorrow.


On Fri, Aug 1, 2025 at 10:02 PM <donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> Tomorrow we will meet to conduct the business of the National Federation
> of the Blind of Michigan.
>
> Don’t miss it!
>
> Thanks and blessings,
>
> Donna Posont
>
>
>
> *From:* donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com <donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com>
> *Sent:* Friday, July 25, 2025 10:19 PM
> *To:* lyalcontact at gmail.com
> *Cc:* donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com
> *Subject:* FW: August Chapter meeting
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com <donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com>
> *Sent:* Friday, July 25, 2025 10:07 PM
> *To:* 'NFB of Michigan Wayne County Chapter List' <
> nfbmi-wayne-county at nfbnet.org>
> *Cc:* donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com
> *Subject:* August Chapter meeting
>
>
>
> Greetings Friends,
>
> Next Saturday, August 2, you are warmly invited to gather with blind
> people and our friends to see what it means when we say, You can live the
> life you want. The New Wayne County chapter will meet at the Caroline
> Kennedy library in Dearborn Heights. From noon to 1p m we will socialize
> and eat some goodies, so feel free to bring something to share if you wish.
> From 1-3p m we are conducting the business of the National Federation of
> the Blind of Michigan. At the bottom of this message I have attached a copy
> of The Informant which details our current activities and plans for our
> upcoming state convention. If you have already seen it then you may wish to
> read it again just to review all we are accomplishing in the lives of
> people who are blind. If you have any questions please contact me at your
> convenience. Additionally, we have a fundraiser auction at the end of the
> meeting so you may want to donate an item.
>
> Thanks and blessings,
>
> Donna Posont
>
> President: New Wayne County Chapter
>
> National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
>
> Donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com
>
> 313-220-8140
>
>
>
> National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBMI) The Informant Vol. 6:
> The Effective Express
>
>
>
> Date: July  25, 2025
>
>
>
> Affiliate Zoom Link:
>
> https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09
>
>
>
> Message from the President
>
> Happy Friday and welcome to the July issue of "The Informant." Apologies
> for the delay in our publication this month, my friends, the Michigan Blind
> People's Movement has been active and excited. With so much to look forward
> to and be grateful for, our efforts in supporting blind people in turning
> their dreams into reality are blossoming in the summer's glow and adding a
> perfume that can be labelled effective. The month of July provides a myriad
> of reasons to be excited. This issue will outline our work at our national
> convention, individual chapter and division activities, our plans for our
> upcoming state convention and the unveiling of programs we have all been
> waiting for. Yes, my NFBMI family, we are in convention season, and I
> invite you all to join me on the effective express, as we celebrate our
> success and hold true to President Riccobono's call to action: uniting with
> the Federation family and its message. Your good faith  efforts and voice
> are both needed and welcomed.
>
>
>
> Important National Updates
>
> National Resolutions
>
> The National Federation of the Blind outlined the direction and priorities
> of our organization during our resolutions process in New Orleans. Our
> national convention, the supreme authority in our organization, voted 21
> resolutions into effect that address a wide breadth of issues affecting the
> nation's blind.
>
> To learn about our 2025-2026 resolutions, please visit:
>
> https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions1
>
>
>
> 2025 National Convention Banquet Speech
>
> During our 2025 convention banquet in New Orleans, President Riccobono
> gave a riveting speech titled "the Blind Explorers and the Elephant.,"
> which highlighted common societal misconceptions about the capabilities of
> the blind and how to address these challenges effectively. The theme of the
> speech, unity in the face of adversity, is one that resonated throughout
> the banquet hall and across our 52 affiliates. To read the speech, please
> visit:
>
>
> https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/banquet-speeches/creativity-persistence-and-hope-reclaiming-our
>
>
>
> National Federation of the Blind Radio Network Have you tried out NFBRN
> yet? At our 2025 Washington Seminar, President Mark Riccobono shook the
> room when he unveiled the National Federation of the Blind Radio Network
> (NFBRN). This all-new, always-on radio network offers updates, presidential
> releases, classic banquet addresses and so much more Federation content
> that continue to help blind people raise their expectations. To get
> connected and learn more, visit
> https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nfbrn.
>
>
>
> Legislative Updates
>
> Both the Blind Americans Returning to Work Act (HR 1175) and the Access
> Technology Affordability Act (HR 1529), introduced into the 119th Congress
> needs your support. By connecting with your representative in Congress, you
> can be the force we need to ensure that blind people are not penalized for
> having ambition in employment. If you are interested in learning more about
> this bill and how your voice can be helpful in working toward this goal,
> please contact our affiliate legislative chair, Sheila Fulmore, to learn
> about methods of communicating with their office or attend our upcoming
> legislative committee meeting.
>
>
>
> New Legislative Updates
>
> Social Security Administration:
>
> The National Federation of the Blind responded directly to the Social
> Security Administration (SSA) on their proposed field office closures and
> employee reductions. To read our organization's full response to the SSA's
> acting commissioner, visit
> https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-social-security-administration-regarding-recent
>
> Department of Education:
>
> The National Federation of the Blind responded to the Secretary of
> Education following the federal government's executive order to close the
> Department of Education. To read our letter emphasizing the importance of
> maintaining programs for blind and disabled people, visit
> https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-secretary-education-regarding-executive-order
>
> Library Services
>
> The National Federation of the Blind also sent a letter to chairs and
> ranking members of the House and Senate respective appropriations
> subcommittees following the federal government's executive order aiming to
> eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which funds state
> libraries for the blind and print disabled. To read our full letter to
> Congressional decisionmakers, visit
> https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-chairs-and-ranking-members-house-and-senate
>
> NFB Newsline
>
> Have you registered for NFB Newsline? This service offers access to over
> 500 publications, weather updates and job listings to blind, deaf-blind and
> low vision people around the country. Register here:
>
> https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-newsline
>
> Access On Podcast
>
> Our technology podcast, Access On, offers in-depth reviews from industry
> experts, interviews and more informational content. Subscribe today and
> stay connected with the latest updates by clicking:
>
> https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/access-on-podcast
>
>
>
> Important State Updates
>
> The Informant
>
> 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, as well as NFB Newsline. You can access these issues by visiting
> www.nfbmi.org/informant<http://www.nfbmi.org/informant
> <http://www.nfbmi.org/informant%3chttp:/www.nfbmi.org/informant>> or
> accessing the Michigan state-specific channel on NFB Newsline.
>
> Announcement, BELL Academy
>
> The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBIL) will hold its
> 2025 BELL Academy in Springfield, IL August 4-8. BELL stands for Braille
> Enrichment Literacy and Learning, and includes a week-long residential
> program for blind youth. Families travelling from outside of Springfield
> are provided hotel accommodations and meals are included. For more
> information or to register for this program, please visit:
>
> https://www.nfbofillinois.org/education-programs/bell-academy
>
> State Convention
>
> The 2025 NFBMI State Convention will take place October 30- November 2 at
> the Marriott Hotel Auburn Hills Pontiac. The address is 3600 Centerpoint
> Parkway, Pontiac, MI 48341
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/3600+Centerpoint+Parkway,+Pontiac,+MI+48341?entry=gmail&source=g>.
> For information about the convention and how to register, please visit
> www.nfbmi.org/convention.
>
> State Scholarships
>
> The 2025 NFB of Michigan scholarship program is open and currently
> accepting applications. If you are a blind student enrolled at a college or
> university in our state, please consider applying for this opportunity.
> Each year, the NFB of Michigan supports four students with an invitation to
> empower themselves with our affiliate as they are welcomed into the
> Michigan Blind People's Movement at state convention with our scholarship
> program. Applicants must be blind, attend a college or university in
> Michigan and prepare to attend the entirety of the 2025 NFBMI state
> convention. For details on eligibility or to apply, please visit:
>
> https://nfbmi.org/scholarship25
>
> Auction and Door Prizes
>
> The NFB of Michigan is now accepting donations for door prizes and auction
> items for our 2025 state convention. Each year, attendees and members are
> excited and grateful for the generosity of our donors. Likewise, our live
> auction during our convention banquet is one that has the entire hall
> jumping with good will and competition. If you are able to support this
> activity or receive pledges for donations, please contact Pat Pyle, senior
> division president, or email Donna Posont at donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com.
>
> Affiliate Board Meeting
>
> The third quarterly board meeting of the NFB of Michigan will take place
> August 24 at 3pm. The meeting will be held via Zoom on our affiliate line,
> which can be accessed using the provided link in this newsletter.
>
> Washtenaw County Open House
>
> The residents of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and surrounding areas have spoken.
> Throughout the past few months, questions about how the NFB of Michigan can
> have an in-person presence in these areas have been on the rise. The NFB of
> Michigan is happy to announce the 2025 Washtenaw County virtual open house.
>
> On July 31, 2025, at 8pm, join us in the NFBMI Zoom room if you are a
> resident of this county and are interested in the foundational work of
> creating a local chapter presence. Leaders that are committed to making
> this opportunity a reality will be there and happy to converse on what
> steps need to be taken.
>
> NFBMI Soundboard Updates and Changes
>
> The monthly NFBMI Soundboard is receiving a fresh coat of paint. For the
> past year, our monthly Soundboard has been helpful in supporting members
> that have challenges with BSBP. Recognizing the need for more inclusive
> programming and support for job seekers, our affiliate is happy to
> introduce the NFB of Michigan's "Job Seeker Saturdays." Every fourth
> Saturday at 6pm, We are excited to provide virtual, or in-person
> programming aimed at supporting Job Seekers in their efforts to learn about
> job opportunities, develop skills that make them employable or connect with
> individuals that create opportunities for blind people. Our first Job
> Seeker Saturday, taking place July 26, is titled "Employment Empowerment"
> and will include interactive discussions about what it means to be
> considered employable, as well as activities like Job Seeker Jeopardy for
> prizes.
>
> Leadership Fellows
>
> The NFB of Michigan applauds its 2025 Michigan Fellows for its leadership
> throughout the national convention. During the week of July 8,
> leaders-in-training rose to their roles' expectations in a new city by
> leading affiliate projects that supports our members' memorable experience
> in "The Big Easy." A heartfelt thanks goes to Ather Jammoa, Damontae Scott,
> Faye Chenault-Johnson, Kashonia Graham and Sam Rau for their support in our
> projects in New Orleans.
>
> Professionals in Blindness Education (PIBE) The NFB of Michigan
> congratulates Ather Jammoa, At Large chapter secretary and affiliate
> communications chair, on his election to the board of the National
> Professionals in Blindness Education (PIBE). We are excited for all that
> Ather will bring the national division in leadership, empathy, and
> professionalism during his term.
>
> NFB of Michigan Convention Delegation
>
> The NFB of Michigan delegation stood proudly during our national
> president's report at the general session of the 2025 NFB convention. We
> applaud the leadership and resilience of our members like Jerusalem
> Crawley, our MIABS President, who was highlighted during the report. To
> review the 2025 president's report, please visit:
>
> https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/presidential-reports
>
> National Scholarship Finalists
>
> The NFB of Michigan congratulates all 30 scholarship finalists in the
> 2025-26 NFB scholarship program. Our delegation was excited to celebrate
> the accomplishments of these students, including our members Kashonia
> Graham and Riley Letterman, who were both part of this year's scholarship
> class. For a full list of the scholarship finalist and information on the
> program, please visit:
>
>
> https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program
>
> Blind Gamers Guild
>
> Are you a member of the Michigan Blind Gamer's Guild? We are excited to
> invite you all to consider joining this innovative and fun group within the
> NFB of Michigan. If you are a fan of games, whether it's on your PC, gaming
> console or mobile device, the Gamer's Guild plans to provide fun
> activities, ideas, resources, and programming for affiliate members to
> connect on a social level. We are excitedly preparing for our first
> in-state gaming program, QC Game Night, and would love for all interested
> to join us for a night of laughs and fellowship. For information about
> joining the Blind Gamer's Guild, or BGG, please email:
>
> secretary at nfbmi.org.
>
>
>
> Chapter/Division Updates
>
> Flint Genesee Chapter
>
> Please join us for our monthly chapter meeting! We meet every third
> Thursday from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM at the Flint Public Library. If you're
> outside the Flint area, you're welcome to join us via the Michigan Zoom
> line. We value your presence and participation!
>
> A big congratulations to the members of the FLINT Genesee Chapter who
> attended the National Convention in person this year!
>
> Special salute to Jessie Davis of the FLINT Genesee Chapter a proud
> veteran and this year's Jernigan Award winner. Jessie was honored on stage
> during the Veterans Ceremony. Thank you for your service and leadership!
>
> Kudos to our chapter treasurer, Gail Bowman, who represented the FLINT
> Genesee Chapter on the Mayor's Podcast this month. When asked how the
> community could support us, Gail clearly stated our need for a building in
> downtown Flint. Thank you, Gail, for being a strong voice for our chapter!
>
> Community Picnic - You're Invited!
>
> Everyone is welcome to our Annual Community Picnic on Saturday, July 26,
> from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Cook Park, Flint, MI. Bring your friends,
> family, and neighbors. Let's enjoy food, fellowship, and fun together!
>
> Michigan Blind Seniors Advocating for Seniors (MBSAS) Hello Michigan
> Seniors!  We will have our next meeting on Monday, July 28th at 8:00 PM.
> We'll be sharing our convention experiences!  Several of our members
> attended the convention in person.  Several of our members listened
> online.  Robert will also be sharing information on how seniors can receive
> training through the Michigan bureau for the blind.  Hope to see you there.
>
> New Wayne County Chapter
>
> On Monday, July 21 the New Wayne County Chapter organized a sense-sational
> tactile tour in Greenfield Village. Included were tours of the print shop,
> hat shop, weaving shop and the old General Store. If you are interested in
> participating in the future we can schedule another tactile tour.
>
> Join us Saturday, August 2, noon to three for our regular monthly chapter
> meeting which will be held at the Caroline Kennedy library, 24590 George
> Street in Dearborn Heights.
>
> Michigan Association of Blind Students (MIABS):
>
> The Michigan Association of Blind Students was well-represented at our
> 2025 national convention. Huge thanks to Shaneice Milledge, board member,
> for her representing of our division and commitment to connecting with
> student division members across the country. Congratulations to our
> president, Jerusalem Crawley, for his advocacy and to our 2025 scholarship
> winners, Kash onia Graham and Riley Letterman for all their hard work. We
> invite all students to join us for our monthly meeting, where we will be
> discussing our state convention activities.
>
>
>
> Committee Reports:
>
> Resolutions Committee
>
> The 2025 NFBMI resolutions committee is searching for members. If you are
> passionate about helping the Michigan affiliate determine its official
> position on issues affecting the blind, consider joining or submitting a
> resolution for consideration. To learn more about resolutions committee
> participation and your role at our state convention as a committee member;
> contact maryann Murad, chair at:
>
> secretary at nfbmi.org<mailto:secretary at nfbmi.org>.
>
>
>
> Communications Committee
>
> The Communications Committee thanks everyone who was able to attend our
> meeting on July 3, 2025. Please join us at our next meeting on Friday,
> August 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM. A member from each chapter and division from the
> state of Michigan should attend this meeting.
>
> Membership Committee
>
> Please all membership coordinators and chapter and division presidents; be
> sure to add new members to the portal asap! Also, be certain to update the
> status of those who are not current members as well. This is crucial at the
> chapter and division level, affiliate level, and national level also!
> Keeping your portal updated monthly is extremely important. Thank you and
> please reach out if you need assistance!
>
> Maryann Murad, Membership Chair
>
> Secretary at nfbmi.org<mailto:Secretary at nfbmi.org>
>
> Convention Committee
>
> The convention planning committee held a productive first meeting on July
> 24, where we discussed the confirmed logistics of convention, reiterated
> registration information and brainstormed potential content. We encourage
> members that are interested in participating in a specific presentation or
> topic to email President at nfbmi.org to discuss further.
>
>
>
> Important State Affiliate Dates
>
>
>
>   *   07/26/2025: NFBMI Job Seekers Saturday (08:00)
>
>   *   07/28/25: MBSAS (Michigan Blind Seniors Advocating for Seniors) (8PM)
>
>   *   07/31/2025: Washtenaw County Open House (08:00 PM)
>
>   *   08/01/2025: NFBMI Fund Raising Committee Meeting (06:00PM)
>
>   *   08/01/2025: NFBMI Communications  Committee Meeting (08:00PM)
>
>   *   08/05/2025: NFBMI At Large Chapter meeting (08:00PM)
>
>   *   08/08/2025: MI-ABS Meeting (07:00 PM)
>
>   *   08/11/2025: NFBMI Youth and Family Committee Meeting (07:00PM)
>
>   *   08/14/2025: Convention Committee Meeting (07:00PM)
>
>   *   08/19/2025: At Large Chapter Philosophy Discussion (08:00PM)
>
>   *   08/21/2025: Flint Genesee Chapter Meeting (05:30 to 06:45PM)
>
>   *   08/21/2025: Legislative Committee Meeting (07:30PM)
>
>
>
> 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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>
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>
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>
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>
>
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>
>
>
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