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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello Missouri Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I want to thank the Jefferson City Chapter for their outstanding hospitality yesterday as they hosted our NFB of Missouri State Board. They did a tremendous job. I want to thank all of you who participated in our first board meeting of 2022 whether you were with us in Jefferson City or joined us through Zoom. As you know, I had not planned on having a hybrid meeting as this combination adds extra challenges that impact how the meeting experience However, early this past week, it became clear to me that we did need to add the virtual option to the meeting and so we did. We always want to do what is best for our members. Thank you to Randy Carmack for his willingness to bring our equipment and get it all set up . I’m sure it adds extra time to his day and a level of stress that most of us don’t have to deal with.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am excited about today’s Chiefs game but I need to put that on hold until I can address a concern from yesterday’s board meeting that I feel compelled to clarify without any delay. I do not want there to be any misunderstanding based on a few comments that were reactionary.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is true that we do not plan to have a hybrid convention this year and I believe my explanation of that was clear. We are planning to stream the convention and feel this utilizes our best options based on what we know. The convention is eight weeks away, and I do not believe any of us know where our COVID numbers will stand at that time. I am willing to say that we will keep in mind the health and safety of all of our members and will proceed accordingly. I also recognize that individuals will have to make decisions based on their personal comfort level. Unfortunately, none of us can live in a bubble . <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am willing to say that we will request that our attendees wear masks when moving about the hotel and in meetings. I have not made a decision to mandate that everyone at convention wear a mask all of the time; nor, did the board vote on a decision to mandate the wearing of masks. Certainly, I am not comfortable with the idea that we would ask someone to leave a meeting solely on the bases that they did not have on a mask. WE are a community when we come together. I assume that those who wear masks wear them to protect themselves. I believe I personally have an obligation to protect those around me in as much as I possibly can and pledge to do so. I have no delusions that my decisions and opinions should be imposed on every federation member that chooses to come to the convention. Nor do I yield to anyone else making a decision for me. Open dialogue with our members to help me as president to be in touch with how our members feel on any topic is always welcome. Both I and our board will make our decisions based on the best information we have regarding this matter. So, if you have concerns, feel free to contact me to discuss them or post on our leaders list and you will be heard. Finally decisions will be made based on what is best for the collective group. I know now that we cannot please all of the people all of the time but that does not mean that you and your thoughts and opinions are not important to us. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please do not pass on information that mask will be mandated at our 2022 convention. This simply is not true now and I can’t believe it will come to that. Let’s seek solutions; not react to potential problems. Let’s not sabotage our convention by creating fear or passing on miss-information.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve as president. We need everyone’s help to make our 2022 convention a wonderful event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sincerely Yours,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shelia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shelia Wright, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Missouri<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>7928 NW Milrey Drive, Kansas City, MO 64152<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>816-741-6402<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:President@nfbmo.org">President@nfbmo.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.nfbmo.org">www.nfbmo.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>