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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Greetings,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Applications are now open for convention assistance through the Gwen and George Rittgers convention fund. Applications must be submitted on-line by March 15,2023 at 5:00pm. Applicants will be notified by March20 of the committee’s decision. Go to the State Convention page on the affiliate website <a href="http://www.NFBMo.org">www.NFBMo.org</a> and click on the convention assistance link to apply. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Applicants should make hotel reservations but should NOT register for the convention until after they are notified of the results of their application.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> Rittgers Stipends are based on financial need and, therefore, those applying for funding should lay out their needs so that the Rittgers committee can get a picture of your situation so we can make the most informed decision. Applications are kept strictly confidential and are shared only on a absolute need to know basis. Also, keep in mind that funding is very limited and will only cover a part of your expenses but the hope is that it will be enough to make the difference on applicants ability to attend the state convention. Please read the bylaws below that govern Rittgers Funding.</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Note: Just because you receive funding from your chapter or another source does not mean that you will not get assistance from the fund. It would be helpful if you state whether you will need hotel accommodations for two or three nights.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>If you have additional questions email me at <a href="mailto:GCoulter@NFBMo.Org">GCoulter@NFBMo.Org</a> or call me at 573-474-3226<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Thanks for your attention and look forward to seeing as many folks at state convention as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Eugene Coulter, Gwen and George Rittgers Memorial Fund Chair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Bylaws:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.00 George and Gwen Rittgers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Stipends for state convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.01. The state board will allocate the maximum amount to be <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>used from the fund by January 31 of each year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.02 An individual application must be made 30 days before the <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>beginning of convention by the person requesting the funds, or by their <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>chapter president, which explains the reason for the request.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.03 It is not intended that these funds pay the entire cost of <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>convention attendance, and the committee is only to allocate funds based <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>on need and will not use the entire allocated amount unless recipients <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>needs justify it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.04 The state president may authorize funding after the <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>deadline in extraordinary circumstances if funds remain in the <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>allocation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.05 Whenever practical, funds will be directly paid either to <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>cover hotel costs or convention registration and meals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.06 New or perspective members will be given highest priority <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>in their request.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.07 Persons who have previously attended a Missouri convention <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>will then be given consideration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.08. No person shall receive funds a second or subsequent time <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>unless they experience an unexpected financial crisis that would otherwise prevent their attendance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>1.07 Affiliate Scholarships, Rittgers Funding, or National Convention Stipends <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>which require attendance at any convention shall not be awarded to any person who has not attained their 18<sup>th</sup> birthday prior to the convention unless accompanied by their parent or guardian.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Greetings,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Applications are now open for convention assistance through the Gwen and George Rittgers convention fund. Applications must be submitted on-line by March 15,2023 at 5:00pm. Applicants will be notified by March20 of the committee’s decision. Go to the State Convention page on the affiliate website <a href="http://www.NFBMo.org">www.NFBMo.org</a> and click on the convention assistance link to apply. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Applicants should make hotel reservations but should NOT register for the convention until after they are notified of the results of their application.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> Rittgers Stipends are based on financial need and, therefore, those applying for funding should lay out their needs so that the Rittgers committee can get a picture of your situation so we can make the most informed decision. Applications are kept strictly confidential and are shared only on a absolute need to know basis. Also, keep in mind that funding is very limited and will only cover a part of your expenses but the hope is that it will be enough to make the difference on applicants ability to attend the state convention. Please read the bylaws below that govern Rittgers Funding.</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Note: Just because you receive funding from your chapter or another source does not mean that you will not get assistance from the fund.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>If you have additional questions email me at <a href="mailto:GCoulter@NFBMo.Org">GCoulter@NFBMo.Org</a> or call me at 573-474-3226<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Thanks for your attention and look forward to seeing as many folks at state convention as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Eugene Coulter, Gwen and George Rittgers Memorial Fund Chair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Bylaws:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.00 George and Gwen Rittgers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Stipends for state convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.01. The state board will allocate the maximum amount to be <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>used from the fund by January 31 of each year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.02 An individual application must be made 30 days before the <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>beginning of convention by the person requesting the funds, or by their <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>chapter president, which explains the reason for the request.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.03 It is not intended that these funds pay the entire cost of <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>convention attendance, and the committee is only to allocate funds based <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>on need and will not use the entire allocated amount unless recipients <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>needs justify it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.04 The state president may authorize funding after the <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>deadline in extraordinary circumstances if funds remain in the <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>allocation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.05 Whenever practical, funds will be directly paid either to <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>cover hotel costs or convention registration and meals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.06 New or perspective members will be given highest priority <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>in their request.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.07 Persons who have previously attended a Missouri convention <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>will then be given consideration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5.08. No person shall receive funds a second or subsequent time <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>unless they experience an unexpected financial crisis that would otherwise prevent their attendance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>1.07 Affiliate Scholarships, Rittgers Funding, or National Convention Stipends <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>which require attendance at any convention shall not be awarded to any person who has not attained their 18<sup>th</sup> birthday prior to the convention unless accompanied by their parent or guardian.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>