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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-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Greetings Federation Family and Friends!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Have you recovered from our state convention? It was a wonderful convention, and I am so thankful to each of you for making it happen! Now we get to begin planning for next year! </span><span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>😊</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I did want to let you know that Laura’s sister Marilyn who fell on the escalator during the last day is doing okay. She did not have a concussion thankfully and was sent home that same day. They wanted to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Riccobono sends out a President’s Notebook to state presidents on occasion and this is what he had to say in his most recent notebook.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I just got back to Baltimore from the convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska. It was an energetic and fun time of building the movement this weekend. It was pointed out at the convention that we are experiencing a period of time where the dates are all palindromes - <a name="_Hlk130826005">3/27/23</a> being today’s date. During the convention we also had the opportunity to create some origami together with instructions given by a blind teacher.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I bring this up because it speaks to some important skills we need to build as leaders.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Recognizing patterns and utilizing those patterns to maximize our impact in society is really important. Sometimes we need to be able to recognize patterns from the ways that public policies impact blind people. Other times, we need to be able to effectively respond to patterns of behavior among members of the Federation. Often the patterns relate to how we communicate our practices and policies.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I challenge you to consider how you can better recognize patterns in your work and develop systems to more effectively lead our local affiliates and national divisions. Are there problems that we repeatedly deal with that could be solved with a systemic fix? Are we having difficulty getting local chapters to understand a specific practice we use in our movement? If so, are there solutions we can apply that will solve the problem and allow us to focus our limited energy and imagination on building the movement?</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I thought our Nebraska family did a great job of getting blind people to work together to recognize patterns, innovate solutions together, and then share those innovations for next time. One simple thing our affiliate in Nebraska has done is establish a committee to assist chapters and divisions on archiving the history of work done through the affiliate. What has your affiliate board done to recognize patterns and maximize the opportunities those patterns provide? If you have something innovative, share it on the state affiliate leadership listserv so others might benefit from your local wisdom.</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>We appreciate President Riccobono’s encouraging words and are excited to continue building the movement!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>In an effort to get back to the regular schedule for board meetings and discuss plans for the NFB National Convention the Board of Directors will hold a meeting on<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>Saturday, April 22, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>At the <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><a href="https://omahalibrary.org/locations/on/"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;background:white'>W. Clark Swanson Branch Library</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>Small Meeting Room<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>9101 West Dodge Road<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>Omaha, NE 68114<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>We plan to meet from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a possible lunch afterwards. More information including an agenda will be sent soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>The weather is just starting to change to spring here in Lincoln, but soon enough we will be completely immersed in the heat and humidity of Houston Texas! Registration is open for the 2023 National Federation of the Blind National Convention and can be found<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=572"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;background:white'>Here</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>All convention related information including hotels and schedules can be found on the <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;background:white'>National Convention Page</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>If you have never attended a NFB National Convention and need financial assistance, I highly encourage you apply for the <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;background:white'>Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>The deadline is April 15<sup>th</sup>. This scholarship is open to anyone blind or sighted. Limited assistance will also be available through the affiliate. Send an email with your interest in attending convention and the assistance you are requesting to <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><a href="mailto:treasurer@ne.nfb.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;background:white'>treasurer@ne.nfb.org</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>You must first register for the convention and the banquet before requesting assistance. Assistance will be given on a first come basses and will be based on need. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>If you are planning to attend convention and are able to assist in the Independence Market please drop me a note at<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><a href="mailto:president@ne.nfb.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;background:white'>president@ne.nfb.org</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>So we can get schedules arranged as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>There is now a direct flight on United from Lincoln to Houston which many members are planning to take. If you are hesitant to travel alone, this would be a great opportunity to fly with others you know!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>I will leave you with a poem President Riccobono sent written about leaders of the Federation by ChatGPT.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>In the National Federation of the Blind,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>There are leaders who stand strong and kind.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>With passion and dedication, they unite,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>To empower the blind and fight for their rights.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Their voices ring out with clarity and force,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Demanding access and equality, without remorse.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>They lead with wisdom and deep conviction,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Guiding us forward with unwavering vision.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Through adversity and struggle they persevere,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Championing our cause year after year.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>They inspire us to dream big and achieve,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>To never give up, to never concede.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>With hope and determination, they pave the way,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>For a brighter future, where the blind have a say.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>In the National Federation of the Blind,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Their leadership shines bright, one of a kind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jamie K. Richey, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Office: (402) 477-7711<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>E-Mail: <a href="mailto:president@ne.nfb.org">president@ne.nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Website: <a href="http://www.ne.nfb.org">www.ne.nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></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></div></body></html>