<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html charset=utf-8"></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;" class=""><blockquote type="cite" class=""><div class="" style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;"><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Fellow Federationists,</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); min-height: 12px;"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br class=""></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Community Service Division is excited to start 2017 off strong with our federation family!</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> We are excited to let you know what we’ve been up to over the past few months, keep you up to speed on what we are doing now, and give you a quick look at some of what is in the works in the near future.</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take a look back at the Community Service Division’s 2016 with our annual year in review here: <span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><a href="http://nfbcommunityservice.org/blog_2016_Reflecting_Building_Succeeding" class="">http://nfbcommunityservice.org/blog_2016_Reflecting_Building_Succeeding</a>.</span> </span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br class=""></span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Join us for two exciting conference calls to start off the new year! The first of these calls will be brought to you jointly by the Membership and Outreach Committees, will take place on January 22nd at 7:00 PM eastern and will focus on how to use community service experience to help win yourself a scholarship. Of course we can’t talk about scholarships without talking about the prestigious National Federation of the Blind Scholarship, which will be a primary focus . National Scholarship Chairperson Patti Gregory-Chang will join us to talk about the scholarship and answer any general questions you might have about the program. Past scholarship recipients will be present to share their experiences in the program and how they believe their involvement in community service Activities helped them in applying and how it might help you, too.</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); min-height: 12px;"><br class=""><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">On February 19th at 7:00 PM eastern, The Service Engagement Committee will be hosting a call for those who would like to involve themselves, or their local chapter in a community service project or two, but could use some tips on how to overcome doubts they might be having about actually giving back. *Both these calls can be accessed by dialing (712)432-0140 and entering access code 808277.</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); min-height: 12px;"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br class=""></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); min-height: 12px;"><br class=""></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Did you know we have a blog (<a href="http://www.nfbcommunityservice.org/blog" class=""><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">http://www.nfbcommunityservice.org/blog</span></a>) where we host, and are always looking for community service stories and experiences that communicate that through giving back we live the lives we want in the federation? If you have any, please send them to us at <a href="mailto:blog@nfbcommunityservice.org" class=""><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">blog@nfbcommunityservice.org</span></a>. Looking for some topics to get you started? check out these three from our blog editor Chris Parsons, pick the topic(s) you like and submit it for posting! January: National Mentoring Month (mentoring experiences or tribute to your mentors). February: National Green Week/Great American Cleanup (spring, time to be outside; green- or nature-themed experiences; gardening). March: Alternative spring break projects.</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Finally, Please take a few moments to tell us how we’re doing by filling out this survey: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TR88XPL" class=""><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TR88XPL</span></a>. This will help us see where we are doing well, and where we can improve. </span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); min-height: 12px;"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br class=""></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Thank you so very much for your time, and we wish you a wonderful beginning to your 2017.</span></p></div></blockquote><div class=""><br class=""></div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><br class=""><blockquote type="cite" class=""><div class="" style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;"><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;" class="">Yours in The movement, </span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> The Community Service Division Leadership Team:</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Darian Smith, President</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Dacia Cole, Vice President</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Chris Parsons, Secretary</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Jonathan Franks, Treasurer,</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> Tara Abella, Board Member</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Ronnie Bellomy, Board Member</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Kyra Sweeney, Board Member</span></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Johna Wright, Social Media Coordinator</span></p></div></blockquote><div class=""><div class="" style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;"><p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px 0px 12px; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);"><span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br class=""></span></p></div></div><br class=""><br class=""><div class="">
<div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;" class=""><div class=""><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">Darian Smith</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">President, National Federation of the Blind Community Service Division</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">Web: <a href="http://www.nfbcommunityservice.org" class="">www.nfbcommunityservice.org</a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">Twitter: @NFB_CSD,@goldengateace</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CommunityServiceDivision" class="">www.facebook.com/CommunityServiceDivision</a>"</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; color: rgb(71, 135, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><span style="text-decoration: underline;" class="">E-mail: <a href="mailto:president@nfbcommunityservice.org" class="">president@nfbcommunityservice.org</a></span></div><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""> </p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">(415)215-9809</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;" class=""> </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">blindness is not what holds you back.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""> “We need your service, right now, at this moment - our moment - in history. I'm not going to tell you what your role should be; that's for you to discover. But I am going to ask you to play your part; ask you to stand up; ask you to put your foot firmly into the current of history” — Barack Obama </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""> Help drive change for the blind .</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">Donate your car to the National Federation of the Blind today!</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; color: rgb(87, 86, 214); -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(87, 86, 214);" class="">For more information, please visit: <a href="http://www.carshelpingtheblind.org/" class=""><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(71, 135, 255);" class="">www.carshelpingtheblind.org</span></a> or call 1-855-659-9314</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px; font-size: 18px; font-family: Times; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">“</div></div></div>
</div>
<br class=""></body></html>