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Greetings, I write you today to see if you are PAC ing for
convection. No, I don't mean tucking away your dresses, suits,
bathing suits, undergarments, and the like. I am talking about
assisting the National Federation of the Blind to help us in living the
lives we want.<br>
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It is no secret that any social movement needs funding to help turn
dreams into reality and ours is no different. The Pre-authorized
Contribution Plan is a critical fund raising vehicle for us. Over
the years, it has brought in tens of millions of dollars for the
NFB. Every single one of our members can help in this regard.
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Many of you are already PAC members and thank you for your continuing
support, but many of you aren't. <br>
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How does it work? Well, you authorize a monthly contribution from a
financial account, and the Federation receives that money. You can
have the contribution come from your savings account, checking account,
debit card, or credit card. The minimum donation is $5 a month and
there is no maximum level.<br>
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What do we need from you? Well, we will need the account
information. For savings accounts and checking accounts, we need
the account number and your bank’s routing number. We can most
easily get this off a blank check or the appropriate withdrawl slip from
the savings account. Please note that the savings account must
permit external withdrawals. As for the debit and credit cards, we
need exactly what you'd expect: account number, expiration date,
etc. Lastly, we will need your signature on a form authorizing the
monthly contribution.<br>
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How are PAC contributions spent? The money goes directly into our
general account which means it helps with everything from legal advocacy,
public education, scholarships, BELL programs, and the like. There
are many activities we would not be able to engage without PAC
funding. Currently, we bring in about $500,000.00 a year on the PAC
Plan.<br>
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At convention this year, we have one intermediate goal and one huge
goal. I am confident that through new PAC pledges and increased
pledges, we can get to 525,000 dollars a year on the PAC Plan.
However, the huge goal is to get 75,000 dollars in increased and new
pledges which would put us at approximately $575,000 a year on PAC.<br>
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We will be running our usual array of contests at convention. All
new pledges will go into a money drawing which will be awarded at the
banquet. The same is true for all those increasing their
pledge. I will have to negotiate with the President about the
amount of these drawings, but they should be at least $200 each.
However, I suspect that if we can reach our huge goal, the drawings
might just be for $500 each. We'll just have to see how we do.<br>
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For the state affiliate that generates the most activity, either new or
increased pledges, that affiliate will receive the PAC Rat.
For the division which generates the most business, it will receive the
PAC Muel. For the state affiliate which has the largest percentage
increase in terms of a monthly contribution level, they shall receive the
PACHYDERM.<br>
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There will be other surprises and contests we run at convention.
The PAC table will be open during General Sessions, July 13 through 15,
at the back of the Convention hall. Stay tuned for
announcements. <br>
Help us build the Federation through the PAC plan. Now, I hope you
are all PAC-ed and ready for convention.<br>
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Pacfully yours,<br>
Scott LaBarre<br>
<br>
<a href="mailto:slabarre@labarrelaw.com">slabarre@labarrelaw.com</a><br>
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