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<img src="cid:7.1.0.9.2.20201029214136.05c545f8@comcast.net.1" width=672 height=285 alt="National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota. Live the life yo">
<br><br>
2020 Annual Convention<br>
#NFBMN<br>
November 6-8, 2020<br>
Anywhere and Everywhere <br><br>
<div align="center"><b>Ryan Strunk, President</b><br>
National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota<br>
100 East 22nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404<br>
(612) 872-9363,
<a href="mailto:president@nfbmn.org">president@nfbmn.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/" eudora="autourl">www.nfbmn.org</a><br>
</div>
<br>
<div align="center"><b>National Representative: </b><br>
Mark Riccobono<br>
President<br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
Baltimore, MD<a name="_Toc22506067"></a><br>
</div>
<br>
<h1><b>Welcome to our 100th</sup> Anniversary
Convention!</b></h1><br><br>
The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota 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.<br><br>
<br><br>
If you would like to participate in the NFB of Minnesota convention and
require an accommodation to do so, please contact
<a href="mailto:president@nfbmn.org">president@nfbmn.org</a> by Sunday,
November 1.<br><br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>Zoom Video Conferencing Platform</b></h2><br><br>
The most up-to-date version of this agenda, particularly the links to
join each session, is available on our website at
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/convention/agenda/">
http://www.nfbmn.org/convention/agenda/</a><br><br>
Based on the success of our National Convention and the accessibility of
the platform, all meetings will be hosted using Zoom. In brief:<br><br>
· With the exception of general
sessions, all meetings have unique links and ID numbers, which are listed
in this agenda. The password for all meetings is the same: 63266100.
<br><br>
· For your convenience, all
general sessions share the same meeting ID. You can also visit
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/zoom/">http://www.nfbmn.org/zoom/</a> to
quickly join any General Session, Auction and Trivia, and the Saturday
evening Keynote Address.<br><br>
· For the best experience, we
encourage you to download, install, and use the Zoom app on your
computer, tablet, or smartphone. Even if you don’t have a microphone on
your computer, joining the meeting by computer first will give you access
to all features of the Zoom platform.<br><br>
· If you cannot use the Zoom
app, you can dial-in using your telephone. Use any of Zoom’s dial-in
numbers, then enter the meeting ID and password (63266100). You are
responsible for the cost of all calls, including any applicable
long-distance charges.<br><br>
o (646) 876-9923<br><br>
o (312) 626-6799<br><br>
o (301) 715-8592<br><br>
<h2><b>Technology Help Desk: (612) 567-0606</b></h2><br><br>
We have put together a team to provide technical assistance during the
convention. We want to ensure that all Minnesotans are able to
participate actively and enjoy their experience. If you need help
downloading, installing, or configuring Zoom, please call
<a name="_Hlk54554318"></a>(612) 567-0606. The team will be available
throughout the convention.<br><br>
You will have the option to leave a voicemail if someone is assisting
another member when you call. Rest assured; someone will call you back
promptly. We ask for your help in keeping this line available to those
with tech questions directly connected to the convention. We hope to
provide assistance throughout the year for other assistive technology
questions.<br><br>
<h2><b>Social Media</b></h2><br><br>
The Social Media Committee invites you to share your convention
experience with your friends and family to show them how the NFB of
Minnesota is empowering blind people. Post to Twitter or Facebook using
#NFBMN. We love pictures…just remember to add descriptions so everyone
can enjoy them.<br><br>
<h2><b>Auction</b></h2><br><br>
Our largest state fundraiser will be an opportunity to show off your
creativity and that of your fellow Minnesotans. On Friday night, you can
bid on several unique gift baskets put together by your Federation
family! Auction Coordinators Charlotte Czarnecki and Tara Coyne will land
a good price and new home for your basket creations. Please bring your
credit cards and be ready to raise those hands in Zoom and on the phone
to take home some fantastic auction items!<br><br>
A list of available auction items and specific rules will soon be
available on <a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/convention/">the convention
page of our website</a>.<br><br>
<h2><b>Door Prizes</b></h2><br><br>
Prizes will be awarded throughout the convention. To be eligible, you
must be registered and present online when your name is drawn. Donations
are being coordinated by Amy Baron, John TeBockhorst, and Tom
TeBockhorst. <br><br>
<h2><b>Get on the PAC Plan</b></h2><br><br>
The Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Plan has come to be an increasingly
important part of financing our movement. According to the chairman of
the NFB’s PAC committee, Scott LaBarre, the Federation has raised more
than $10 million over the years through the PAC Plan.<br><br>
The PAC Plan allows members, affiliates, chapters, and others to give a
regular and automatic donation to the Federation every month. All you
need to provide is your checking account, debit card or credit card
information. Because of the costs associated with operating the program,
the minimum donation is $5 per month, yet there is no restriction on how
much you donate. Please sign up at the convention to begin a new PAC
contribution or to make changes to your current contribution. <br><br>
<a href="https://www.nfb.org/pac">Complete the PAC form today!</a> Your
donation will help the blind live the lives we want.<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<h1><b>Friday, November 6</b></h1><br><br>
<br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Employment Track</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/97959079893?pwd=ckdmL1YvZjV2OTVzcFdsYkRNZ0Vxdz09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 979 5907 9893 | Password:
63266100<br><br>
<h3><b>2:00 PMCareers in Tech: What You Need to Know; Aaron Cannon,
Software Accessibility Engineer, Kuali Inc.</b></h3><br><br>
Are you interested in a career in accessibility engineering or web
development? Join Aaron Cannon as he breaks down the skills and tools you
need to know in order to embark on a journey into code and demonstrates
the basics of creating a web page. (Please note that while this will be
an introductory discussion, participants will need to be comfortable with
the use of screen readers and the internet.)<br><br>
<h3><b>3:00 PMMaster the Basics: Tools for Applying for Jobs; Dan
Ashman, Careers Instructor, Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions
(BLIND), Inc.</b></h3><br><br>
A crucial step in getting hired for most jobs is the application process,
and while that can be daunting, there are some tried and true techniques
you can use to make your application stand out. Learn how to prepare a
resumé and write a cover letter so you can boost your chances of landing
an interview.<br><br>
<h3><b>4:00 PMHow to Succeed in Employment; Dan Ashman, Careers
Instructor, Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions (BLIND),
Inc.</b></h3><br><br>
Armed with the knowledge of how to apply for jobs, the next step is
getting one. From where to search to how to ace an interview, this
session will teach the skills job seekers need in order to not only find
a job but succeed at it. <br><br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Federationism in Action</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/97882580108?pwd=eTcrS3N3VlFSeHFhNGRpZ0xmZjFhdz09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 978 8258 0108 | Password:
63266100<br><br>
<h3><b>2:00 PMA Seminar at Convention: Discussing and Debating our
Philosophy of Blindness</b></h3><br><br>
We know we can live the lives we want. We know that blindness doesn’t
have to hold us back. What does that mean for each of us, though, when we
encounter discrimination or when people treat us differently. Share your
thoughts on blindness in this moderated discussion featuring
thought-provoking situations. Yadiel Sotomayor, Facilitator and Home
Management Instructor, Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions (a<br><br>
<h3><b>3:00 PMUnderstanding the NFB: Our Philosophy and our Purpose;
Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the
Blind</b></h3><br><br>
Perhaps you’re new to the National Federation of the Blind, or perhaps
you have burning questions about something you’ve never quite understood.
Join our national president for an open forum discussion of our
organization, the philosophy we embody, and what makes us so
effective.<br><br>
<h3><b>4:00 PMResolutions Committee; Jennifer Dunnam,
Chairperson</b></h3><br><br>
Resolutions are the policies of our organization, and they help us set
priorities for the coming year. Before resolutions are discussed on the
convention floor, however, they are considered first by the resolutions
committee. This is your opportunity to hear the resolutions as they are
first read and listen as the committee discusses them. <br><br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Live Smarter, Not Harder</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/93043161983?pwd=emx4a2l4b2t2aHhGNlU1bEJ4Vk1MQT09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 930 4316 1983 | Password:
63266100<br><br>
Briley O'Connor, Facilitator and NFBMN Secretary<br><br>
<h3><b>2:00 PMTips for Trading Stocks Independently; Taey Mack, Member,
NFBMN Metro Chapter</b></h3><br><br>
<br>
<h3><b>2:15 PMLogging into the Internet of Things; Steve Decker, Lead
Accessibility Consultant, Target</b></h3><br><br>
<br>
<h3><b>2:30 PMUp Your iPhone Game with Shortcuts; Corbb O’Connor,
Chairperson, NFBMN Technology Committee</b></h3><br><br>
<br>
<h3><b>2:45 PMNFB-NEWSLINE® Demonstration; Dave Andrews, President,
NFBMN At-Large Chapter</b></h3><br><br>
<br>
<h3><b>3:00 PMWorking from Home During a Pandemic; Briley O’Connor,
NFBMN Secretary</b></h3><br><br>
<br>
<h3><b>3:30 PMZoomed Out: Self Care Strategies During Challenging Times;
Candice Chapman, President, NFB Human Services Division</b></h3><br><br>
<br>
<h3><b>4:00 PMApp Forum</b></h3><br><br>
There are more than 2 million apps in the iOS App Store alone, and they
can do anything you can imagine…and some things you’ve likely never
considered. Come discover your next favorite apps, and share your current
favorites with others. Chelsey Duranleau, Facilitator: Treasurer, NFBMN
Metro Chapter and Technology Instructor, Blindness: Learning in New
Dimensions (BLIND), Inc. <br><br>
<h2><b>6:00 PM to 7:30 PM: Friday Evening General
Session</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/99804635773?pwd=M0dGeEx1TzNSYzRXVnJNdUNSR0V3QT09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 998 0463 5773 | Password: 63266100
<ul>
<li>6:00 PMWelcome and Call to Order
<li>6:10 PMConvention and Zoom Logistics
<li>6:15 PMCelebrating 100 Years of History in Sound, Part 1
<li>6:30 PM<i>The Young and the Homeless</i>: The NFBMN Players
<li>6:35 PMStories from our Early Years; Peggy Chong, The Blind History
Lady
<li>6:55 PMVoices of Federationists
<li>7:10 PMFit Break; Kyle Hanneman, Fitness Consultant
<li>7:15 PMLessons from STEAM; Kaden Colton, Communications Instructor,
Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions (BLIND), Inc.
<li>7:30 PMAdjourn
</ul><br>
<h2><b>7:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Auction and Trivia</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/99804635773?pwd=M0dGeEx1TzNSYzRXVnJNdUNSR0V3QT09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 998 0463 5773 | Password:
63266100<br><br>
Join your Federation family for an evening full of NFB trivia and fast,
furious bidding on exciting auction items. Bring your thinking caps and
your credit cards! <br><br>
<br><br>
<h1><b>Saturday, November 7</b></h1><br><br>
<br>
<h2><b>9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Saturday Morning General
Session</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/99804635773?pwd=M0dGeEx1TzNSYzRXVnJNdUNSR0V3QT09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 998 0463 5773 | Password: 63266100
<ul>
<li>9:00 AMWelcome and Call to Order
<li>9:05 AMIt Takes a Nation: A Report from Our National Representative;
Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind
<li>9:45 AMCelebrating 100 Years of History in Sound, Part 2
<li>10:00 AMBuilding our Future at BLIND Inc. and Beyond; Jennifer
Kennedy, Executive Director, Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions
(BLIND), Inc.
<li>10:30 AM100 Years of Rehabilitation and Counting; Natasha Jerde,
Director, State Services for the Blind
<li>10:45 AMQ&A
<li>10:50 AMFit Break; Kyle Hanneman, Fitness Consultant
<li>10:55 AMMy Life and My Journeys; Michele Gittens, Member, NFBMN
Metro Chapter
<li>11:10 AMTeaching Minnesota's Blind Students in a Pandemic
<li>11:20 AMQ&A
<li>11:25 AMEducation and Perspective from the Minnesota State Academy
for the Blind; John Davis, Director, Minnesota State Academy for the
Blind
<li>11:40 AM<i>The Lessons of Saturday School</i>; The NFBMN Players
<li>11:45 AMAn Update from the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book
Library; Catherine Durivage, Library Program Director
<li>11:55 AMQ&A
<li>12:00 PMAdjourn
</ul><br>
<h2><b>12:30 PM to 1:30 PM: BLIND, Inc. Virtual
Luncheon</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/92930440202?pwd=WEVBM2pVdVhtd0tpMjZjZmFYYkNDUT09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 929 3044 0202 | Password:
63266100<br><br>
Please join the students and staff of Blindness: Learning in New
Dimensions (BLIND), Inc. as we celebrate the progress and accomplishments
of our consumer-directed training center rooted in Federation
philosophy. Jennifer Kennedy, Executive Director <br><br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Association of
Blind Students</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://umn.zoom.us/j/92721095172?pwd=OE5reVFFYVJ0Q21ldCtmeEhxV1QrZz09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 927 2109 5172 | Password:
nfbmn100<br><br>
Samantha Flax, President<br><br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Annual Meeting of the National Federation of
the Blind of Minnesota Seniors Division</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/94005415267?pwd=WWFiN1l5emRiZEU3aTRpT1JTdDd0Zz09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 940 0541 5267 | Password:
63266100<br><br>
Judy Sanders, President <br><br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Blind Parents Discussion
Group</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/92162225283?pwd=WHk5RDcwRU1IeHM4Yk45VmhDZW1Bdz09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 921 6222 5283 | Password:
63266100<br><br>
Briley O'Connor, Facilitator <br><br>
<h2><b>2:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Minnesota Chat</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/98163620323?pwd=Z1dpa0theVEwV3JiRlFFcmpxdkJNUT09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 981 6362 0323 | Password:
63266100<br><br>
Check the NFBMN website for Zoom details closer to the event.<br><br>
<h2><b>3:45 PM to 5:00 PM: Saturday Afternoon General
Session</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/99804635773?pwd=M0dGeEx1TzNSYzRXVnJNdUNSR0V3QT09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 998 0463 5773 | Password: 63266100
<ul>
<li>3:45 PMCall to Order
<li>3:50 PM<i>Raising the White Cane</i>; The NFBMN Players
<li>3:55 PMA Conversation with Long-time Leaders: Decades of
Accomplishments; Joyce Scanlan, NFBMN Past President and Tom Scanlan,
NFBMN Past Treasurer
<li>4:20 PMCelebrating 100 Years of History in Sound, Part 3
<li>4:35 PMPresidential Report; Ryan Strunk, NFBMN President
<li>4:50 PMVoices of Federationists
<li>5:00 PMAdjourn
</ul><br>
<h2><b>6:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Keynote Address</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/99804635773?pwd=M0dGeEx1TzNSYzRXVnJNdUNSR0V3QT09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 998 0463 5773 | Password: 63266100
<ul>
<li>Invocation
<li>Presentation of Awards
<ul>
<li>Scholarship Class: Steve Jacobson, Chairperson
<li>Essay Contest: Kathy McGillivray
</ul>
<li>Keynote Address: Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of
the Blind
</ul><br>
<br><br>
<h1><b>Sunday, November 8</b></h1><br><br>
<br>
<h2><b>9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Sunday Morning General
Session</b></h2><br><br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/99804635773?pwd=M0dGeEx1TzNSYzRXVnJNdUNSR0V3QT09">
Join Zoom meeting</a> | Meeting ID: 998 0463 5773 | Password: 63266100
<ul>
<li>9:00 AMCall to Order
<li>9:05 AM<i>Seriously Shirley</i>; The NFBMN Players
<li>9:10 AMResolutions; Jennifer Dunnam, NFBMN Treasurer
<li>9:40 AMTreasurer's Report; Jennifer Dunnam, NFBMN Treasurer
<li>10:00 AMElections
<li>10:30 AMFit Break, Kyle Hanneman, Fitness Consultant
<li>10:35 AMChapter and Committee Reports
<li>11:00 AM<i>Valley Unfair</i>, The NFBMN Players
<li>11:05 AMBuilding Bonds of Community and Learning; Shane Wegner Board
Member, National Association of Blind Students
<li>11:20 AMEnsuring Access to an Equal Education for Blind Students;
Karen Anderson, Education Programs Coordinator, National Federation of
the Blind Jernigan Institute
<li>11:35 AMCelebrating 100 Years of History in Sound, Part 4
<li>11:50 AMAnnouncements
<li>12:00 PMAdjourn
</ul><br>
<h1><b>Special Thanks</b></h1><br><br>
The activities of this organization can only succeed with the help and
dedication of many Federationists, and the convention is no
exception. The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota offers
particular thanks to all of the many Federationists who have worked both
out in front and behind the scenes to make this convention happen.
<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506068"></a>NFB of Minnesota Board of
Directors:</b></h1><br><br>
· Ryan Strunk, Minneapolis
(President)<br><br>
· Steve Jacobson, Edina (Vice
President)<br><br>
· Briley O’Connor, Minneapolis
(Secretary)<br><br>
· Jennifer Dunnam, Saint Louis
Park (Treasurer)<br><br>
· Dave Andrews,
Stillwater<br><br>
· Cody Beardslee,
Minneapolis<br><br>
· Rob Hobson,
Minneapolis<br><br>
· Jennifer Wenzel,
Bloomington<br><br>
· Jan Bailey, Rochester
<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506069"></a>NFB of Minnesota
Chapters</b></h1><br><br>
· At-Large: Dave Andrews,
President<br><br>
· Metro: Deanna Langton,
President<br><br>
· Riverbend: Christopher
Murphy, President<br><br>
· Rochester: Jan Bailey,
President<br><br>
· Twin Ports: Alex Loch,
President<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506070"></a>Divisions, Committees, and <br>
Work Groups</b></h1><br><br>
· Convention Auction: Charlotte
Czarnekki & Tara Coyne<br><br>
· Convention Door Prizes: Amy
Baron, John TeBockhorst, and Tom TeBockhorst<br><br>
· Convention Logistics: Corbb
O’Connor<br><br>
· Convention Sound, Recording,
and Streaming: Tim Aune and Steve
Jacobson
<br><br>
· Legal and Policy Committee:
Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson<br><br>
· Membership Committee: Jan
Bailey,
Chairperson
<br><br>
· Minnesota Association of
Blind Students: Samantha Flax, President<br><br>
· <i>Minnesota Bulletin</i>:
Kathy McGillivray, Editor<br><br>
· National Federation of the
Blind of Minnesota Seniors’ Division: Judy Sanders, President<br><br>
· Resolutions Committee:
Jennifer Dunnam<a name="_Hlk22511219"></a>, Chairperson
<br><br>
· Scholarship Committee: Steve
Jacobson, Chairperson<br><br>
· Social Media: Samantha Flax
and Kayde Rieken, Co-chairpersons<br><br>
· Technology Committee: Corbb
O’Connor, Chairperson<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
Ryan Strunk, President<br><br>
<a href="mailto:president@nfbmn.org">president@nfbmn.org</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/" eudora="autourl">www.nfb.org</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org">www.nfbmn.org</a><br><br>
(612) 872-9363<br><br>
Live the life you Want.<br><br>
<br><br>
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