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<h1 style="margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:24pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">You Are Cordially Invited to Attend The 65th Convention of the National
Federation of the Blind of New York State<span></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.25in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif" align="center"><b><span style="font-size:48pt">“Rejuvenate”<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The National Federation of the Blind of New York State will
hold its sixty-fifth annual convention virtually everywhere and anywhere, from
October 18-24, 2020. Please join us as we strive to build a network of
expertise and encouragement among blind New Yorkers and work together to make a
positive difference in the lives of blind people across New York State.<span></span></p>
<h2 style="margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:18pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Who Are We?<span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The NFB of NYS is an organization of blind and low vision
New Yorkers who believe that, with the appropriate training, attitude, and
opportunities, blind people can live the lives we want. NFB of NYS brings
blind people together to support and learn from one another and to celebrate
our achievements as we work together to improve the lives of the blind of New
York.<span></span></p>
<h2 style="margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:18pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Our Convention Agenda<span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">It is our pleasure to welcome Pam Allen, Vice-President of
the National Federation of the Blind, director of the Louisiana Center for
the Blind, and Louisiana Affiliate President. We will be privileged to
hear her share information about the ongoing work of the Federation nationwide.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The theme of this year’s convention will be “Rejuvenate”.
Our speakers and panel discussions will highlight ideas and tools that will
allow us to rejuvenate ourselves, our relationships, and our
organization. We hope everyone will come away from the Convention feeling
refreshed and motivated to take the next steps on our personal journeys and to
advance the work of the Federation in each of our communities.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From Monday, October 18, through Thursday, October 21, our
divisions and committees will meet in the evenings in order to discuss issues
pertinent to seniors, students, diabetics, blind parents, guide dog users, and
more. These meetings are interactive and open to all convention
attendees, so please join us!<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">On Friday, we will host a town-hall style meeting with
Brian Daniels, Associate Commissioner of the New York State Commission for the
Blind. Everyone is also welcome to attend our board meeting where, among
other things, the winners of our 2021 NFB of NYS scholarships will introduce
themselves. Convention attendees are encouraged to join our exhibitor
showcase where the latest technology will be discussed and information
pertinent to our community will be shared by our sponsors. Join us to support
those who support us!<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">All day Saturday the general sessions of the convention
will provide us with the opportunity to hear presentations on topics that are
important to blind people across New York and the nation.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">On Sunday morning we will hold our annual business meeting
to chart our course for the coming year. We will also consider the resolutions
that the Convention deems vital for our future as we review and update our
organization’s policy goals. We will hear Chapter and Division reports from
around the State, elect officers, and vote on updates to our constitution.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The excitement will continue during our Sunday afternoon
banquet, with an address by our keynote speaker Pam Allen, along with raffles
and door prize giveaways. The banquet will come to a dramatic close with the
presentation of our 2021 NFB of NYS scholarships and affiliate award
presentations.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 1in;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">We will then return to our daily routines, revitalized and
ready to live the lives we want, and to share our experiences and learning with
other blind members of our communities.<span></span></p>
<h2 style="margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:18pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Registration<span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Registration for this year’s convention can be made through
the NFB of NYS office, by visiting <a href="http://www.nfbny.org/conventions/register" target="_blank"><span style="color:windowtext;text-decoration:none">nfbny.org</span></a>
and completing our online registration form, or by filling out the attached
registration form and returning it to the affiliate office. This year’s
registration is free; however, we have a suggested donation of $10.00. Registration
will entitle you to chances for our door prizes, allow for timely updates of
convention announcements, and donations will help offset the costs of the
convention.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Using the same registration form, you will also be able to
purchase your tickets for a group of drawings. Each drawing will be for a
chance to win one of our many gift card prizes. Every ticket you buy for
$10 (or 3/$25) gives you one chance for each of at least 8 drawings. That’s 8
chances, or more, to win with each $10 ticket!<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Please call the office at 716-222-3632 with any questions
regarding this year’s convention.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The convention is shaping up to be a tremendous event. Join
us to share in the excitement! I look forward to seeing everyone there.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Mike Robinson<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">President, NFB of New York State<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span> </span></p>
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