[NFBNJ] NFB Items Of Interest President’s Notebook - Week of 11/09/2020

[joe ruffalo]

Greetings!
As in the past, I have pasted items of interest for all to review.
Two days until the Rookie Roundup.
Only 9  days until the 44th state convention of the National Federation of 
the Blind of New Jersey.
Warmly,

Joe
We care. We share. We grow. We make a difference
Joe Ruffalo, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
973 743 0075
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
www.nfbnj.org
Raising Expectations To Live The Life You Want!

Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.
Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking
www.carshelpingtheblind.org
or call 855 659 9314


Subject: NFB Items Of Interest     President’s Notebook - Week of 11/09/2020

President’s Notebook
National Federation of the Blind
Mark A. Riccobono
officeofthepresident at nfb.org
410-659-9314


Dear Fellow Federationists,

Another outstanding weekend of fall Federation conventions has passed. 
Actually two weekends since we did not send out a notebook last week due to 
the elections. I am loving all the innovation and Federation development 
happening in our affiliates. There are still a number of fall conventions to 
go.



I want to congratulate Denise Avant (Illinois) and Terry Sheeler (Arkansas) 
on their service as affiliate presidents. Both of them turned the affiliate 
presidency over to new individuals during the past weeks. I know they are 
both working hard on the transition now. Thank you for your service. Ms. 
Avant continues to serve on our national board and continues to work 
actively on Federation projects across the country.



I want to go back to voting. I cannot emphasize enough that now is the time 
to ask members to fill out the Blind Voters Survey and to gather stories 
about how voting went in your state. We need to be prepared to push over the 
next couple of years so that the processes used for the 2024 presidential 
election are fully accessible to all blind people. The data gathering in 
your affiliate and at our national office will make a big difference.





News:

Scholarship Program–Applications Open:
Every year, the National Federation of the Blind awards more than $120,000 
to blind scholars across the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and 
Puerto Rico in recognition of their achievements and professional 
aspirations. Each scholarship winner is awarded based on their academic 
excellence, community service, and leadership. The application process is 
open and we encourage students to start the process now. Review the 
scholarship application checklist and the scholarship program FAQs. Share 
this opportunity that invests in the future of blind people. Learn about the 
eligibility and requirements of the 2021 scholarship program.
Comments: Lia Stone has been appointed as ScholarshipChair.

Keep a watchful eye in your inboxes. A terrific opportunity.

In the NFBNJ, complete one application and you could win two scholarships, 
nationaland the state scholarships awarded each year at the state 
convention.

Do not hesitate, now is the time to apply.



Teachers of Tomorrow Program:
If you are preparing for a career in teaching blind students, or if you are 
an early career educator looking to enhance your teaching, then the National 
Federation of the Blind invites you to apply for a spot in the first cohort 
of our Teachers of Tomorrow program. This immersive, professional 
development program connects teachers of blind and low-vision students to 
the lived experiences of blind people, equipping participants with knowledge 
about the skills and attitudes that can help blind students thrive in school 
and beyond. The program is free to participants thanks to a partnership 
between the National Federation of the Blind and the Gustavus and Louise 
Pfeiffer Research Foundation. For more information or to apply, visit 
https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow.

Comments: If you know of anyone that will benefit, please forward the 
information.




Braille Readers Are Leaders—A Contest for Children and Adults:
Encourage more Braille, improve reading skills, and win prizes. The National 
Federation of the Blind is partnering with the American Action Fund for 
Blind Children and Adults to present the 2020-2021 Braille Readers Are 
Leaders contest to encourage Braille literacy and reading for pleasure. 
Children and adults across the United States compete against their 
same-grade peers to read the most Braille pages between December 1, 2020, 
through January 18, 2021. Registration is open now. Learn more about the 
Braille Readers Are Leaders contest.

Comments: Get the word out!

Great opportunity to have fun and to work on your reading skills.



It’s that Time of Year—Who Loves Santa Letters?:
Every year Santa Claus turns the staff at the National Federation of the 
Blind into his honorary elves to help him send letters and activities in 
Braille to young children (those under the age of ten) across the United 
States. Between November 9 and December 16, parents can submit a request for 
a letter at http://www.nfb.org/santa-letters. The form can also be printed 
and faxed to 410-685-2340 or emailed to communityrelations at nfb.org. 
Beginning Monday, November 30, the Braille letters from Santa will start 
going out to children. The Braille letter will be accompanied by a print 
copy as well and some other fun holiday activities. The deadline for letter 
requests is December 16. Learn more about Santa Letters.

Comments: Have some fun and promote to the kids.



Independence Market Gift Certificates:
During the November 1 Presidential Release Live call, a question came up as 
to whether the Independence Market offers gift certificates, and I am happy 
to report that it does. Additionally, with the holiday season approaching, I’m 
sure you might like to purchase that special gift from the Independence 
Market for a family member, friend, neighbor, or loved one. If you’re 
undecided as to what to buy them, why not consider one of our Independence 
Market gift certificates? Gift certificates are available for purchase in 
$25, $50, $75, or $100 increments. They’re valid for one year after 
purchase.

To learn more about gift certificates, please email the Independence Market 
at independencemarket at nfb.org or call us at 410-659-9314, extension 2216.

Comments:The above says it all!



Special Thanks:
Special thanks go to the NFB of Washington, the NFB of Utah, and the NFB of 
Illinois Chicago Chapter for recent generous unrestricted contributions. I 
continue to be proud of how our chapters, divisions, and affiliates have 
stepped up, this year especially, to give to our national organization. You 
are appreciated. Without your financial help, we could not transform the NFB 
BELL Academy to a robust in-home edition, pursue voting rights cases, and 
more.

Comments: Congratulations to those in the Federation family that continue to 
support the national efforts to raise expectations to live thelife we want!



Blind and Low-Vision Voter Experience Survey:
Blind and low-vision voters who voted in the 2020 general election but have 
not yet completed our Blind and Low-Vision Voter Experience Survey are urged 
to take the survey by November 17, 2020. The 2020 survey consists of two 
separate surveys:

  a.. If you voted absentee or by mail using an accessible, electronic, 
ballot-delivery system or a traditional paper ballot, please complete the 
survey for blind and low-vision voters who voted absentee or by mail at 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YJJL7GN.
  b.. If you are a blind or low-vision voter who voted at an early voting 
center or at a polling place on Election Day, please complete the survey at 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NGFMPF2.
Comments:Leour voices heard.

Only takes a few minutes to complete.



Questions about the blind voter survey may be directed to Lou Ann Blake by 
email at lblake at nfb.org or by phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2221; or Jeff 
Kaloc by email at jkaloc at nfb.org or by phone at 410-659-9314, extension 
2206.





Dates of Importance:

Presidential Release LIVE, Tuesday, December 1:00 p.m. eastern

  a.. December 13: Open-House Gathering call, 8:00 p.m. eastern
  b.. December 10: Smart Cities Summit, 12:00-8:00 p.m. eastern
  c.. December 15-17: Dare to Be Remarkable, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. eastern
  d.. February 8, 2021: Washington Seminar Great Gathering-In
  e.. March 31, 2021: Scholarship application deadline
  f.. July 6-11, 2021: NFB National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana


The National Federation of the Blind 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.





Mark A. Riccobono, President

200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

410-659-9314 | Officeofthepresident at nfb.org

Twitter: @Riccobono

Pronouns: he, him, his













The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends 
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work 
together to help blind people live the lives they want.




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