[NFBNJ] National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey 44th State Convention: Agenda for Day 3--All are welcome

Fri Nov 20 02:22:40 UTC 2020

>From the desk of Linda Melendez, First Vice President  and Chair of
Convention Activities, National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

Submitted by Ellen Sullivan, Affiliate Secretary

Greetings all,

            I hope you enjoyed our second day of the 44th State Convention
of the NFBNJ.  On Friday, November 20, 2020 we will celebrate our
traditional "Opening Ceremony" and hear from our National Representative,
Julie Deden, and SO MUCH MORE! In the evening we will have our business
meeting with voting for Affiliate Officers and Board Members. Did I mention
DOOR PRIZES?  Time, Zoom, and conference call details are included below. We
will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. with a call to order by Joe Ruffalo,
President, NFBNJ who will share with us the Presidential Report.

Thank you for joining us and for your support. All are welcome!

Warmly,

Linda Melendez
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

First Vice President,
Chair, Convention Activities

The 44th Annual State Convention
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT-
We Care. We Share. We Grow. We make a difference!

Anywhere and Everywhere

Wednesday, November 18 through Saturday November 21, 2020

Joseph Ruffalo, President

973 743 0075

 <mailto:nfbnj1 at verizon.net> nfbnj1 at verizon.net

Linda Melendez, Chair of State Convention Activities
732 421 7063
 <mailto:lindamelendez220 at gmail.com> lindamelendez220 at gmail.com 

 <http://www.nfbnj.org> www.nfbnj.org

 <http://www.blindchildren.org> www.blindchildren.org

Who We Are & What We Do

The National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest organization of
and for the blind in the US, is made up of blind/visually impaired people of
all ages, and their families and friends. We help newly blind people adjust
to vision loss, assist parents and teachers of blind children, and promote
the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities.
Our activities include:

. Assisting blind persons in acquiring the skills of independence and
developing confidence in themselves
. Supporting parents and teachers of blind children with information,
mentoring, role modeling, information, and training
. Preparing blind students for careers and self-sufficiency through
mentoring, training, and academic scholarships
. Encouraging blind seniors to continue to live active and meaningful lives
. Advocating for policies that eliminate discrimination, promote civil
rights, and guarantee equal access to high quality educational and
rehabilitation programs

. Sponsoring information campaigns and legislative action at the state and
national levels 
. Educating the public through community activities and publications 

Spotlight on NFB of New Jersey

Since 1976, the National Federation of the Blind of NJ, an affiliate of the
National Federation of the Blind, has been providing invaluable information
and resources to blind/visually impaired people throughout the state. Our
members work together for a brighter tomorrow by raising expectations for
blind people everywhere so that blind persons can live the life they want.
Our seven chapters meet monthly; our five divisions hold events at various
times throughout the year. For more information on the affiliate, chapters,
divisions, committees, programs, and projects, visit  <http://www.nfbnj.org>
www.nfbnj.org. Please join us- we would welcome your participation.

Live the Life You Want

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. Together with love, hope, and
determination, we transform dreams into reality. 

The National Federation of the Blind Pledge

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
constitution. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

IT'S NOT TOO LATE!! You still can register for the 44th State Convention of
the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey. This event, the major
gathering of our state's blindness community, will be held virtually via the
Zoom platform from Wednesday, November 18 through Saturday, November 21.

Registration is FREE!!

Click here to register

 <https://www.nfbnj.org/state-convention/registration>
https://www.nfbnj.org/state-convention/registration

Integrity and Respect
To allow all attendees the chance to benefit from all aspects of the
convention, we are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for
everyone. We appreciate your assistance in cultivating an atmosphere in
which participants from diverse backgrounds may learn, network, and share
with each other in an environment of mutual respect. Thank you for doing
your part to contribute to our community and the high expectations we strive
to maintain.

Please visit the following link for the code of conduct
www.nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct

All state convention activities will be held at Eastern Standard Time via
the Zoom platform unless otherwise indicated. And we will be recording the
convention.

Convention Zoom participation details
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/6477660103?pwd=Qkw0RGxYdGc5TjVBdVZmUnFYYnlCQT09

Meeting ID: 647 766 0103
Passcode: 460 994

One tap mobile
+16468769923,,6477660103# US (New York)
+13017158592,,6477660103# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 647 766 0103
Passcode: 460 994

Instructions for listening on an Echo device
Wake word Alexa: call 646 876 9923
Just like calling on the phone, you will hear "welcome to Zoom."
Meeting ID when prompted, then say wake word Alexa: Press 647 766 0103 pound
sign
Then say Alexa Press pound to enter the meeting

Door Prize Details 

Door prize raffles will be drawn and announced throughout the convention.
Winners must be present to win. If you hear your name you can claim your
prize one of three ways; by emailing  <mailto:nfb.newjersey at gmail.com>
nfb.newjersey at gmail.com calling or texting Linda Melendez at 732-421-7063.
Winners must give their convention registration name, best contact number
and prize code word or phrase. Code must be in the email subject line.

NFBNJ Eligible Voters

Current 2020 dues paying members who registered and enrolled to vote have
received an email and will receive another one with instructions and the
phone number to cast their votes when announced. 

****

Friday, November 20, 2020
Convention Zoom participation details
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/6477660103?pwd=Qkw0RGxYdGc5TjVBdVZmUnFYYnlCQT09

Meeting ID: 647 766 0103
Passcode: 460 994

One tap mobile
+16468769923,,6477660103# US (New York)
+13017158592,,6477660103# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 647 766 0103
Passcode: 460 994

Instructions for listening on an Echo device
Wake word Alexa: call 646 876 9923
Just like calling on the phone, you will hear "welcome to Zoom."
Meeting ID when prompted, then say wake word Alexa: Press 647 766 0103 pound
sign
Then say Alexa Press pound to enter the meeting

9:00 A.M.-Welcome, Call to Order
Joseph Ruffalo, President, National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

9:05 A.M.-Invocation & Opening Ceremonies
Jane Degenshein, President, Senior and Technology Divisions
Pledge of Allegiance 
The National Federation of the Blind Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
constitution.
Honoring Veterans, God Bless America Joseph Ruffalo, President, NFB of New
Jersey

9:20 A.M.-Introduction of the Scholarship Class of 2020
Lia Stone, Scholarship Committee Chair

9:25 A.M-Nomination Committee 
Ryan Stevens, Chair

9:30 A.M.-Presidential Report
Joseph Ruffalo, President, NFBNJ

10:00 A.M.-We Care. We Share. We Grow. We Make a Difference!
The National Representative's Report Julie Deden, Executive Director,
Colorado Center for the Blind, Littleton, Colorado

10:35 A.M.-The Rights of Blind Parents: Are They Safe?
Ryan Stevens, Legislative Director, NFBNJ
Working Together for the Rights of the Blind Yvonne Lopez, New Jersey
Assemblywoman, 19th Legislative District.

10:55 A.M.-Together We Make a Difference!
Elisa Neira; Deputy Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Human Services
Dr. Bernice Davis, Executive Director, New Jersey Comm. for the Blind &
Visually Impaired
Looking forward to continuing services, programs, and interactions in 2021.

11:20 A.M.-The BELL Ringers Braille Enrichment Learning & Literacy
Joseph Ruffalo, President, NFBNJ; Mary Jo Partyka, NFB BELL Academy
Coordinator; Joanna Benthall; NFB BELL Academy Coordinator; Parents,
Students, and Volunteers

11:40 A.M.-Pre Authorized Contributions
Mac Biggers, Chair

11:50 A.M.-Announcements

12:00 P.M.-Adjourn

1:00 P.M.-Afternoon Announcements

1:05 P.M.- New Jersey State Library - Talking Book & Braille Center 
Adam Szczepaniak, Deputy State Librarian and Director
Adam will highlight this past year and then outline plans for 2021.

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, Denville
Elsa Zavoda, Program Director 
Elsa will share all of the free virtual programs that will raise your
expectations to educate, motivate and inspire all to live the life you want!

Fit break

1:40 P.M.-Our First National Convention Experience
Zooming to Houston, Texas Vincent Elorza and Jennifer Uchanow, members.

2:00 P.M.-Learning Skills and Tricks at the Senior Retreat
Jane Degenshein, Board Member, National Association of the Senior Blind
Sharing a week of their experiences; Linda DeBerardinis, Ruth Williams,
participants.

2:40 P.M.-September 11 and Beyond: You Never Know Where the World Will Take
You".
Linda Melendez, Former Deloitte & Touche; Information Technology New Hire
Specialist, 2 WFC New York City
Michael Hingson, President, The Michael Hingson Group, Inc. and consultant
to Independence Science 
Meet survivors of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on
September 11, 2001. You will hear some incredible and heroic stories of
survival, perseverance and how these Federationists used their life
philosophies to move forward from that trying day.

3:10 P.M.-Possibilities/Opportunities
National Overview, as we continue to provide information to all members that
they are members in the chapters/divisions, affiliate and the national
organization, we encourage all to participate and plan for
possibilities/opportunities.

Anil Lewis, Executive Director Blindness Initiatives for the National
Federation of the Blind; Overview of the Jernigan Institute

Rachel Kuntz, Blindness Learning In New Dimensions BLIND Inc., Resource
Development Coordinator Minnesota

Anny Safier, a state scholarship winner in 2020, will provide her experience
as a student at BLIND Inc. She will also provide an overview as a student
and how she is implementing her skills at college and in the community

4:00 P.M.-Panel on Careers Come and Learn the Steps to Transform Dreams into
Reality
Richard Early, Paradox Comics and Cards, Entrepreneur North Dakota
Evelyn Valdez, Department of Veterans Affairs, Logistics Management
Specialist, Washington D.C.,
Tracy Carcione, IT Tech Specialist, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York
City
Titus G. Massey Manager, Financial Services Port Department, The Port
authority of New York & New Jersey, New York City

5:30 to 6:15 P.M. -Beginners Yoga Class
Veronica Stocker, Certified Yoga Instructor, 2020 State Scholarship Winner &
Member
Join Veronica as she offers a beginners yoga class for all participants.
Bring your chair or towel and a pillow to experience a relaxing way to
unwind. This class will offer gentle stretching, as well as meditation and
breathing techniques.

7:00 P.M.-Business Meeting of the NFBNJ 2020 Convention
This meeting is the supreme legislative authority of the NFBNJ affiliate.
All are welcome; NFBNJ President, Joseph Ruffalo will provide an overview of
the past years activities and plans for the future. Also, elections for the
affiliate officers and board will be held.

****

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey expresses appreciation to
all members and non members who attended the 44th virtual state convention.

Joseph Ruffalo, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
973 743 0075
 <mailto:Nfbnj1 at verizon.net> Nfbnj1 at verizon.net
 <http://www.nfbnj.org> www.nfbnj.org

Linda Melendez, First Vice-President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Chair of State Convention Activities
732 421 7063
lindamelendez220 at gmail.com

For the list of affiliate board members, chapter/division, Committees,
projects and programs, please visit the state website at 
www.nfbnj.org

Special Announcements

Meet our National Rep Julie Deden
I am honored to be the national representative at our New Jersey convention
and I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible in our new
virtual space. I have always been blind but truly did not feel good about
being a blind person until I became involved in the National Federation of
the blind at age 18. Even when I joined the NFB it took a few years for me
to feel proud of being a blind person. The National Federation of the Blind
has given me the opportunity to participate in so many activities where I
have met positive blind role models who have taken their time to mentor me.

I have lived in Colorado for most of my life. Diane and Ray McGeorge are two
of the first people I met through the NFB. They spent so much time with me
teaching me about life and the NFB. Today, Diane serves as the chair of the
Colorado Center Board of Directors and is still teaching me. She is not only
a mentor but is like my mom as I feel that I grew up with her influence. 

I have a master's degree in counseling psychology from Lesley University and
always knew from a young age that I wanted to work with people. I enjoyed
working as a rehabilitation counselor for 14 years, because I had an
opportunity to provide support and mentor my clients. In 1997 I left the
Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to work at the Colorado
Center for the Blind. Once again, Diane mentored me to prepare me to become
the director of the center in March of 1999. 

I have held countless offices in the NFB. I currently serve as Second Vice
President of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. I am humbled
to be the Vice President of the American Action Fund for Blind Children and
Adults. 

I am married to Dan Burke and have a grown-up son named Robert. Every day is
a gift and I wonder what I may learn from the day! I treasure my involvement
in the NFB and know that we can do anything, with love hope and
determination. 

National Scholarship Program-Call for Applications Started November 1

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. The scholarship program is our commitment to academic
excellence and leadership among blind students, and each winner is awarded
on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The
application process opened November 1. Review the scholarship application
checklist and the scholarship program FAQs. Share this opportunity that
invests in the future of blind people. To learn about the eligibility and
requirements of the 2021 scholarship program visit

<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-p
rogram>
https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-pr
ogram 

Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest

Join the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults and the National
Federation of the Blind in this upcoming contest to promote Braille. K-12
students and adults learning Braille across the U.S. compete to read the
most Braille pages, going against other participants in similar contest
categories for seven weeks. What books are on your reading list?

Encourage more Braille. Improve reading skills. Win prizes.
Registration is opened on November 1. Learn more about the
<https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=18832&qid=4372187>
Braille Readers Are Leaders contest 

NFB T-Shirts for Sale

Maybe some of your chapter members are new, maybe some members haven't yet
purchased one for their wardrobe, and maybe some members and non members are
looking for a spare.

They are heather red with white print. The top left on the front has our
logo and in 2 lines beneath, The National Federation of the Blind. The back
in 2 lines says, Live the Life You Want and are available in sizes small,
medium, large, and X Large;. Prices are $18. If interested contact Anne
Marie Harris at  <mailto:lovey1160 at gmail.com> lovey1160 at gmail.com or 856 589
8747.

PRE-AUTHORIZED CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM (PAC Plan)

We encourage all members and conventioneers to join the PAC Plan. This plan
raises funds for the National Federation of the Blind by automatically
debiting your checking account or charging your credit/debit card the
specified monthly amount you designate; as little as $5 a month. Individuals
already enrolled are encouraged to raise their monthly contributions.

To arrange for PAC Plan contributions go to  <http://nfb.org/pac>
nfb.org/pac and fill out the form. The National Center will call you to take
payment information. You can also call 877 635 2711 or email
<mailto:pac at nfb.org> pac at nfb.org to enroll.

The National Center will contact individuals for financial and banking
information following the convention. For additional assistance contact Mac
Biggers, NFBNJ PAC Plan Coordinator at 801 916 9753 

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey thanks the following
sponsor and vendors for their continued support with raising expectations to
live the life we want.

Sponsor:

T-Mobile Accessibility
Hannah DeFelice
Blind/Low Vision Customer Relationship Manager
513-501-5459
 <mailto:Hannah.defelice at t-mobile.com> Hannah.defelice at t-mobile.com
https://www.sprintrelay.com/

3D PhotoWorks
John Olson, Co founder
124 Hudson Avenue
Chatham, New York 12037
518 392 8161
 <mailto:john at 3dphotoworks.com> john at 3dphotoworks.com
 <http://www.3dphotoworks.com/> www.3dphotoworks.com

Vendors:

C-TECH
Chuck Cohen, President
2 N. William St.
Pearl River, NY 10965
845 735 7907
 <mailto:chuck at magnifyit.com> chuck at magnifyit.com
 <http://www.ctechlowvision.com> www.ctechlowvision.com

Independence Science
Jasodhara Bhattacharya
Director of Strategic Global Projects
3000 Kent Ave
Suite 1303
West Lafayette, IN 47906
866 862 9665
 <mailto:jas at independencescience.com> jas at independencescience.com
 <http://independencescience.com/> http://independencescience.com

OrCam
Eve Posner/Get OrCam
25 Luth Terrace
West Orange, NJ  07052
973 820 5090
 <mailto:Eve at Amit-Group.com> Eve at Amit-Group.com
 <http://www.getorcam.com/> www.getOrCam.com

SW Unlimited, LLC
Sherlock Washington, President
81 Ortley Court
Matawan, New Jersey 07747
732 290 1677
sherlock at swunlimited.com

We are grateful to those who contributed time, effort and suggestions to
care, share, and grow as we continue to make a difference by raising
expectations to live the life we want!

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbnj_nfbnet.org/attachments/20201119/2cdf2720/attachment.html>