[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 11/20/2023

Tue Nov 21 18:00:13 UTC 2023

Dear Federation Family,

Happy Thanksgiving week. As we approach this holiday, I am keenly aware of
all the work that we have yet to accomplish in our movement. I am, however,
also keenly aware of what we find deep in the Federation that is often
lacking in other spaces. The Federation provides us with a unique space to
come together around a common cause, a space to share our diverse
perspectives, and a space to support each other in good times and bad. In a
country that seems so divided and a world that feels overwhelmingly
complicated with conflict, I am grateful for the unified purpose and shared
future we work on together.

That is not to say that our work is easy or free from conflict. When you go
to a chapter meeting where members are planning to take on some new
outreach program or when you attend a state affiliate convention where
substantive plans for raising expectations are conceived, you can feel the
power of our work together. I had the opportunity to spend this weekend
with blind leaders who have given thousands of hours of their life to the
movement. We spent time dreaming about what could be and planning for how
to make an even bigger impact together. We also got to know each other
better and took the time to share what is happening in our personal lives.
I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful community
of people who lead with their heart, understand that good things happen
when goodness is put into the world, and who are not afraid to have honest
conversations about their differing perspectives.

I know that many are planning to gather with their biological families this
weekend. For many blind people, family is the hardest group to deal with
because we expect them to understand our capacity best, but often they fall
short of our expectations. If that is you, remember that your Federation
family will always be here to help you recharge from that experience. To
those fortunate enough to have families who have come to know that
blindness is not the characteristic that defines you, be thankful that you
have that experience and find ways to encourage your family to share it
with others.

Most importantly, I hope everyone has a safe, delicious, and personally
meaningful Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you for all you do.
Critical Actions:*December Presidential Release Next Week:*

The National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #533
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases> is
scheduled for November 30, 2023, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. Zoom ID 91543076239.
Each presidential release live includes a question and answer session.
Please submit questions early tocdanielsen at nfb.org.

News:*Double Your Impact with a Matching Gift Opportunity:*

During our October Presidential Release
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases>,
President Riccobono announced that HumanWare has generously offered a
matching grant. HumanWare will match gifts to the National Federation of
the Blind up to $50,000 during the months of October, November, and
December. Participate by visiting our donate page <https://nfb.org/donate> and
share with your friends and family. Learn more about the HumanWare
challenge grant and watch our launch video
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/matching-gift-opportunity>.
*Application Open 2024 Bolotin Awards:*

The National Federation of the Blind is accepting nominations of
individuals or organizations who are a positive force in the lives of blind
people and help us transform dreams into reality. Each application must
include a letter of recommendation. Learn more and submit a nomination for
the 2024 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information>
*Braille Readers Are Leaders:*

The Braille Readers Are Leaders contest opened for registration in October.
You still have time to register <https://actionfund.beanstack.org/reader365>
,as the contest doesn’t officially start until December 4. This year we
have not only the youth and adult contests but we have a challenge for
teachers of blind students as well.

Use the Beanstack website <https://actionfund.beanstack.org/reader365> or
the Beanstack app to log your many minutes of reading. Have fun and
challenge your friends, family members, and colleagues who read Braille to
join you.

*Latest Podcast Episode: “Celebrating and Supporting Blind Veterans”:*

Melissa Riccobono and Chris Danielsen discuss Veterans Day and the role of
veterans in the National Federation of the Blind. They are joined by Dr.
Vernon Humphrey, the president of the National Association of Blind
Veterans (NABV), a division of the National Federation of the Blind; and
José Centeno, a blind veteran, marathon runner, and member of the NABV. Listen
to the episode, “Celebrating and Supporting Blind Veterans.”
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast>
*Are You Ready for Some Football?:*

Want to read more about your favorite NFL team in preparation for this
upcoming holiday weekend? Or are MLB, NHL, or NBA more to your liking?
NFB-NEWSLINE has you covered with a new publication for sports lovers
everywhere. You can now find tons of sports coverage in *The Athletic*,
located in the Breaking News Online section of NFB-NEWSLINE. For more
information, contact Scott White at extension 2231 or by sending an email to
 swhite at nfb.org.
*Independence Market Holiday Orders:*

If you plan to place an order with the Independence Market and want to have
it delivered in time for the holidays, orders should be placed by
Wednesday, December 13, 2023. This will increase your chances for Free
Matter delivery before Christmas. Thank you and happy holidays.
Reminders:*Lift Up with Lyft Round Up:*

The National Federation of the Blind is still part of Lyft’s Round Up
program. Please go to the menu in your Lyft app, choose Donate, and select
the National Federation of the Blind to have each fare rounded up to the
nearest dollar with 100 percent of your contribution going to raise
expectations and make dreams come true.
Dates to Keep in Mind: (all times eastern)

   - Monday, January 29, 2024: Great Gathering-In
   - January 29 -February 1, 2024:Washington Seminar
   <https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar>
   - April 15, 2024: Deadline for Bolotin Award
   <https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information>
    nominations
   - July 3-8, 2024: National Convention; Orlando, Florida

2024 Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement:

   - Wednesday, February 7, 8:00 p.m.
   - Wednesday, May 8, 8:00 p.m.
   - Wednesday, August 7, 8:00 p.m.
   - Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 p.m.
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