<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,176,80)"><span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:14pt">Greetings all,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">To help stay connected with our National Office and with
the work of our organization I am sharing some of President Riccobono's weekly
notebook, National Items of Interest and Dates to Keep in Mind.<span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Warmly,<br>
Linda Melendez, President<br>
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey<br>
732-421-7063<br>
Email: </span><a href="mailto:president@nfbnj.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">president@nfbnj.org</span></a><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><span></span></span></p>
<h1><a name="m_-3918590843127836222_OLE_LINK9"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">President’s
Notebook</span></a><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
Mark A. Riccobono<br>
410-659-9314<br>
</span><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(54,95,145);text-decoration-line:none">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></a><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><span></span></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Dear
Federation Family,<span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">It’s
convention time! The below pile of announcements, notes, and reminders is
enough to tell you that this is our focus. I am heads down getting ready for
our best convention ever. Thank you to each of you for helping to make that a
reality.<span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">0All
efforts forward to the convention!<span></span></span></p>
<h1>Critical Actions:</h1>
<h1>Policies to Be Considered:</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">As the
supreme authority of the organization, the convention assembled elects leaders
and sets policies and priorities. Delegates and members in attendance normally
need to be in-person to vote, but the board has proposed rules of engagement
for the virtual environment. Similar rules were adopted in 2020. This
information will also be posted on </span><a href="http://nfb.org/convention" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">nfb.org/convention</span></a><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Review the proposed rules of engagement for the </span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2106/bm210603.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">2021
NFB Virtual Convention</span></a></li><li><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Review
a </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2021-june-board-resolution-establish-fund-support-surviviors-under" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">board
resolution</span></a><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> being recommended to the convention to establish a fund to
support survivors under our code of conduct.<span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Review proposed resolutions—which will be posted under </span><a href="http://nfb.org/resolutions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">nfb.org/resolutions</span></a>
<span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">as
soon as the committee has processed them.<span></span></span></li></ul><p></p>
<h1>News:</h1>
<h1>Pre-Convention Activity—Zoom Cooking and Cocktails for Banquet:</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Plan
to attend Feasting Together: Cooking and Cocktails, a pre-convention activity
to help prepare for the banquet, on June 30 at 6:00 p.m. eastern via Zoom.
Federationists Regina Mitchell and Hoby Wedler will share a couple of recipes
and give tips to having a successful banquet dinner no matter what your planned
meal is. Please send your planned menu or any cooking questions to </span><a href="mailto:communications@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">communications@nfb.org</span></a><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">. Zoom
details and agenda coming soon.<span></span></span></p>
<h1>Reminder for First Time Convention Attendees—Convention Concierge Service:</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Submit
interest by June 15! Access the Convention Concierge Service, hosted by the
Kenneth Jernigan Committee: Let’s connect you with someone who can help break
the ice, tap into our network, and answer your questions about all things
national convention. Email </span><a href="mailto:rookie@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">rookie@nfb.org</span></a>
<span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">or
drop us a voicemail at 410-659-9314, extension 2020, by June 15 to let us know
that you are interested. Please include your name, preferred telephone number,
what state you are joining us from, and a few things that you want us to know
when matching you with mentors (e.g., life goals, if you are a guide dog user,
if you are perhaps a parent of a blind child, if you are a student, what are
your hobbies, the types of individuals you would like to meet, etc.).<span></span></span></p>
<h1>Give $20 Convention Drawing:</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Each year, thousands of Federation members and friends make
donations to fund our great programs. Your continued support is needed. When
you participate in the </span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20749&qid=5147870" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Give $20 campaign</span></a> <span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">you will be
entered into the Give $20 convention drawing (formerly known as the Kenneth
Jernigan convention drawing) AND help our work to change lives for blind people
across the country. Visit the </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/give-20-convention-drawing" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Give $20 Convention Drawing page</span></a> <span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">to learn </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">how to contribute and qualify.</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> <i>Please note: The drawing is for individuals and is
not intended for contributions by divisions, state affiliates, or chapters.</i></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><span></span></span></p>
<h1>Join the National Association of Blind Students at Convention:</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Our
national student division is calling all blind students and allies to join us
for our exciting convention programming. After having a blast at NABS
Networking, plan to attend the business meeting, happening on July 7 at 8:00
p.m., by registering using </span><a href="https://forms.gle/D9jKCUTPt6HfPKUK8" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">this
form</span></a><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">. Please note that anyone can register to attend up until the
start of the convention on July 6, 2021. However, if you intend to vote in this
year’s election process, you must be registered and have paid your dues by June
21, 2021. For more information, we invite you to check out this </span><a href="https://nabslink.org/national-convention" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">NABS at National
Convention</span></a> <span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">page.<span></span></span></p>
<h1>Attention Parents:</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Are
you a parent of a blind child? Will you be joining us for the national
convention of the National Federation of the Blind for the first time in 2021?
Or, have you joined us for convention before, but still feel lost, overwhelmed,
or have questions about parent activities, the convention as a whole, or
navigating the virtual environment? Or have you been coming to conventions for
years and want to help new families have a positive convention experience? If
you answered yes to any of the above, then you are in luck! The National
Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) will be offering two
“Convention 411” sessions to introduce a few NOPBC board members so you feel a
little more connected, go over NOPBC activities, discuss general convention activities
including the NFB board meeting and general sessions, highlight “shouldn’t
miss” events and why they are important for parents and families, and answer
any questions you may have about this extremely exciting, yet very busy week.<span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">We
will be offering this session twice; you do not need to attend both sessions.
Sessions will also be recorded in case you cannot listen to either one live. Of
course, during recorded sessions you cannot ask questions, so we hope you will
make the time to join us if at all possible so we can give you the information
you are looking for.<span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Please
join us on Sunday, June 27, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. eastern time<span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><a href="https://zoom.us/j/96476022977" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">https://zoom.us/j/96476022977</span></a><u><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:blue"> </span></u><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Meeting
ID: 964 7602 2977<span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">One
tap mobile<span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">+13126266799,,96476022977#
US (Chicago)<span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Or
Thursday, July 1, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. eastern time<span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><a href="https://zoom.us/j/94575291675" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">https://zoom.us/j/94575291675</span></a><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Meeting
ID: 945 7529 1675<span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">One
tap mobile<span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">+13017158592,,94575291675#
US (Washington DC)<span></span></span></p>
<h1>Our Family Wizard App:</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">We are
investigating the accessibility of the </span><a href="https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">OurFamilyWizard</span></a><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> co-parenting
app. If you use, or have tried to use, OurFamilyWizard with screen access
software, please contact Valerie Yingling, legal program coordinator, at </span><a href="mailto:vyingling@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">vyingling@nfb.org</span></a> <span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">to
report your experience.<span></span></span></p>
<h1>Access Technology Affordability Act:</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Last
Wednesday Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) and Jerry Moran (KS) cosponsored S.
212, the Access Technology Affordability Act. This brings us closer to our goal
of having 25 senate cosponsors by the end of next week. Please continue to urge
your senators and your representative to cosponsor this legislation.<span></span></span></p>
<h1>The Latest Issue of <i>Future Reflections</i> Available:</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/future-reflections" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Future
Reflections</span></i></a> <span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">is a quarterly magazine for parents and teachers of blind
children that offers resources and information based on the National Federation
of the Blind's positive philosophy of blindness. Read and share this special
issue on COVID and beyond. Access the </span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr40/2/fr4002tc.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">recent <i>Future
Reflections</i></span></a> <span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">now.<span></span></span></p>
<h1>Recent Blog: “Ten Advantages of Being Blind”</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Social
media can be a place to share the love of our identity with everyone. Read
Julie McGinnity’s post about “Ten Advantages of Being Blind” in our recent </span><a href="https://nfb.org/blog/ten-advantages-being-blind" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Voice of the
Nation’s Blind Blog</span></i></a><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">.<span></span></span></p>
<h1>Thanks to NFB of Kansas and NFB of Kansas Johnson County Chapter:</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Appreciation
goes out to our Kansas affiliate and the NFB of Kansas Johnson County chapter
for recent generous contributions. We do it all together with love, hope, and
determination. You are appreciated.<span></span></span></p>
<h1>Dates to Keep in Mind: (all times eastern)</h1><h1><ul><li><a name="m_4168884579419036318__Hlk67308830" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:normal;font-family:Symbol"><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><font size="4">June 29: </font></span></a><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><font size="4">Rookie Roundup, 8:30 p.m.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="4">July 6-10: NFB National Convention, anywhere and everywhere</font></span></li></ul></h1>
</div></div>