<div dir="ltr"><h1 style="margin:12pt 0in 0in;line-height:22.8267px;break-after:avoid;font-size:16pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Welcome to the National
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFB of NJ), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
volunteer membership organization supporting blind, low vision, deafblind, and
interested sighted individuals across the state. We provide essential resources,
guidance, advocacy, and community support that promote independence, equal
opportunity, and full participation in society.</span></h1><div><span style="font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;color:rgb(34,34,34)"><br></span></div>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">As part of the nation\u2019s oldest
and largest organization led by blind individuals, NFB of NJ works to raise
expectations, expand access, and empower people to live the lives they want.
Through our local chapters, committees, groups, and statewide programs, we
offer training, peer support, leadership opportunities, and community
engagement for individuals adjusting to blindness or low vision, as well as
their families and allies.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Our membership brings together
individuals who are blind, have low vision, and are deafblind, along with their
families and supporters, who work collaboratively to create a more inclusive
New Jersey. Together, we advance accessibility, promote civil rights, and
expand opportunities for people who are blind across the state.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b>Why Become a Member of the NFB
of NJ?</b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">NFB of NJ membership offers a
wide range of benefits designed to support blind, low vision, and deafblind New
Jersey residents as they pursue independence, confidence, and community
connection.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Members find hope and direction
after vision loss by joining a supportive network of individuals who understand
the challenges and opportunities that blindness can bring. Through shared
experiences, peer mentorship, and access to information, members gain the tools
needed to move forward with confidence.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">NFB of NJ provides access to both
statewide and nationwide networks of blind individuals. This community offers
practical advice, shared problem-solving, and support for living, working,
learning, and thriving as a blind person. Together, members work to change
societal misconceptions about blindness by advocating for policies and laws
that promote equal access and full participation.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Membership also creates
opportunities to meet and develop lasting friendships with blind, low vision,
and deafblind individuals who share similar professional interests, hobbies,
and goals. Members gain valuable guidance on accessible technology and tools
that support independent living, employment, education, and daily tasks.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">As part of NFB of NJ, members
receive access to national programs and services that strengthen independence,
including:</p>

<ul style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in" type="disc">
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><a href="https://nfbnj.org/nfb-newsline" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">NFB-NEWSLINE®</a> \u2013
     Access to hundreds of newspapers, magazines, job listings, emergency
     alerts, and TV schedules in audio format</li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Free <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/free-white-cane-program" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">white cane</a> and <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/free-slate-and-stylus-program" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">slate-and-stylus</a> programs \u2013 Essential tools for
     independent travel and Braille writing</li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">The <a href="https://nfb.org/independence-market" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">Independence Market</a> \u2013 Specialized
     blindness-related products and accessible tools; free and for purchase</li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Youth programs \u2013 including the Braille Enrichment for
     Literacy and Learning (BELL) Academy and accessible STEM initiatives</li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><a href="https://nfbnj.org/scholarship-program" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">State
     and national scholarships</a> \u2013 Supporting blind students pursuing
     higher education</li>
</ul>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">These benefits\u2014combined with
chapter involvement, statewide programs, and national initiatives\u2014help members
build confidence, develop skills, and connect with a strong community of blind
individuals across New Jersey.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b>How to Join the NFB of NJ</b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">NFB of NJ welcomes new members
year-round. You are encouraged to attend a couple of chapter meetings as a
guest before submitting your membership application, allowing you to meet
members and experience what NFB of NJ offers.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">When you\u2019re ready to begin:</p>

<ul style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in" type="disc">
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Step 1: Submit the Membership Application<br>
     <a href="https://nfbnj.org/membership/application" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">https://nfbnj.org/membership/application</a></li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Step 2: Chapter Review and Vote<br>
     Your local chapter will review your application and vote to accept new
     members.</li>
 <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Step 3: Approval and Dues<br>
     Once approved, the chapter president will send the appropriate link for
     paying dues and completing your membership.</li>
</ul>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">After joining, members may
participate fully in chapter activities and become eligible to join committees
and groups.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">You\u2019re welcome to book a
30-minute conversation with our Affiliate President, <b>Linda Melendez</b>, at
a time that works best for you:</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b>Book your meeting here:</b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> <a href="https://calendly.com/lindamelendez220/30min" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">https://calendly.com/lindamelendez220/30min</a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Warmly,<br>
<b>Linda Melendez, President</b><br>
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey<br>
Phone: 908-590-1747<br>
Email: <a href="mailto:president@nfbnj.org">president@nfbnj.org</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">NFBNJ Events Calendar:<br>
<a href="https://nfbnj.org/events-calendar" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">Events Calendar |
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey</a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">NFBNJ on Facebook:<br>
<a href="https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238</a></p>

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