[NFBofAlaska] The National Federation of the Blind of Alaska is preparing for the 2022 State Convention!

Thu Sep 22 06:19:17 UTC 2022

Greetings to All!

This note is to let you know that the information regarding the NFB of
Alaska 2022 State Convention will be released in the next few days. 

The 2022 convention is sure to be the largest gathering of blind and low
vision people in the State of Alaska. Come see folks you haven't see in a
long while along with people you've never met before. We will have state
officials; blind Alaskans telling their stories of working participating in
community activities and so much more. You may get some ideas that will
propel you into a successful future. 

The National Federation of the Blind is very interested in knowing what we,
the members and interested people would like to have happen in our
organization. It would be very helpful if each of us could fill out this
survey <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/info?&reset=1&id=538> 

If you need help, please let me know and I will gladly assist you!

The following notes are directly from the weekly newsletter sent to all
affiliate presidents. If you have questions regarding any of the information
shared here, please don't hesitate to ask. 

News:

Today, September 20, Is National Voter Registration Day:

Voting in any election is important because it provides blind and low-vision
citizens with the opportunity to voice their opinion about elected leaders
and policies and to help shape the future by electing candidates who share
their views. We encourage all blind people to
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/nation
al-center-nonvisual-election-3> participate in the American democracy. To
vote in elections, a blind or low-vision citizen must first register with
their state or district board of elections. Get #VoteReady!
<https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state> Learn what is
needed to register. Blind Equality Achievement Month idea: Host a voter
registration drive using the
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/nation
al-center-nonvisual-election-3#experience> National Federation of the Blind
Voter Registration Drive Guide (Word). 

October Presidential Release LIVE!:

Brought to you live from the home of the Jackson Chapter of the NFB of
Mississippi, next month's Presidential Release LIVE will be Saturday,
October 1, 5:00 p.m., eastern. We will send out the Zoom link and
information as it gets a little closer. 

Blind Equality Achievement Month: Send in Your Events:

Remember history. Advance equality. Celebrate accomplishments. Previously
known as Meet the Blind Month, the National Federation of the Blind
celebrates the organized blind movement during October. Chapters across the
country organize local outreach events. Submit your events, activities,
celebrations to  <mailto:web at nfb.org> web at nfb.org, so they can be posted on
nfb.org/blind-month. If you still need items or ideas, check out
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/view?id=2378&reset=1> the free literature
resources and White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation.

Save the Date: Where the Blind Work Webinar:

Join the National Federation of the Blind as we celebrate the work and
accomplishments of blind and low-vision people with a panel of successfully
employed professionals. Plan to attend the Where the Blind Work Webinar
scheduled for Friday, October 21, 2022, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. More details
coming soon on nfb.org/blind-month.

October Career Fair Registration Open!:

Attention job seekers and employers: Please
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=522> register for the Blind
Equality Achievement Month VIRTUAL Career Fair that will be held October 26,
2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., eastern. When you register, you will also
receive information that will help you to prepare, which includes the
following:

*         Fearless Job Interview Part 1

o    October 6, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., eastern

o    Duration: 1.5 hours 

*         Fearless Job Interview Part 2

o    October 13, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., eastern

o    Duration: 1.5 hours

Last Call to Express Interest in STEM2U:

For more than two decades the National Federation of the Blind has been
committed to helping blind youth realize that they can succeed in STEM
(science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. We have held programs
that have allowed us to develop techniques for teaching STEM concepts that
make them accessible for everyone, and graduates of our programs are working
in a variety of STEM-related careers. 

Now we want to bring our STEM programs to you! We are looking for affiliates
who are interested in hosting a STEM program for youth in the spring of
2023. Participating affiliates will be trained in a variety of STEM lessons
at a seminar in Baltimore. This training will include how to set up
materials, explain scientific concepts, and methods of instruction.
Participating affiliates will also receive materials, accessible
instructions, and financial support to put on a day-long STEM workshop for
youth using a selection of these lessons. 

If this is something you are interested in, please email Karen Anderson,
education programs coordinator, no later than Friday, September 23, at
<mailto:kanderson at nfb.org> kanderson at nfb.org, or call her at 410-659-9314,
extension 2243. 

Seeking 2022-2023 NFB BELLR Academy Coordinators:

The NFB BELLR Academy is designed to give children ages four through twelve
hands-on experiences with Braille during the summer, as well as expose them
to positive blind role models who can show them that blindness does not have
to hold them back from achieving their dreams. We encourage affiliate
presidents to appoint an NFB BELL Coordinator in your state who will receive
specific news and information about the upcoming 2023 NFB BELL Academy
season. Please email your NFB BELL Academy coordinator's name to
<mailto:bell at nfb.org> bell at nfb.org. If you have questions about the NFB BELL
coordinator role, please reach out to Karen Anderson, education programs
coordinator, at  <mailto:kanderson at nfb.org> kanderson at nfb.org or by calling
410-659-9314, extension 2243. 

Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

*	January 30, 2023: Great Gathering-In
*	March 23, 2023: Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium

July 1-6, 2023: National Convention; Houston, Texas

Zoom Link:

Here is the Zoom link:

Bonnie Lucas is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: NFB All State Meeting

Time: 1:00PM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87422712687?pwd=UmJjSkM3aEdSOFlVYWJiRTgwSUd4Zz09

Meeting ID: 874 2271 2687

Passcode: 255025

One tap mobile

+16699006833,,87422712687# US (San Jose)

Hope to see you on Saturday, September 24 at 1:00, live at the Alaska Center
for the Blind and Visually Impaired or on Zoom.

Warmly,

Bonnie

Bonnie Lucas
President
National Federation of the Blind of Alaska
Cell: 907-301-6808

Email: lucas.bonnie at gmail.com <mailto:lucas.bonnie at gmail.com> 

Web: alaskanfb.org <https://alaskanfb.org/> 
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.

[Delegate-BML]

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