[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2064

Mon Mar 2 01:08:12 UTC 2026

March 1, 2026

Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents &
Others

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

843-939-8091   <mailto:president at nfbofsc.org> president at nfbofsc.org

Positive Note: 2064

Dear Federation Family,

March 1 is known as the unofficial beginning of spring.  Meteorologists use
this date as it makes it much easier to have a fixed date for the season
change rather than the astronomical date which varies. Beyond science, March
1 also symbolizes renewal and fresh beginnings. As days grow longer and
signs of new life appear, this seasonal change reminds us that growth is
possible after even the coldest seasons. Here in South Carolina, it serves
as a hopeful reminder that brighter days are ahead, encouraging us to move
forward with renewed energy and purpose in our work and service together.

This week's AI tip will work with most chatbots, including Alexa devices.
When purchasing a new product or device, I find it helpful to have all of
the information available before making a decision. For example, you can use
AI to compare similar devices or products to determine which one best fits
your situation. An example prompt might be, "Compare the top-of-the-line GE
top-load washer with a similar Whirlpool top-load washer." Remember to allow
AI to tell you when it does not know the answer. You can also instruct it to
provide information only when reliable sources are available. Try it and see
what you get. This approach also works for everyday products such as soap or
lotion.

Statewide Leadership Seminar

The Statewide Leadership Seminar takes place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at
the Federation Center of the Blind beginning at 10:00 a.m. This day is set
aside for National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Board Members,
chapter and division presidents, and boards. We are especially pleased to
welcome Past Presidents Parnell Diggs and Frank Coppel, if they are
available. Please let David Houck know by close of business on Monday, March
24, 2026, how many will attend from your chapter, including drivers who will
remain for the day. This allows for adequate food purchase and preparation.

SUN Shares pledges from the Statewide Seminar are due by March 31, 2026. If
you have not taken care of this, please do so. We will mail the final check
to the National Office shortly after March 31, 2026. Thank you for your
generosity!

Summer Internship Opportunity:

The National Federation of the Blind 2026 Summer Internship Program offers a
unique opportunity to make an impact while gaining professional experience.
Interns work on projects that advance innovation and raise expectations for
blind people nationwide.

This paid, ten-week internship runs from June 1-August 7, 2026, at NFB
headquarters in Baltimore and includes participation in the NFB National
Convention in Austin, Texas. Apply by March 14 to help shape the future and
strengthen your leadership skills. The application can be found at
https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/summer-internship-program.

The National Federation of the Blind National Convention will be held July
3-8, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at the JW Marriott and the Austin Marriott
Downtown overflow hotel. Room rates are $139 per night for single or double
occupancy and $155 for triple or quad occupancy, plus 19% in taxes and fees.
The first night's room charge is due at the time of booking. To reserve a
room, call 800-627-7468 and use room block BL1. Cancellations made by May
31, 2026, will receive a 50% deposit refund; no refunds are available after
that date.

National Convention Registration Now Open

Early bird registration for the National Convention is now open. Go to
https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=641 to register. The cost
is $25, plus banquet tickets for those who plan to attend the banquet.

The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships support active blind and sighted
first-time attendees at the National Convention. Applications are due by
March 31, 2026, and applicants must meet with President Marty McKenzie for a
letter of support. In recent years, individual awards have been $700 and
family awards $1,100; these do not cover all expenses. Recipients receive a
prepaid Visa card after arriving at the hotel at a specified time and
location. The online application must be completed in one session, so
applicants are encouraged to prepare responses in Microsoft Word and copy
and paste them. Those who are not comfortable using a computer are
encouraged to seek assistance from a friend. The online application can be
found at
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention
-scholarship.

Things to Remember

*	Summer Internship Opportunity due by March 14, 2026
*	NFB of SC Statewide Leadership Seminar on March 28, 2026
*	National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Applications due by
March 31, 2026
*	Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Applications due by March
31, 2026
*	SUN Shares pledges due by March 31, 2026
*	National Convention hotel reservations due by May 31, 2026

Marty

Marty R. McKenzie, President

National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina

119 S. Kilbourne Road

Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: 803-254-3777

Mobile: 843-939-8091

Website: www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org/>  

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbofsc_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260301/32ff62ee/attachment.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.png
Type: image/png
Size: 21173 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbofsc_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260301/32ff62ee/attachment.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image002.png
Type: image/png
Size: 12746 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbofsc_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260301/32ff62ee/attachment-0001.png>