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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>December 14, 2020<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From: Jennifer Bazer, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>803-960-9977<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jhipp25@sc.rr.com<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Positive Note 1792<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greetings Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What a action packed week full of Christmas celebrations from various chapters! I was thrilled to participate in and speak during most of them. You all know how to party zoom style! It was very different and somewhat difficult not be in-person to hug and shake hands with our Federation family. I am blessed and thankful we have technology that allows us to keep meeting and celebrating.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Monday, we had a Florence interest meeting and 15 individuals attended in-person. Jameika Cooper is the new Florence chapter president. Please welcome her, support her and reach out to her. Please also encourage those in that area to join the Florence Chapter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Saturday, about 17 individuals met at the Federation Center in Columbia to have an open Christmas celebration. We ate chicken soup, chili, grilled cheese, fresh fruit, banana pudding, cookies and cupcakes. The tables were decorated with table cloths and runners and bowls of candy along with centerpieces covered each table. We had a white elephant Christmas exchange and from 2:00 until 3:00, we broadcast live through zoom so those who could not attend in-person could participate. We heard a Christmas selection from Janice Crosby, shared Christmas traditions and sang Silent Night and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. We also gave thanks to those who generously donated to our Thanks for Giving box. Items filled one six foot table and lined the carpet in the lounge in front of the table. We will be distributing these items to our members in need. Thank you to all who participated to make this a huge blessing!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As 2020 draws closer to a close, just a few things we all need to do as active members in our Palmetto affiliate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dates to remember; please mark your calendars. See more specific details on these action items further in this Positive Note.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Submit our 22021 state dues of $10 by December 31.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Notify David Houck at the Center by calling 803-254-3777 if you plan to attend the statewide seminar on January 9, 2021.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chapter and division presidents, submit your financial reports for 2020 by January 31 2021 to the state office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Notify David Houck at the Center by calling 803-254-3777 if you plan to attend the leadership seminar on April 10, 2021.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Increase or hop on the PAC plan by May 31, 2021 to have your name entered into a $100 gift card drawing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Submit new chapter and division officers to Steve Cook, Thom Spittle and me by December 31, 2020 so that it can be updated on the website and membership roster.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Attend the Palmetto Connects on Thursday, December 17, 2020 via zoom.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Do you sell items like jewelry? Do you bake? Do you crochet? Do you like supporting local businesses? Would you like to support your fellow Federationists in their small business?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Are you willing to donate at least 10% of your earnings for each sale to the national Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, NFB of SC?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you said yes to these questions, please email me at <a href="mailto:jhipp25@sc.rr.com">jhipp25@sc.rr.com</a> and Steve Cook chair of our social media committee at <a href="mailto:cookcafe@sc.rr.com">cookcafe@sc.rr.com</a> so that we may include it on our website and on Face Book. We will also include your information on our listserv periodically for those who are not on social media or not able to reach our <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a> website.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please send an announcement including your business name, your contact information and what you sell to Jennifer Bazer and Steve Cook and we will add it to the website and to our listserv.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you for supporting your fellow Federationist in their small businesses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PAC Plan Challenge:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will be running a contest from December 5, 2020 through May 31, 2021 for our NFB of SC affiliate. We are currently 13 and would like to be in the top 10 or higher. One of our members would like to see us as an affiliate contribute $1,500 to PAC each month between chapters, divisions, individuals and our NFB of SC affiliate. If you join PAC, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $100 visa gift card. If you increase your PAC donation, your name will be entered into a different $100 visa gift card drawing. I have a list of chapters, divisions, and individuals who are on PAC at this time. On June 1, I will ask the national office for another list which I will use to have the two drawings on June 1. There are many ways to give. Below, is a little about PAC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>Thank you for your interest in the National Federation of the Blind's Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) program. This program allows you to contribute to the NFB through recurring monthly donations. These can be direct withdrawals from a checking account or charges to a credit card. Please contact </span><a href="mailto:PAC@nfb.org"><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#005AA3;background:white;text-decoration:none'>pac@nfb.org</span></a><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'> with any questions. Thank you for your generosity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can go to<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.nfb.org/pac">https://www.nfb.org/pac</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>to complete the online form.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You may also call the national office at 410-659-9314 extension 2622 or email <a href="mailto:PAC@nfb.org">PAC@nfb.org</a> with questions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are several chapters and divisions within our state who are on PAC and we are grateful for those contributions. There are individuals who are on PAC and we are appreciative of those members who give each month. As an affiliate, we are averaging $17.41 per person and less than 10% of our members are on PAC. Let’s see if we can increase those percentages to over $20 per month and have at least 20% of our members on PAC. I appreciate you considering to get on the PAC plan or increasing your donation each month!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We will have our next SC connects meeting Thursday, December 17 at 5:00 p.m. Please encourage your chapters, divisions, committees to attend to learn about the latest happenings in the NFB of SC!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Our statewide seminar will be held January 9 at the Center in Columbia from 10:00 until 4:00. This will be a hybrid seminar meaning you can attend in-person and over Zoom so as many individuals can participate as possible. Please make plans to attend in-person or through Zoom. Please call, text or email me with suggested agenda items. Please also call David at the Center at 803-254-3777 to let us know if you will be attending in person. First come, first serve as we have limited seats to effectively promote social distancing at the Center. Chapter and division presidents along with FCB, NFB of SC, and Rocky Bottom board members are required to attend via zoom or in-person.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Leadership Seminar:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our next leadership seminar will be April 10, 2021 at the Federation Center. All presidents of divisions and chapters along with Federation Center board members, Rocky Bottom board members and NFB of SC board members are required to attend in-person or through zoom. Others who are interested are welcome to attend via zoom or in-person as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We plan to have door prizes at each of these seminars on January 9 and April 10. Calling David Houck at the Center at 803-254-3777 will guarantee your name entered into a separate drawing for registered in-person and zoom attendees of a $50 gift card for each seminar that will be drawn at an undisclosed time during each seminar and you must be present to win. . Anyone who attends via zoom or in-person will be eligible for door prizes and must be present to win, even if, you do not register prior to the seminars. Only registered individuals who call David Houck to let us know how you will be participating either in-person or zoom will be entered into the $50 gift card drawing for each seminar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The following meetings are scheduled on the Zoom platform this week. You are welcome to attend any of these meetings, even if you are not a member of the chapter or committee. All Committee meetings are open to the public for listening. Contact President Bazer if you would like to be added to any NFB of SC committee so that information stays current on our website and membership list.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Here is what is coming up on Zoom for the week of December 14 2020. All meetings are on the main Federation ID of 803-254-3777, unless noted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Monday, December 14, Braille Literacy, 6pm<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tuesday, December 15, Diabetes Action Network, 7pm<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thursday, December 17, Palmetto Connects, 5pm<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thursday, December 17, Clarendon County Chapter, 8pm<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Friday, December 18, Meet the Blind Committee, 6pm<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Saturday, December 19, Charleston chapter, 1pm<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> NFB of SC Federation Center is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Topic: NFB of SC Chapter and Committee meetings<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Times are in Eastern Time (US and Canada)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Join Zoom Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meeting ID: 803 254 3777<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Passcode: 124578<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One tap mobile<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>+19292056099,,8032543777# US (New York)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The South Carolina Commission for the Blind SCCB will be having its board meeting Tuesday, December 17 at 1:30 pm. I encourage all of you to attend so we will know what is going on and so we can ask questions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The link to the information is<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.sccb.state.sc.us/board/meetings.php">http://www.sccb.state.sc.us/board/meetings.php</a><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#333333'>Tuesday, December 15, 2020 • 1:30 pm<br><a href="http://www.sccb.state.sc.us/downloads/board/agenda/Board_Agenda_2020-12-15.docx"><span style='color:lightseagreen'>Agenda</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='box-sizing: border-box;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#333333'>The Board Meeting will be conducted via phone/web conference call. Beginning at 1:20 pm, participants may join the meeting:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>With a smart phone / mobile device:<o:p></o:p></span></li><ul type=circle><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'><a href="tel:1%20646%20876%209923,,996%204916%208519"><span style='color:lightseagreen'>Tap to join</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;box-sizing: border-box;margin-top:1rem'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Or by phone:<o:p></o:p></span></li><ul type=circle><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Dial ONE of the following numbers:<br> <a href="tel:1%20646%20876%209923"><span style='color:lightseagreen'>+1 646 876 9923</span></a> (primary)<br> <a href="tel:1%20301%20715%208592"><span style='color:lightseagreen'>+1 301 715 8592</span></a> (backup)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Enter the Meeting ID: 996 4916 8519<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Press #<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Message from Debra Canty, President of the Sumter Chapter of the NFB of SC…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On behalf of the Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina , please know that your presence, participation and donations on Zoom last Tuesday evening for our 47<sup>th</sup> Annual Fundraiser Christmas Gala are greatly appreciated. Wishing all of you, “A MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year!!!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> From Linda Dizzley, Lee County Chapter President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If you are looking for a special gift for that special loved-one, friend, co-worker, chapter members etc., help is just a call away. Below is a list of a few ideas that may interest you Make your Holiday shopping easier and safe this year by shopping from home. Many ideas may be personalized: Please place your orders by December 8, 2020<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Edible Gifts, Milk Chocolate Dark Chocolate White Chocolate, (your choice of color). Business cards. Ladies High Heel Shoes. Men dress shoes. Sneakers. Boots. Purse. Hats. Champagne Glass. Basketball Goal, footballs, golf clubs, bowling ball and pin. Chocolate covered pretzels. Chocolate roses. Personalized Gifts. T-shirts. Sweatshirts . Hoodies. Face Masks. Socks. Scarves. Coffee Mugs. Key Chains. Coasters. Mouse Pads. Caps. Hats. Face clothes. Hand Towels. Bath Towels. Photo Plates. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If interested, contact Linda Dizzley, Lee County Chapter President.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:LDIZZLEY@HOTMAIL.COM">LDIZZLEY@HOTMAIL.COM</a> Home: 803 442 84273 Cell: 803 459 4585<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> From Frank Loza<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Support the Federation Center by buying a jacket with our national logo on the back of the jacket and under that it says National Federation of the Blind and under that it says, live the life you want. On the left upper part of the front it says, NFB of SC. There are two kinds of material you can get them in. One is microfiber and the other one is polyester blend. The microfiber costs $80.00 and the polyester blend cost’s $75.00. The microfiber comes in blue or black and the polyester comes in blue, black and gray. If you can call Frank Loza at 803-617-8016, with your information, such as color and size. Join your fellow Federationists and get your jacket. It will show unity when your chapter has a function.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If you made a pledge at our state convention banquet in August, those tax -deductible contributions are due at the Center no later than December 31, 2020. If you did not make a pledge, but wish to donate to the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, please send donations to 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205. You may also pay on our website at <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a> and look for the donations link to pay through pay Pal. Thank you to all of those individuals, chapters, and divisions who have fulfilled their pledges. I will list all donors in the first Positive Note of 2021.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Big News! The National Federation of the Blind of SC now has an online enrollment membership form to pay your 2021 state dues. You will be able to fill out the form online to provide the state office with updated personal and contact information. You will also be able to pay your $10 state dues via secure Pay Pal. You will still need to pay your chapter/division dues on the local level. After submitting the membership form, you will be provided with a link to pay your $10 state dues through Pay Pal. Your membership will not be confirmed until payment has been received. After paying your $10 state dues via Pay Pal, we will receive a message stating you have paid your state dues to confirm your membership. Then you will be sent a message with a copy of your receipt for confirmation later in the day. Please retain this confirmation for your records and proof of payment. Also, Pay Pal charges the NFB of SC a percentage for each transaction. We would greatly appreciate you adding an extra $0.30 for every $10 to your donation to offset this charge. So, $10.30, $20.60 and so on.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If you need assistance completing the online form, you are welcome to call Steve and Shannon Cook to help at (803) 254-0222. Leave a message with your name and contact number if we are unavailable to answer the phone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Thank you to those who have already paid your state dues! We hope to see close to 100% of dues paid by December 31. Our membership committee along with the help of our district reps will follow-up as we get closer to the end of the year to assist those in completing their membership form so that we can have all completed documentation to the national office in a timely manner. This has normally been due at the end of January to pay your state dues; however, that does not give me time to submit all necessary data to the national office by January 31. We want to be prompt in our membership dues and information to President Riccobono. <a href="https://forms">https://forms</a>. gle/MGYktJPG3SatVBFWA<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Nationally:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Code of Conduct</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On an annual basis, and sometimes more frequently, the board of directors examines the National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct and makes revisions based upon feedback we receive, thoughts of how best to implement the code on a practical and operational basis, and best practices that emerge in other organizations. On December 5, 2020, the board approved revisions that are now reflected on the code of conduct page <a href="https://www.nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct">https://www.nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The current revisions clean up some language, tighten up the application of this policy to employees and contractors of the organization, and emphasize the multiple ways that grievances might be filed and dealt with by the leadership in consultation with the Code of Conduct Committee.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I strongly urge you to read this update to ensure you completely understand it. We have a call for all affiliate presidents on December 17. If any of this is not clear or you have any questions, please send them in advance of that call, if you can, and we will make sure they are addressed on the call. I also urge you to share the link with your boards and chapter and division leaders so they can refresh themselves on the code.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please remember these things about our code of conduct. <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:13.5pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'>While affiliates are asked to carry out the work of the movement consistent with this code to create the most welcoming and inclusive environment possible, some people may still feel uncomfortable bringing issues to the leadership of a given affiliate. Under no circumstances should anyone be discouraged from reporting potential violations through the national code of conduct process. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:13.5pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'>Leaders of the Federation should never discourage individuals from involving law enforcement when they feel that is appropriate and necessary.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:13.5pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'>Federation leaders should recognize that certain situations, such as potential violations related to minors, may require mandatory reporting to law enforcement in your state. When in doubt, please contact the national Code of Conduct Committee for assistance at <a href="mailto:coc@nfb.org">coc@nfb.org</a><span class=MsoHyperlink>,</span> or by calling our dedicated voicemail box at 410-659-9314, extension 2475. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:13.5pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'>Federation leaders must take extra care to ensure that all members understand the importance of the code and the ability of members to file grievances. When Federation leaders take actions like making jokes about what is or is not a violation of the code of conduct, it creates the perception that issues are not taken seriously. Please be a strong example of what is intended by the code and ensure that your words, as well as your actions, reflect the values of our movement and our code of conduct. Moreover, the code of conduct should never be used as a weapon to advance personal agendas or settle scores with other members. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the next month the code of conduct page will be updated with a Frequently Asked Questions page to address questions about the code, the process of investigations, and the priority of keeping information confidential to protect those who may have been harmed by the actions of others. If there are questions you often answer about the code, please send them to our code of conduct email address so we can incorporate them. And if you have recommendations regarding tools or other training that would help you more effectively reinforce and reflect the organization's code of conduct, please send those to <a href="mailto:coc@nfb.org">coc@nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The World Needs ...<br>A little more kindness and a little less creed,<br>A little more giving and a little less greed;<br>A little more smile and a little less frown,<br>A little less kicking a man when he's down;<br>A little more "we" and a little less "I",<br>A little more laugh and a little less cry;<br>A few more flowers on the pathway of life,<br>and fewer on graves at the end of our strife.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Author: Unknown</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFB Pledge - I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFB One Minute Message - “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.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If this message was forwarded to you and you would like to receive it directly in your inbox, as well as, receive messages regarding the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, please email Steve Cook at <a href="mailto:cookcafe@sc.rr.com">cookcafe@sc.rr.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>