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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>March 1, 2021<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>Positive Note 1803<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>803-960-9977 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:Jhipp25@sc.rr.com">Jhipp25@sc.rr.com</a><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 style='margin-bottom:7.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'>Today is the first day of March where we observe Saint Patrick’s Day, national potato chip day, pie day for mathematics and the sweet treat, first ay of spring, daylight savings time, March madness for basketball lovers, and the Ides of March! Will March enter like a lion and leave like a lamb?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:7.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:7.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'>March is also Women’s History Month and had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:7.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:7.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>As we move toward the intersection of black history month and women’s history month, <span style='color:#333333'>Please join me in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of blind women during the month of March on a state and national level.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:7.5pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:7.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The role of women in the blind movement is clear and powerful. I will begin sharing excerpts from President Riccobono’s 2018 banquet speech at the national convention in Orlando, Florida. The entire speech can be found at the following link:<span style='color:#333333'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:7.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'><a href="https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/convent/banquet-speech-2018-2.html">https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/convent/banquet-speech-2018-2.html</a></span><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:7.5pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify;background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;color:black'>“At our organizing on November 16, 1940, there were sixteen blind people from seven states in attendance, and two of them were women who both served on the board of directors. The first was Mary McCann of Illinois, who was elected as secretary of our organization at that first meeting but only served for a short time. The other blind woman was Evelyn Burlingame of Pennsylvania, who was not elected to the board in 1940 but was elected as first vice president of the organization in 1942.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='text-align:justify;background:white;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;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:13.5pt;color:black'>Let me pause briefly to note that Hazel tenBroek was also in attendance at the organizing, and her notes are the most substantive record we have of the proceedings. Although she was not blind, she was a significant force in the early development of the Federation. Mrs. tenBroek set the standard for what has been a proud line of deeply loved and admired sighted marchers in our movement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='text-align:justify;background:white;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;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:13.5pt;color:black'>Let us return to Evelyn, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1906. After graduating from the Overbrook School for the Blind, she worked as the lead stenographer in the legal department for an insurance company; later she managed a small business among other jobs. In her free time she worked to bring together many small community-based organizations of the blind into a statewide organization called the Pennsylvania Federation of the Blind (which officially came into existence in 1934). It was the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Federation that served as the backdrop for the constitutional meeting establishing the National Federation of the Blind. While early Federation leaders had to expend considerable time and energy convincing blind people that we could gain synergy by directing the future through building our own organization, Evelyn already knew the value of organizing, and she was prepared to make personal sacrifices for the movement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='text-align:justify;background:white;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;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:13.5pt;color:black'>Evelyn’s hard work, information sharing, and wise counsel to the Federation’s President were likely factors contributing to her election to the national board. In the National Federation of the Blind we elect leaders to speak for us, but those leaders must be able to synthesize the hopes, dreams, and innovative approaches that the members bring forward. In that regard, Evelyn may get credit for the Federation’s first major outreach and fundraising strategy. On November 9, 1941, she wrote to Dr. tenBroek to propose that we approach state and national unions to enlist their support in the Federation’s cause and to give specific examples of the circumstances in her state. This idea was developed into a significant program for making connections and gathering financial resources for the young organization. Evelyn’s early and active participation in our movement gave credibility to the notion that the blind can and should speak for themselves. For Evelyn the characteristic of blindness did not hold her back, and for the Federation the characteristic of blindness was most important to Evelyn’s leadership in our movement.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='text-align:justify;background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style='text-align:justify;background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><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 month. 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. Here is what is coming up on Zoom for the month. All meetings are on the main Federation ID of 803-254-3777, unless noted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dates & Times of meetings are subject to change.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Monday, March 1, 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We Care Committee meeting 6:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fundraising Committee Meeting 7:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Presidential Release 8:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p> <a href="https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=20057&qid=4917671"><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>https://zoom.us/j/93850211264</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Or one-tap mobile: +13017158592,,93850211264#</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Or telephone; dial then enter the corresponding webinar ID:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>+1 669 900 6833</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Webinar ID: 938 5021 1264</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Tuesday, March 2, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with Sports and Rec Division 5:30 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Legislative Committee Meeting 8:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Wednesday, March 3, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cooking With the At Large Chapter 6:30 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Thursday, March 4, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Palmetto Connects 6:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Darlington County Chapter Meeting 7:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Friday, March 5, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meet the Blind Committee Meeting 6:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Movie Night with the NFB of SC 8:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Saturday, March 6, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 8:00 AM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greenville Chapter Meeting 11:00 AM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Student Division Meeting 8:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Sunday, March 7, 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Support Group for those who have experienced abuse 3:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Support Group for recently blind members 5:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Monday, March 8, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Braille Literacy Committee Meeting 6:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Tuesday, March 9, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with Sports and Rec Division 5:30 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At Large Chapter Meeting 7:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sumter Chapter Meeting 7:00 PM Rocky Bottom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Wednesday, March 10, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sports & Rec Division Meeting 6:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Thursday, march 11, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Columbia Chapter Meeting 6:15PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lancaster Chapter Meeting 7:00 PM Rocky Bottom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Friday, March 12, 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cherokee Chapter Meeting 1:00 PM Rocky Bottom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Saturday, March 13, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 8:00 AM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Technology Training 10:00 AM - noon <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Spartanburg Chapter Meeting 11:00 AM Rocky Bottom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Student Division Social 8:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Sunday, March 14, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lee County Chapter Meeting 7:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Monday, March 15, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Membership Committee Meeting 7:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Tuesday, March 16, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with Sports and Rec Division 5:30 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Diabetes Action Network Committee Meeting 7:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Wednesday, March 17, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Public Relations Committee Meeting 8:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Thursday, March 18, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Palmetto Connects 6:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Florence Chapter Meeting 7:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Clarendon County Chapter Meeting 8:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Saturday, March 20, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 8:00 AM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Charleston Chapter Meeting 1:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Sunday, March 21, 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Support Group for those who have experienced abuse 3:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Support Group for recently blind members 5:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Monday, March 22, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Anderson Chapter Meeting 6:00 PM Rocky Bottom <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Doing Our Fair Share Committee Meeting 7:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Tuesday, March 23, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with Sports and Rec Division 5:30 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Diversity & Inclusion Committee Meeting 8:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Thursday, March 25, 2021 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Social Media Committee Meeting 7:30 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Saturday, March 26, 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 8:00 AM <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>Palmetto Connects<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'> We will have our next palmetto connects meeting on Thursday, March 4 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. Please encourage your chapters, divisions, committees to attend to learn about the latest happenings in the NFB of SC! All are welcome from everywhere!<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'> PAC Plan Challenge:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'> 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 style='margin-left:.25in'> 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 <a href="mailto:pac@nfb.org">pac@nfb.org</a> with any questions. Thank you for your generosity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'> You can go to <a href="https://www.nfb.org/pac">https://www.nfb.org/pac</a> to complete the online form.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'> 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 style='margin-left:.25in'> 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>SUN Shares<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shares Unlimited NFB (SUN) is a rainy day fund. Shares are just $10 each. We collected and others pledged toward this giving at our statewide seminar. You can donate in increments of $10 for this rainy day fund. The Palmetto state is currently 13 and we would love to be in the top five. You are welcome to send checks made to NFB of SC with SUN in the memo line to the Federation Center, 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205. You may also donate using our pay pal link on our page<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please when you donate give a little extra to help cover the cost of administration fees from pay pal, $.30 for each $10. Thank you for considering if you can donate to this fund.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Movie Night, Friday, March 5 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of SC will hold a movie night on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 8:00 PM Eastern. Please gather your favorite candy and popcorn and choice of beverage and join the Palmetto affiliate for an audio described movie night!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFB of SC Talent Show, March 20, Deadline for Entries, March 1<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of SC (NFB of SC) Would like to invite you to the 1<sup>st</sup> ever virtual talent show fundraiser benefitting the NFB of SC! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Everyone has a talent. What is Yours? <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'>Singing<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'>Comedy<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'>Dancing<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'>Reading poetry<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'>Playing an instrument<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>The NFB of SC has an opportunity for you to show off your talent through our 2021 Virtual Talent Show!!! You will also be eligible for prizes if you place 1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup> or 3<sup>rd</sup> in the voting! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Prizes awarded<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1<sup>st</sup> place: 10% of the total proceeds, and a plaque donated by Linda Dizzley, President of the Lee County Chapter. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2<sup>nd</sup> place: 5% of the total proceeds, and a plaque donated by Linda Dizzley, President of the Lee County Chapter. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3<sup>rd</sup> place: 3% of the total proceeds, and a plaque donated by Linda Dizzley, President of the Lee County Chapter. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here is how our talent show will work. <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>Pay $15 to register to enter your talent via Pay Pal or other approved method.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>Submit a 90 second video to Steve Cook at <a href="mailto:cookcafe@sc.rr.com">cookcafe@sc.rr.com</a> <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>Once your video has been approved it will be posted on the website <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>Next, invite all of your family, friends, coworkers, former teachers, fellow church members, doctors, mail carriers, etcetera, to watch your video and vote for you. A $1 donation is one vote. For example, if a person donated $25 for you, then you would receive 25 individual votes. A person can vote for you as many times as they choose. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>When creating your video, please be sure to narrate any movement or action, so that the blind voters will know what you are doing, especially if it is a visual talent, such as dancing. . <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>All videos and registration fees must be submitted by March 1, 2021 at 11:59 PM eastern to be considered for the contest. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>Votes will be accepted until Saturday, March 20 2021, at 2:00 PM eastern. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>We will announce the winners on Saturday, March 20 2021 at 4:00PM eastern. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>Each participant will be assigned a contestant number for voting purposes. When a person makes their vote, they will have to include the contestants number in order for the vote to count for them. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Voting and Registration<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To Vote Electronically:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To pay your $15 registration fee, go to <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a> and click on the Donations link. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Votes can be cast on the same site by clicking on the donation link. $1 per vote. There is no limit to the number of times a voter can vote. Please remember that a vote will not go to the contestant unless their contestant number is included in the “for” line of the payment. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To Vote by Mail<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you would like to vote for a contestant, but are unable to access the above electronic payment method. You can send a check or money order to the address below. On the memo line, be sure to put “talent show contestant number.” If the contestant number is not on this line, your vote will not count, and your donation will be greatly appreciated! Please have all payments mailed no later than March 15<sup>th</sup> to allow for them to be received and recorded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Federation Center of the Blind<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>119 S Kilbourne Road<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Columbia, SC 29205. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To register, please include the following information.<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'>Name<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'>Address <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'>City, State and ZIP<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'>Home Phone <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'>Cell Phone <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'>Work Phone <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'>Email Address<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'>NFB member? Yes or No. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'>If yes, which chapter?<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'>If no, do we have your permission to contact you about getting involved? Yes or No.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'> Leadership Seminar:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'> 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 encouraged 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 style='margin-left:.25in'> If you notify David Houck by April 5, 2021 whether you plan to attend on zoom or in-person, your name will be entered into a $50 gift card drawing. You must be present to win. There will be additional door prizes throughout the seminar; only individuals who notify David by calling 803-254-3777 or emailing <a href="mailto:nfbsc@sc.rr.com">nfbsc@sc.rr.com</a> about your zoom or in-person attendance will be entered into the $50 gift card drawing. All are welcome from everywhere!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'> Nationally:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Open House: Information for Non-Members Interested in Joining:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please share with non-members the following: The National Federation of the Blind invites blind people to learn more about being a member and the benefits of membership on Wednesday, March 24, at 8:00 p.m. eastern. This is a great opportunity to hear from active members and leaders on the myths and uncertainties of the Federation. Sign up for the open-house gathering call by emailing </span><a href="mailto:membership@nfb.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue'>membership@nfb.org</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> or calling 410-659-9314, extension 2509.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'>Final Thought:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“We don’t have the power to make life fair, but we have the power to make life joyful.” Ever Lee Hairston from Blind Ambition , Journey to Greatness despite Blindness TEDx<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'>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 style='margin-left:.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'>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><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>