<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Calibri Light";
panose-1:2 15 3 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Eras Bold ITC";
panose-1:2 11 9 7 3 5 4 2 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
h1
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
margin-top:12.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:16.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2F5496;
font-weight:normal;}
h2
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2 Char";
margin-top:2.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
text-align:center;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:13.0pt;
font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif;
color:white;
font-weight:normal;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2F5496;}
span.Heading2Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 2 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2";
font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif;
color:white;}
span.quote-author-name
{mso-style-name:quote-author-name;}
span.EmailStyle25
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:617106458;
mso-list-template-ids:-1485527706;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:1569270357;
mso-list-template-ids:1829267832;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2
{mso-list-id:1740714269;
mso-list-template-ids:-756887518;}
@list l2:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3
{mso-list-id:1965691083;
mso-list-template-ids:-455024026;}
@list l3:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l3:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l3:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>April 19, , 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 1810<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>Thank you to the Meet the Blind Committee and all the hard work that went into their Meet the Blind program on Saturday, April 17. NFB of SC leaders spoke about their role in the NFB of SC and shared bits of personal information for others to get to know them. Mistress of ceremonies was Debra Canty and the keynote speaker with Ted Brewer of the Salem Lions Club. We appreciate the nearly 35 individuals who attended this successful event!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFB of SC Board Meeting, Thursday, April 22 at 8:00 PM:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There will be an NFB of SC board meeting on Thursday, April 22 at 8 PM Eastern to discuss state convention details. If you are an NFB of SC board member, please attend this very important meeting as there are a lot of items to decide for our state convention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ellen Taylor Memorial:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our Federation family is deeply saddened by the loss of Ellen Taylor, daughter of our first vice-president, Lenora Robertson. Ellen loved Rocky Bottom and spent her time cooking along with Lenora Robertson and Glenda Culick for many events and numerous years. As a result of her passion and love for Rocky Bottom, Lenora is asking that memorials in Ellen’s name be made to Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind, RBRCCB, and mailed to the Federation Center, 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205. You may also donate using Pay Pal at<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.rockybottomofsc.com">www.rockybottomofsc.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please make checks payable to RBRCCB with Ellen Taylor Memorial in the memo line. We appreciate your consideration in donating to RBRCCB in memory of a lady whose love, passion, dedication and awesome cooking will never be forgotten. The Rocky bottom board unanimously decided to have a one-time $500 scholarship presented to a student during the 2021 state convention to remember Ellen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Vender Spotlight and Give Back to the NFB of SC<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you would like to be featured for one month during the year and are willing to give at least 10% back to the NFB of SC, please call me at 803-960-9977 or email me at <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>I will need a small write up for the Positive Note.<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. All times are Eastern.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Week of 4/18/2021 NFB of SC Meetings <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Times are eastern and everyone is invited!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Tuesday, April 20, 2021<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 5:30 PM Rocky Bottom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Diabetes Action Network 7:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Wednesday, April 21, 2021<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Advocacy Committee 6:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Public Relations 8:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Thursday, April 22, 2021<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Social Media 5:30 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>State Board Meeting 8:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Saturday, April 24, 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 9:00 AM Rocky Bottom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Braille Literacy Committee 9:00 AM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Come and learn about UEB braille<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Technology Training 10:00 to 12:00<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> Palmetto Connects<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We will have our next palmetto connects meeting on Thursday, May 6, 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></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Submissions for the Positive Note:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have an item to include in the Positive Note about your chapter, division, something that would interest the affiliate, please send to me via email by Sunday night to include in the next day’s PN.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jhipp25@sc.rr.com<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFB of SC Podcast<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Exciting News!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At this week’s Palmetto Connects their was a big announcement! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina now has our own podcast. Using any of the below platforms and more to come! Just search or ask play National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina podcast. We currently have the Leadership Seminar from April 10, 2021 loaded and ready for listening. If you have suggestions for the podcast, please send Steve Cook a message at <a href="mailto:cookcafe@sc.rr.com">cookcafe@sc.rr.com</a> or call/Text at 803 260 1292. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Spotify<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Apple Podcast<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Google Podcast<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Radio Public<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pocket Cast<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From Tracy Spittle, Chair Braille Literacy Committee<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Braille Literacy Committee would like to invite you to join us on April 24, at 9:00 AM, on the Federation Center Zoom platform to learn about The UEB braille code. This discussion is geared towards those who know braille, but want to learn more about the differences between the old and new codes. This will last approximately 45 minutes. We plan to hold a series of these informational sessions, each giving new information, once per month for the next few months. We look forward to you joining us. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Scholarship Announcement 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#44546A'>Spring brings flowers, pollen, and the start of the NFB of SC Scholarship application season! With the state convention being August 20-22, 2021, the deadline for scholarship applications is 11:59 p.m. June 19, 2021. The committee will select the top three applicants, and they will be notified approximately one month prior to the state convention. The updated scholarship application is now available at </span><a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a><span style='color:#44546A'>. Please also remember that the scholarship program operates on donations exclusively. If you or your chapter would like to contribute a scholarship or make a donation to the Metro Fund, please get in touch with both me, Shannon Cook, (<a href="mailto:coffeequeensc1@sc.rr.com">coffeequeensc1@sc.rr.com</a> or (803) 605-4250) and Valerie Warrington, NFB of SC Treasurer. Also, please help us get the word out about the program. If you or someone you know is in school full time, please encourage them to apply for a scholarship! Thank you.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shannon Cook<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Scholarship Committee Chairman<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We Care Outreach Committee<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The We Care Committee will be reaching out to those in our state who may need one-on-one in their homes including, but not limited to: bump dots, organization, cooking, activities relating to their independence as a blind person. If you would like to assist and feel comfortable with some of these very important outreach services, please contact Dorothy Barksdale to be added to the We Care Outreach committee. Thank you to the We Care Outreach committee for the valuable services they provide.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Advocacy Committee:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will be developing an Advocacy committee which will meet the third Wednesdays of each month at 6:00 PM Eastern starting April 21. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact me at 803-960-9977 via text or phone, or, you may email me your interest at<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>Let’s advocate for blind South Carolinians through the advocacy committee under the NFB of SC. Below, I have shared some text from the <a href="http://www.nfb.org">www.nfb.org</a> website that may give you insight on the interests and responsibilities of the advocacy committee that we will launch on April 21 at 6:00 PM!<o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind is continuously working toward securing full integration, equality, independence, acceptance, and respect for all blind Americans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;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:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><img border=0 width=566 height=424 style='width:5.8916in;height:4.4166in' id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D73485.534403A0" alt="A crowd of NFB members gathers outside near the capitol dome in Washington, DC."></span><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Our advocacy work has centered on issues related to education, employment, transportation, voting, and civil rights, and is directed by the <a href="https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions"><span style='color:#005AA3'>resolutions</span></a> that are passed every year during our <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention"><span style='color:#005AA3'>national convention</span></a>. As the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans, we are able to provide expert advice in these areas to blind people, their families, agencies for the blind, corporations, and the government. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><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> 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> 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> 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> 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>Thank you to the following individuals, chapters and divisions who have gotten on PAC or who have increased their PAC amount each month:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'> New contributors (6):</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Cheri Euton</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Lori Coley</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>At Large Chapter</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Lancaster Chapter</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Melanie Torrance</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Lynn Hornsby</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Increases:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>David Bundy</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Debra Canty</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>NFB SC Sumter Chapter</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Steve and Shannon Cook</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jennifer Bazer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Rank: 12 </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Average given per month: $960.75</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Monthly totals:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>December 2020 – $898.00</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>January 2021- $953.00</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>February 2021- $991.00</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>March 2021- $1,001.00 </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Total given in 2020: $10,731.00</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Total given in 2021 so far: $2,945.00</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span><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><span style='color:#1F497D'>From Phil Marret <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>IT is with much sadness that the Upstate Blind Fishing committee has deemed it necessary to call our tournament off again this year.<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> Nationally:<o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%'><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in'><tr><td style='background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=left width="100%" style='width:100.0%'><tr style='height:7.5pt'><td width="100%" valign=top style='width:100.0%;background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:7.5pt'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><a href="nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention"><span style='color:blue;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:~WRD0000.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. Map of United States with many brightly lit points and connected lines; text reads 2021 National Convention July 6-10 Anywhere and Everywhere"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td style='background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;border-color:initial'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=left width=600 style='width:6.25in'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td width="100%" valign=top style='width:100.0%;background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:15.0pt'><h1><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;font-weight:normal'>Attend the Biggest Event of the Year!</span></strong><span style='font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>National Federation of the Blind 2021 National Convention<br>Tuesday, July 6 through Saturday, July 10, 2021<br>Anywhere and Everywhere #NFB21</span><o:p></o:p></p><h2><strong><span style='font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif;font-weight:normal'>Stronger Together: Transforming and Unifying Our Future</span></strong><o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>There may not be a physical entrance to general session, but you can still win door prizes to be awarded throughout the week at #NFB21. Attend the premier event for the blind community and take advantage of the opportunity to: </span><o:p></o:p></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Network with thousands of blind role models</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Connect with leaders in the field of blindness</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Learn about the latest in technology and innovation</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>And more!</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind is a transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind people. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Through this unique event, we will connect blind Americans from anywhere to build opportunities everywhere. For more information, read <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20599&qid=5093761">the <em><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:blue'>Braille Monitor</span></em> article, The 2021 Convention is at Hand</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><h2><strong><span style='font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif;font-weight:normal'>Schedule Outline</span></strong><o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>The schedule for the 2021 convention is:</span><o:p></o:p></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Tuesday, July 6: Seminars & Specialized Meetings</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Wednesday, July 7: Board Meeting & Resolutions</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Thursday, July 8: Division Meetings & Opening Ceremony</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Friday, July 9: Presidential Report & General Session</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Saturday, July 10: Business Session & Banquet</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p><em><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black'>Is this your first convention or do you need a review of what to expect? Mark your calendar for the Rookie Roundup meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 29 at 8:30 p.m. ET. </span></em><o:p></o:p></p><h2>Register Today<o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Registration is now open and free! Get access to the latest information as it is made available and more. While there is no registration fee to attend the National Federation of the Blind 2021 National Convention, please consider a donation if you are in a position to do so. There is a donation option available during the registration process. Your support is greatly appreciated.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='color:black'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20600&qid=5093761"><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Register for the NFB 2021 National Convention now!</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>If you are already registered, please encourage a friend to attend. We look forward to your participation in the biggest event of the year! </span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr style='height:6.0pt'><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;background:#002F6D'><tr style='height:45.0pt'><td width=135 style='width:101.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'></td><td width=55 style='width:41.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20602&qid=5093761"><span style='color:blue;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_4" src="cid:~WRD0000.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. Facebook Logo"></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=55 style='width:41.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20603&qid=5093761"><span style='color:blue;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_5" src="cid:~WRD0000.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. Twitter Logo"></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=55 style='width:41.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20604&qid=5093761"><span style='color:blue;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_6" src="cid:~WRD0000.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. Instagram Logo"></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=55 style='width:41.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20605&qid=5093761"><span style='color:blue;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_7" src="cid:~WRD0000.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. YouTube Logo"></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=55 style='width:41.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20606&qid=5093761"><span style='color:blue;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_8" src="cid:~WRD0000.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. Email Icon Image"></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=55 style='width:41.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20607&qid=5093761"><span style='color:blue;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_9" src="cid:~WRD0000.jpg" alt="Image removed by sender. Donate to the NFB Icon."></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=135 style='width:101.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:45.0pt'></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><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:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333;background:white'>“Make sure your worst enemy doesn’t live between your own two ears.”<span class=quote-author-name><b><span style='border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'>– Laird Hamilton<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></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><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>