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<p class="MsoNormal">Good Afternoon All,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Please see the President’s Notebook for many items of importance and interest.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My Best,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> President, National Federation of the Blind <OfficeOfThePresident@nfb.org>
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Monday, November 6, 2023 4:11 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> State Presidents <StatePresidents@nfb.org>; NFB-Division-Leaders@nfbnet.org; NCB Staff <NCBStaff@nfb.org><br>
<b>Subject:</b> NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 11/06/2023<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h1><a name="OLE_LINK7"></a><a name="OLE_LINK8"></a><a name="OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">President’s Notebook</span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Mark A. Riccobono</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">410-659-9314</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Dear Federation Family,</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">I am feeling energized after attending the National Federation of the Blind of Kansas
 convention this past weekend. It was my first time ever visiting this affiliate convention. I noted some other Federationists visiting from other states. I think it is always a great way to build our movement when leaders take time to visit other affiliates
 to share their ideas and take home new approaches.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">There is a bunch of important stuff in the notebook this week. Let me quickly elevate
 two other things informally.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<ol style="margin-top:0in" start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%">My next leadership seminar will be happening the weekend of February 28, 2024. I am currently working
 on finalizing the list of invites for this seminar with the hope of beginning to call people before Thanksgiving. If you have additional recommendations, now would be an excellent time to send them to me. Please remember, I accept them all year long.</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%">Remember that we are always open to proposals for hosting our Presidential Release Live in 2024. We
 cannot promise that we can accommodate every proposal, but please know that your ideas and innovations are always welcome. Keep in mind that we try to get the release in prior to the first Saturday as best we can so that the recorded version is available for
 the chapter meetings early in the month. Your ideas about the Presidential Release in general are also always welcome.</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li></ol>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">This week is a special one for me. Twenty years ago this week, I started as an employee
 working at our national office. Although I left the staff in 2014, I have the joy of coming to work here each day. I had no idea that my path would take the turns it has by committing my time and energy to this movement. I feel truly blessed to be able to
 serve you every day. Here’s to the next twenty years of service to the movement and may we accomplish even more together. Thank you for the opportunity to work closely with each of you.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h2><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7">Critical Actions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span class="Heading3Char"><b>Affiliate Presidents Retreat:</b></span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">This is a reminder that we will be holding the retreat
 the weekend before Washington Seminar again this year. We need to hear from all the affiliate presidents whether or not they will be able to attend, as well as some other logistical details for those coming. The deadline for everyone to RSVP (either yes or
 no) is this Friday, November 10, at </span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/all_presidents_meeting"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">https://nfb.org/all_presidents_meeting</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
 If you did not see the email regarding this, let Beth Braun (</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:bbraun@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">bbraun@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">)
 know. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h2><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7">News:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>November Presidential Release Chapter Version Available:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">The
 National Federation of the Blind </span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">Presidential
 Release #532 chapter version</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">
 is available. Please mark your calendars for the December Presidential Release scheduled for November 30, 2023, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. Zoom details coming soon.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>2024 Washington Seminar Hotel Information:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The 2024 Washington Seminar will be from Monday, January
 29, through Thursday, February 1, 2024, and will once again take place at the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – National Mall, located at 550 C Street, SW Washington, DC. The room rates for the 2024 Washington Seminar are $188 per night (not including taxes
 and fees). To book a room for the event, please use the booking link on our </span>
</span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Washington
 Seminar page</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">,
 or call 877-834-3613 and provide our group code, NF4. The deadline to make a reservation using our group block and rate is December 31, 2023, so be sure to make your reservation as soon as possible.
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Happy Federation Anniversary:
</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">The
 National Federation of the Blind was founded November 16, 1940, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Celebrate by reading history of the organized blind movement. Here are two publications:
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/building-lives-we-want"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><i><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">Building
 the Lives We Want</span></i></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">
 and </span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/books/wamt/wamtc.htm"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><i><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">Walking
 Alone and Marching Together</span></i></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Share Op-Ed Article Regarding Voting:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">Security
 and accessibility are not mutually exclusive. It is time for voters with disabilities to be treated as first-class citizens and afforded full and equal voting rights. As blind people, the National Federation of the Blind is working toward that goal. Share
 the following op-ed published in <i>The Hill</i> to affiliate and division social media: “</span></span></span></span><a href="https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/4278948-why-do-some-voting-advocates-fight-equal-access-for-the-blind/"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">Why
 do some voting advocates fight equal access for the blind?</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">”</span></span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>IRS Direct File Pilot Program:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thirteen states have agreed to participate in the IRS
 Direct File pilot program for the 2024 tax filing season. Direct File will allow taxpayers to file their federal returns directly with the IRS for free. The thirteen states participating are Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
 New York, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. For the pilot, Direct File will only be available for filing simple federal tax returns. We are reaching out to the IRS to investigate the accessibility of the Direct File program.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span class="Heading3Char"><b>Seeking Updated Contact Information for 2023-2024 NFB BELL<sup>®</sup> Academy Coordinators:</b></span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">We encourage affiliate presidents, including those who
 have appointed BELL coordinators in previous years, to appoint an NFB BELL coordinator in your state who will receive specific news and information about the upcoming 2024 NFB BELL Academy season. Please note that BELL coordinators must be reappointed each
 year by you as an affiliate president in order to receive information about the upcoming NFB BELL Academy season. Please email your NFB BELL Academy coordinator’s name and email to
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:bell@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">bell@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
 The NFB BELL Academy is designed to give children hands-on experiences with Braille during the summer, as well as expose them to positive blind role models who can show them that blindness does not have to hold them back from achieving their dreams. If you
 have questions about the NFB BELL coordinator role, please reach out to Karen Anderson, education programs coordinator, at
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:kanderson@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">kanderson@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
 or by calling 410-659-9314, extension 2243.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Upcoming Early Childhood Initiatives: Santa Letters and Winter Celebration Program:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The National Federation of the Blind provides Braille
 letters celebrating Christmas and winter holidays for blind children. We are excited to provide letters in English and Spanish again this year. Parents of children under age ten can select the option that best fits their family.
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">We invite parents to begin requesting these Braille activity
 packets </span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">online</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">,
 via fax at 410-685-5653, or via email at </span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:communityrelations@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">communityrelations@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
 on November 6. We will start mailing celebration packets around December 4, but you can request packets until December 15.
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Each packet will include a Braille letter, a print letter,
 and some fun activities for the whole family to share. Learn more about </span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">the
 Santa Letters and Winter Celebration Program on the NFB website</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Catch Up on Content:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">Highlights,
 news, and stories are available in the most recent <i>Braille Monitor</i>, <i>Nation’s Blind Podcast</i>, and
<i>Voice of the Nation’s Blind Blog</i>. The following are National Federation of the Blind publications for you to access and share with Federationists:</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;line-height:115%;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2">
<span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">November
</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm23/bm2310/bm2310tc.htm"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">Braille
 Monitor</span></i></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;line-height:115%;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2">
<span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">Nation’s Blind Podcast
</span></i></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">episode<i>,
</i></span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">#BlindMonth
 2023</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;line-height:115%;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2">
<span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">Blog article<i>,
</i></span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/blog/blind-kids-can-krystal-guillorys-federation-story"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">Blind
 Kids Can: Krystal Guillory’s Federation Story</span></i></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Career Opportunities at the National Federation of the Blind:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">The
 National Federation of the Blind is always seeking talented individuals to join our staff team. We have several current openings: Affiliate Finance Bookkeeper, Hospitality Assistant, Hospitality Manager, Lead – Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access, NFB-NEWSLINE<sup>®</sup>
 Operations Specialist, and Talent Resource Coordinator. Please share and refer qualified candidates.
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/career-opportunities"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">Access
 the benefits guide and job descriptions to learn more</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>NFB EQ for Parents: A STEM Learning Toolkit for Parents of Blind Children:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">The National Federation of the Blind understands
 that with the proper tools, environment, and encouragement blind people can participate equally in any career field they choose. As a parent, you want to support your child in participating actively in all areas of their education, including science and math.
 The STEM Learning Toolkit for Parents of Blind Children was designed to support you as the parent of a blind child in guiding your child’s successes in STEM and much more. To learn more about the toolkit, visit
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/national-center-blind-youth-science/nfb-eq/nfb-eq-parents"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/national-center-blind-youth-science/nfb-eq/nfb-eq-parents</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>NFB EQ for Teachers: A Nonvisual & Accessible Engineering Curriculum:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">The National Federation of the Blind has always
 been an innovator when it comes to education, technology, and access. We believe that STEM learning should be accessible for all, including blind and low-vision youth. As our world is evolving to become more and more digital, we discovered a need to create
 a version of our popular NFB EQ curriculum that is digitally accessible, free, and publicly available. In other words, an online, Open Educational Resource (OER) that allows educators to access the NFB EQ curriculum remotely — from anywhere. To access the
 curriculum, visit </span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/national-center-blind-youth-science/nfb-eq/nfb-eq-teachers"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/national-center-blind-youth-science/nfb-eq/nfb-eq-teachers</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h2><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7">Reminders:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Last Call to Scope Out Space! NFB STEM2U:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">The National Federation of the Blind works
 to improve opportunities for blind students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. NFB STEM2U brings a day of nonvisually accessible STEM lessons and activities to blind youth. Students of varying ages across the country will learn
 fundamental nonvisual tools and techniques they can use to pursue further education and careers in STEM. In collaboration with the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), students will become astronomers through the study of astrophysics and engineering! Students
 will build models of the James Webb Space Telescope and learn about the Earth’s atmosphere. If your affiliate is interested in holding a STEM2U program in the spring/summer of 2024 please email
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:STEM@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">STEM@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
 by November 10. A training seminar for coordinators will take place December 15-17, 2023, for participating affiliates at our national headquarters.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"></span>
<h2>Dates to Keep in Mind:<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">(all times eastern)</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">November 8: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">December 7 and 10: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Planning the Year Ahead)</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Monday, January 29, 2024: Great Gathering-In
</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">January 29 -February 1, 2024:
<a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar">Washington Seminar</a></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">July 3-8, 2024: National Convention; Orlando, Florida</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3><b>2024 Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement:</b><o:p></o:p></h3>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Wednesday, February 7, 8:00 p.m.</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Wednesday, May 8, 8:00 p.m.</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Wednesday, August 7, 8:00 p.m.
</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 p.m.
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<h3><b>2024 Chapter Presidents Calls:</b><o:p></o:p></h3>
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<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Thursday, March 14, and Sunday, March 17, at 8:00 p.m.
</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Thursday, June 13, and Sunday, March 16, at 8:00 p.m.
</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Thursday, September 12, and Sunday, September 15, at 8:00 p.m.
</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Thursday, December 19, and Sunday, December 22, at 8:00 p.m.
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">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.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mark A. Riccobono, President  <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">410-659-9314 | <a href="mailto:Officeofthepresident@nfb.org">
Officeofthepresident@nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mastodon: @President@nfb.social <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pronouns: he, him, his<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://nfb.org/"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="210" height="76" style="width:2.1875in;height:.7916in" id="_x0000_i1028" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/nfblogo.png" alt="National Federation of the Blind"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">                         <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind">
<span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" style="width:.25in;height:.25in" id="_x0000_i1027" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/facebook.png" alt="Facebook"></span></a>    <a href="https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" style="width:.25in;height:.25in" id="_x0000_i1026" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/twitter.png" alt="Twitter"></span></a>    <a href="https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" style="width:.25in;height:.25in" id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/youtube.png" alt="Youtube"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
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