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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The importance of attending the national convention!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>By Ohio Affilliate President, Richard Payne<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I have attended almost every National convention since I joined the National Federation of the Blind. I have travel to many states, like Louisiana, Illinois and across to Michigan and then to Florida, each was empowering and thrilling to say the least. As I look back on all the occurrences, what sticks with me are the laws that were enacted because of the work of the National Federation of the Blind. I can still remember the gavel dropping and how loud the crowd was and the over-whelming excitement that filled the room from the conventioneers. Moreover, the National Convention hotel will test your skills, and yet strengthen them as well, but it is the members and fellowship that has a long-lasting impact. The national convention is where all fifty-two states get together and make decisions about laws and set policies for the organization. We benefit by attending for several reasons; for example, to connect likeminded members, to break down barriers and share advice from a real-world point of view. There is always someone who has “been there and done that”! Furthermore, there are division and committee meetings that represent just about every topic and profession; such as Rehabilitation Counselors, Artist, Sports and Recreation and more. For five years, the National Convention has held a National Federation of the Blind Career Fair with over thirty employers from across the country who offer vocational guidance and employment opportunities for our job seekers. And, who could forget about the spectacular Exhibit Hall with rows and rows of tables featuring technology, hand-held gadgets, T-shirts, unusual products and more. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Additionally, during the Convention one of the most uplifting aspect, in my opinion is the banquet speech. Last year the roof almost came off the banquet hall, because President Riccobono delivered one of the best speeches that I’ve heard in a very long time. You can assure if you attend this year’s National Convention, it will be one of the largest and most moving events that you will ever have an opportunity to attend. As many of you know, I come from Arkansas, a state that had no convention assistance. Hence, we shared rooms and helped out with transportation so all could attend. If you are planning to go to Las Vegas for the 2019 National Convention, reach out to your Chapter President for support, consider sharing rooms and start talking to friends, family members and sponsors for contributions. It is also important to apply for the 2019 Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Fund, if you are a first-timer. We invest in our membership and if you are attending your first Convention, you should apply for the grant.<b> Those who are not first-timers, the cost of the rooms this year are approximately $20.00 variance than last year. The pre-registration is equal to last year as well. We can do this together and make it to the 2019 National Convention in beautiful Las Vegas Nevada. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Finally, I have met many blind people who say that the Convention was quite overwhelming, but an experience that they would not change. Perhaps, it is the meeting of new blind friends and the discovery that blind people work and play as their sighted peers. The Convention is where we are in the majority and it is organized by blind people and for the blind. We can assist you with filling out the forms or just providing mentorship. So, if you are a first-timer or seasoned and need help then please feel free to reach out to the Ohio leadership. It is through love, hope and determination, the National Federation of the Blind transform dreams into reality. We can live the life we want; blindness is not what holds us back. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Here is the 2019 Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund Program:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Deadline to apply is April 15, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Allen Harris is the chairman of the Kenneth Jernigan Fund Committee and was one of the people who came up with the idea of honoring our former president and longtime leader by establishing a program to promote attendance at the national convention, where so much inspiration and learning occur.</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Have you always wanted to attend an NFB annual convention but have not done so because of the lack of funds? The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund invites you to make an application for a scholarship grant. Perhaps this July you too can be in the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, enjoying the many pleasures and learning opportunities at the largest and most important yearly convention of blind people in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> The three biggest ticket items you need to cover when attending an NFB national convention are the roundtrip transportation, the hotel room for a week, and the food (which tends to be higher priced than at home). We attempt to award additional funds to families, but, whether a family or an individual is granted a scholarship, this fund can only help; it won’t pay all the costs. Last year most of the sixty grants were in the range of $400 to $500 per individual. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> We recommend that you find an NFB member as your personal convention mentor, someone who has been to many national conventions and is able to share money-saving tips with you and tips on navigating the extensive agenda in the big hotel. Your mentor will help you get the most out of the amazing experience that is convention week.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></body></html>