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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cleveland Members,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I hope you are keeping warm in this frigid weather.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>On this Friday, February 19, 2021 at 5:00 PM, we will hold our monthly annual Chapter meeting on the Ohio Zoom Platform. The link is at the end of this email.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We have several great speakers who will provide there exciting activities. So, you do not want to miss this meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>As a reminder, dues are due. Please send them to Natassha Ricks at 6980 Ladd Lane, Maple Heights, Ohio 44137. Please call her to inform her that they are on the way at 216-376-9863.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Below are several announcements for your participation during this month of February. Read them all. You are going to want to be a part of them all!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Announcement from Denice Brown, Pennsylvania Affiliate<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Women’s subgroup of Black Leaders Serving for Advancement would like to invite you to a panel discussion celebrating Black women who are blind entrepreneur/Business owners. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>This event is open to everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://5"><span style='color:black'>Feb 15, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Join:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <a href="https://zoom.us/j/95547767216"><span style='color:purple'>https://zoom.us/j/95547767216</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Meeting ID: 955 4776 7216<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>One tap mobile <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><a href="tel:+13126266799,,95547767216%23"><span style='color:purple'>+13126266799,,95547767216#</span></a> US (Chicago) <a href="tel:16468769923,,95547767216%23"><span style='color:purple'>16468769923,,95547767216#</span></a> US <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Call:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><a href="tel:+1%20669%20900%206833"><span style='color:purple'>+1 669 900 6833</span></a> US (San Jose)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Meeting ID: 955 4776 7216<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Announcement from Annette Lutz, Ohio Capitol Chapter, President ,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Good morning,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I hope that everybody is staying warm and cozy in their homes during this very snowy morning. I think it is going to be pretty cold and blustery all week, so, it will be a very good time to tune in to our capital chapter radio show. The show will be at 11o’clock on Wednesday morning. You can listen to the show by going to voicecorps.com or by enabling the voicecorps skill on any Alexa device.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Announcement from Daphne Mitchell, Survivor Taskforce<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Good morning:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Content warning: For general mention of survivor/victims of various types of assault or misconduct.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Marci Carpenter and I are the Co-chairs of the Communications and Engagement Branch on the Survivor-led Taskforce. We have been added to this listserv to assure that Chapter Presidents are receiving information about the work of the Survivor Taskforce, and that you could in turn distribute announcements to your members, if desired. We are using multiple channels to make every effort to provide details about activities being sponsored by the taskforce and a high level of transparency.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please engage with us using our Taskforce email address:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><a href="mailto:survivors@nfb.org">survivors@nfb.org</a> or by calling our voice mail at: (410) 659-9314 ext.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>2238. Information shared using either method is kept confidential within the Survivor Taskforce and only acted upon with external resources with the individual’s consent. You may visit the Survivor Taskforce web page at any time to read updates by browsing to:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><a href="http://www.nfb.org/survivors">www.nfb.org/survivors</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We have established three branches to achieve the mission of the Survivor-led Taskforce: Communications and Engagement, Procedures and Oversight, and Training and Culture. Introductory meetings for each branch are taking place soon. Please find Zoom registration links for each branch below:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Communications and engagement (meeting on February 13 at 4pm eastern)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Co-chairs: Daphne Mitchell and Marci Carpenter <a href="https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvd-ytrTouHdLyRPtcPKmBGaCegf9FWKAU">https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvd-ytrTouHdLyRPtcPKmBGaCegf9FWKAU</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Procedures and oversight (meeting on February 15 at 8pm eastern)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Co-chairs: Briley O’Connor and Cheryl Fields <a href="https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJErcOmoqDMsGtxJNsw1r_3JPrFkt0bXfJJH">https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJErcOmoqDMsGtxJNsw1r_3JPrFkt0bXfJJH</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Training and Culture meeting (every other Sunday at 3pm eastern)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Co-chairs: Sarah Meyer and Kathryn Webster <a href="https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqf-urrDstGdd_6pfg_vhK7leydUVtuLYu">https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqf-urrDstGdd_6pfg_vhK7leydUVtuLYu</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We will periodically send updates to this listserv, and look forward to working with those who have an interest in helping with bringing a culture change to our organization!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Warmest regards,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Daphne Mitchell and Marci Carpenter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>VM: (410) 659-9314<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Email: <a href="mailto:survivors@nfb.org">survivors@nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Web page: <a href="http://www.nfb.org/survivors">www.nfb.org/survivors</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Announcement from Suzanne Turner Mentoring and Outreach Workgroup, Chair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Mentoring and Outreach Workgroup, which is a subgroup under the Black Leaders Serving for Advancement (BLSA) Committee<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Celebrating Black History Month<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>A Seminar on Public Speaking and Networking<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Wednesday, February 17, 2021<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>7:00 PM EST.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>6:00 PM CST.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>5:00 PM MST.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>4:00 PM PST.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Mentoring and Outreach Workgroup is inviting all to participate in an opportunity to learn from three distinguished scholars highlighting personal growth and empowerment through communication, networking and developing a personal brand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>EDWARD BELL, Ph.D. director of the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University, Raymond Montgomery, Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Purdue University-Calumet and our own Shawn Callaway, master's in social work from Catholic University of America will discuss the importance of how effective communication and direct connections can inspire, influence, and persuade while advocating, holding meetings, community events and during media interviews. Also, these gentlemen will elaborate on the best practices on successful Networking that is equally powerful, which can assist with achieving goals, enhancing talents, building skills, and developing professional relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>You do not want to miss this rare opportunity to tap into the knowledge of these experts!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Note! All Are Invited To Attend! You do not have to be a member to participate, learn and gain knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Join meeting:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><<a href="https://zoom.us/j/4081850851"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>https://zoom.us/j/4081850851</span></a>> <a href="https://zoom.us/j/4081850851"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>https://zoom.us/j/4081850851</span></a> < <<a href="https://zoom.us/j/4081850851"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>https://zoom.us/j/4081850851</span></a>> <a href="https://zoom.us/j/4081850851"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>https://zoom.us/j/4081850851</span></a>> One tap mobile<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>+16468769923,,4081850851#<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>+1 646 876 9923<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Meeting ID: 408 185 0851<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Announcement from Barbara Pierce, Ohio Senior Division, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Next Sunday at 7:00 p.m. is the Sharing Solutions meeting on our conference line. Cheryl Fields will host the gathering. We will be discussing strategies for volunteering in the community. Sometimes blind people find difficulties in volunteering. It is especially hard during a pandemic when we are not getting together. We will share strategies we have found effective and address overcoming people’s hesitation to let us help. The contact information is phone number 712-775-7031, access code 240281423 pound. I will send a reminder on Saturday, but spread the word.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 7:00 Eastern<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Hello Federationists!! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Are you ready for the first convention of 2021? We sure hope so. The NFB of Massachusetts convention will take place virtually anywhere and everywhere beginning on Thursday, February 18 through Sunday February 21, 2021. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> You will be able to get relevant information at <a href="http://www.NFBMA.org">www.NFBMA.org</a> <<a href="http://www.NFBMA.org">http://www.NFBMA.org</a>> and on the Massachusetts Newsline channel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Registration is open, it is free! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The link to register is <a href="https://nfbma.org/state-convention/registration">https://nfbma.org/state-convention/registration</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We are delighted to announce that our National Representative is Shawn Callaway. This is especially perfect for our theme of "Building Bridges in diversity and inclusion. " After all, he is the co-chair of the national Committee on diversity and inclusion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The weekend is jam packed full of activities, meaningful break-out sessions,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>valuable information and fun! We will have sessions regarding how to<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>dress for success, how to write affective and moving resolutions, interviewing tips, a presentation about and for seniors, how to parent as a blind person or best practices in parenting a blind child. We will also have an open mike night, lots of door prizes, and a great banquet speech by our national rep and so, so much more! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We hope you will join us for this first convention of the New Year! If you have any questions, please contact me at <a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com">sharawinton@gmail.com</a> <<a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com">mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com</a>> or by calling 617-819-4632.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Black Elected Leaders Working Group under the Black Leaders Serving for Advancement (BLSA) Committee cordially invites you to a celebration of Black History Month as we celebrate black leaders in the National Federation of the Blind.<br>Come hear from distinguished and respected Black leaders on the characteristics of a good leader and how they became leaders and sustained leadership in the National Federation of the Blind. <br>When: February 27, 2021 <br>1 PM EST<br>12:00 PM CST<br>11:00 AM MST<br>10:00 AM PST<br>Ron Brown and Shawn Calloway are distinguished Black leaders in the National Federation of the Blind and they are well-respected across the Federation. Ron Brown is the 2d Vice President of the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind and has been the NFB of Indiana’s President for over 30 years. Shawn Calloway serves on the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind and has been the President of the NFB of the District of Columbia for over 10 years and serves as the co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the chair of the Black Leaders Serving for Advancement.<br>These leaders will discuss <br>1. What are the Characteristics of a leader<br>. 2. what does it take to become a leader in the National Federation of the Blind and sustain leadership over a number of years? <br>3. Have they had to navigate the issue of race in their respective positions in the NFB? <br>4. What lessons does each one of them take from Black leaders like John Lewis, Martin Luther King, JR, and countless other Black leaders as they work in our organization to improve the lives of blind people? <br></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Join:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><a href="https://zoom.us/j/97730665309">https://zoom.us/j/97730665309</a> <br> Meeting ID: 977 3066 5309<br>One tap mobile <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>+13017158592,,97730665309# US (Washington DC) 16468769923,,97730665309# <br>+US (New York)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dial: 669-900-6833<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Id: 977 3066 5309<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>/// <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of SC would like to invite you to the below events being held this week on the Zoom platform. All are welcome and we look forward to you joining us!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Note: All times are eastern!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Tuesday, February 16, 2021 <o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Get Fit with Sports and Rec 5:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Diabetes Action Network Committee Meeting 7:00 PM <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Thursday, February 18, 2021 <o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Black history tribute 5:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Thursday, February 18, 2021 <o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Black history tribute 5:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Palmetto Connects 6:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Friday, February 19, 2021<o:p></o:p></span></h2><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Trivia Night 8:00 PM<o:p></o:p></span></h2><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please send a message to Steve Cook at <a href="mailto:cookcafe@sc.rr.com">cookcafe@sc.rr.com</a> in order to set up different teams in advance!<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Saturday, February 20, 2021 <o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 8:00 AM <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Hlk61409401"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Federation Center<o:p></o:p></span></a></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'></span><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Meeting ID: 803 254 3777<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Passcode: 124578<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>One tap mobile<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>+19292056099,,8032543777# US (New York)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>+13017158592,,8032543777# US (Germantown)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dial by your location<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk61409401'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)</span></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cleveland Chapter Members, here is the zoom link and call-in number for the meeting on Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.25in;text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Join Zoom Meeting<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><a href="https://zoom.us/j/4081850851">https://zoom.us/j/4081850851</a> <<a href="https://zoom.us/j/4081850851">https://zoom.us/j/4081850851</a>> One tap mobile<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>+16468769923,,4081850851#<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>+1 646 876 9923<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Meeting ID: 408 185 0851<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Suzanne Turner,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>(216) 990-6199<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>