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<p>Hey there PA Federationists,</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="https://youtu.be/FgUK-REZgSA">Federation Focus</a></span> is on for the week of February 9, 2026, and it’s packed with meetings, opportunities, and some very real money you don’t want to miss. I kick things off with three important gatherings, including the Deaf-Blind Division meeting, a hybrid Keystone Chapter meeting complete with donuts on Valentine’s Day morning, and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter’s meeting in Bethlehem.</p>
<p class="p1">From there, the focus turns to scholarships—specifically, thirty $10,000 opportunities for college-bound students—and why applying can be truly life-changing. David also highlights the value of National Convention, mentorship, and additional scholarship support for first-time attendees.</p>
<p class="p1">The episode wraps up with major fundraising updates, including the April raffle and a preview of the Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase in Philadelphia. Whether you’re looking to connect, apply, fundraise, or show up in person, this week’s Federation Focus gives you plenty of reasons to pay attention and take action.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Scroll down for all the links!</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Apply for a $10,000 National Scholarship</p>
<p class="p1">The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to blind students to support their educational and professional goals. In addition to the $10,000 cash award, each recipient receives funding to attend our national convention, opportunities to network with other blind students, and avenues to connect with hundreds of blind professionals. Learn more and apply at <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program"><span class="s1">https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program</span></a>. Application deadline is March 31, 2026.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">National Convention in Austin</p>
<p class="p1">This year’s National Convention is in Austin, Texas, from July 3-8. Learn more about the 2026 NFB National Convention at <a href="https://nfb.org/convention"><span class="s1">https://nfb.org/convention</span></a>. Call 800-627-7468 to book your room. The main hotel is the JW Marriott. The spillover hotel is the Austin Marriott Downtown. Use the room block code, BL1, to ensure you receive the convention room rate.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Jernigan Scholarships for National Convention</p>
<p class="p1">If you have never been to a National Convention, you can apply for a Jernigan Convention Scholarship by going to <a href="https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan"><span class="s1">https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan</span></a>. Good luck!</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Register for PA Rehab Council Meeting 2/11</p>
<p class="p1">The Rehab Council is having their meeting on Wed., Feb. 11. at 10:00 AM. Individuals who wish to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>join via Zoom need to register to get the information. Here is the link to get the Zoom for the meeting: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9aQJRqfeTYKV2e5cWV9cxQ"><span class="s1">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9aQJRqfeTYKV2e5cWV9cxQ</span></a></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Meetings</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM<br />DeafBlind Division Meeting<br /><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98011745391?pwd=OElqZ3JRdXFDRFRzNHp5NUJqYmN0QT09"><span class="s1">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98011745391?pwd=OElqZ3JRdXFDRFRzNHp5NUJqYmN0QT09</span></a><br />One tap mobile<br />+13126266799,,98011745391#</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 10:15 AM<br />Keystone Chapter Meeting<br />In-Person at the Penn Museum<br />3260 South Street<br />Philadelphia, PA 19104<br />Via Zoom<br /><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91072715893?pwd=MG8zRGlmWmNDblV5VXJpVGFOT2orUT09"><span class="s1">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91072715893?pwd=MG8zRGlmWmNDblV5VXJpVGFOT2orUT09</span></a><br />One tap mobile</p>
<p class="p1">+16469313860,,91072715893#</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM<br />Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter<br />In-person:<br />Applebee’s<br />3730 Nazareth Pike<br />Bethlehem, PA 18020</p>
<p class="p1">Conference call:<br />(605) 475-4000 Circle mod</p>
<p class="p1">Security code: 408007#</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Fundraisers</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">April Raffle Tickets on Sale Now</p>
<p class="p1">It’s time for one of our most exciting fundraisers of the year—and it could put cash in your pocket all April long. Grab raffle tickets to sell, buy a few for yourself, or do both, and give yourself a chance to win every single night. Drawings happen nightly in April just before 7:00 PM, with $50 winners Sunday through Friday and a $100 winner every Saturday. Even better, every ticket sold directly supports our general fund, helping members attend State and National Conventions, Washington Seminar, and other essential programs. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s a win for you and for our Federation.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Spring Fling 2026</p>
<p class="p1">The Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM) invites you to its highly anticipated Spring Fling Blind Vendors Showcase on April 11, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport. Part fundraiser, part vendor showcase, this signature event celebrates the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of blind business owners from across the Commonwealth. Tickets are $60 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under, and include a buffet meal, a two-hour open bar for adults, and two raffle tickets per attendee. For more information and to register, go to <a href="https://www.pablindmerchants.org/springfling2026"><span class="s1">https://www.pablindmerchants.org/springfling2026</span></a>.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">White Canes Connect</p>
<p class="p1">In this episode of White Canes Connect, David Goldstein sits down with Noor Krraisat, a national scholarship finalist and President of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students. Noor shares her journey as a blind college student, future law school applicant, and emerging leader within the National Federation of the Blind.</p>
<p class="p1">Noor walks us through the entire National Federation of the Blind scholarship experience—from applying and getting the call, to traveling independently to National Convention and navigating a packed, high-stakes week as a finalist. With the scholarship now valued at $10,000, this conversation offers an inside look at what applicants can expect and why this opportunity is about far more than money.</p>
<p class="p1">Listen on your favorite podcast player or at:</p>
<p class="p1">Apple Podcasts</p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/%2410-000-national-convention-and-a-path-to-leadership/id1592248709?i=1000748743483">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/%2410-000-national-convention-and-a-path-to-leadership/id1592248709?i=1000748743483</a></span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Spotify</p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6DQCH0AhQ2v17uuPBtyasm">https://open.spotify.com/episode/6DQCH0AhQ2v17uuPBtyasm</a></span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">YouTube</p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="https://youtu.be/WoLZvZMp36s?si=QNkFfWsTXMf_NwSs">https://youtu.be/WoLZvZMp36s?si=QNkFfWsTXMf_NwSs</a></span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">White Canes Connect Website<br /><a href="https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/149/">https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/149/</a> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>
<p class="p1">White Canes Connect is on Two Best Visually Impaired Podcast Lists</p>
<p class="p1">Our affiliate podcast is one of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcasts on FeedSpot! Check out the list at <a href="https://podcast.feedspot.com/visually_impaired_podcasts/"><span class="s1">https://podcast.feedspot.com/visually_impaired_podcasts/</span></a>.</p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">White Canes Connect is also on the Best 100 on Million Podcasts! Have a look: <a href="https://www.millionpodcasts.com/visually-impaired-podcasts/?utm_source=smtp&utm_medium=F1_email&utm_content=template_b">https://www.millionpodcasts.com/visually-impaired-podcasts/?utm_source=smtp&utm_medium=F1_email&utm_content=template_b</a> </span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">NFB-NEWSLINE®</p>
<p class="p1">Learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE® at <a href="https://nfbofpa.org/nfb-newsline"><span class="s1">https://nfbofpa.org/nfb-newsline</span></a>. Want to subscribe? Call (866)504-7300.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Braille Monitor</p>
<p class="p1">The Braille Monitor is the NFB’s flagship publication. Learn more about it at <a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor"><span class="s1">https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor</span></a>.</p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1">Independence Market Online</p>
<p class="p1">The Independence Market is available online! Explore their product offerings and make a purchase at <a href="https://catalog.nfb.org/"><span class="s1">https://catalog.nfb.org/</span></a>.</p>
<p class="p1">Have a great week!</p>
<p class="p1">Regards,</p>
<p class="p1">David</p>
<div id="signature">-- <br />
<p class="p1">David B. Goldstein<br /><a href="mailto:david@iCantCU.com"><span class="s1">david@iCantCU.com</span></a><span class="s1"><br /><a href="mailto:iCantCUPodcast@gmail.com"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></a></span>(610) 715-5020 mobile<br /><a href="http://www.iCantCU.com"><span class="s1">www.iCantCU.com</span></a><span class="s1"><br /></span>iCantCU Podcast<br /><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icantcu-podcast/id1445801370"><span class="s1">Apple Podcasts</span></a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3nck2D5HgD9ckSaUQaWwW2"><span class="s1">Spotify</span></a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@icantcu/"><span class="s1">Watch on YouTube</span></a><span class="s1"><br /></span>Support The Podcast When You Shop<br /><a href="https://www.icantcu.com/amazon"><span class="s1">Amazon</span></a><span class="s1"><br /></span>Connect with me:<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/davidbenj"><span class="s1">Twitter</span></a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidbenj/"><span class="s1">Instagram</span></a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbenj"><span class="s1">LinkedIn</span></a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/davidbenj"><span class="s1">Facebook</span></a> <br />My Other Show: White Canes Connect<br /><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709"><span class="s1">Apple Podcasts</span></a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI"><span class="s1">Spotify</span></a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast"><span class="s1">YouTube</span></a></p>
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