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<p>Hey there PA Federationist,</p>
<p class="p1"><a href="https://youtu.be/H2bKzwMQMBU">Federation Focus</a> is back for the week of February 16, 2026—and it’s the busiest meeting week of the month. I break down six affiliate meetings, including Diabetes Action Network, Blind Merchants, Capital Chapter, Greater Berks, Erie County, and the Blind Parents Division, with key contacts and times so you don’t miss a thing.</p>
<p class="p1">You’ll also get the details on April’s daily raffle fundraiser—how the $5 tickets work, prize amounts, and the critical April 1 deadline. Plus, everything you need to know about the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants Spring Fling on April 11 in Philadelphia, including sponsorships and limited vendor tables.</p>
<p class="p1">I share a preview of the upcoming AbsentTea fundraiser and deliver a strong reminder: there are 30 reasons—$10,000 each—to complete your national scholarship application. Learn why attending National Convention in Austin could change your life.</p>
<p class="p2">Scroll down for all the links!</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Apply for a $10,000 National Scholarship</p>
<p class="p2">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">https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program</a>. Application deadline is March 31, 2026.</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">National Convention in Austin</p>
<p class="p2">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">https://nfb.org/convention</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="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Jernigan Scholarships for National Convention</p>
<p class="p2">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">https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan</a>. Good luck!</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Meetings</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Monday, February 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM<br />Diabetes Action Network Group<br /><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91010106648?pwd=cTNTUlBZTSt6VGxIb0hyVUcxN3pLQT09">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91010106648?pwd=cTNTUlBZTSt6VGxIb0hyVUcxN3pLQT09</a><br />One tap mobile<br />+13017158592,,91010106648#</p>
<p class="p2">Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM<br />PA Association of Blind Merchants<br />Via Zoom<br /><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4503152944">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4503152944</a><br />One Tap Mobile <br />+13092053325,,4503152944#</p>
<p class="p2">Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 7:30 PM<br />Capital Area Chapter Meeting<br /><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92858011027?pwd=DjMpP2nTRjmjjA6FhEFKdFJiKVCkYt.1">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92858011027?pwd=DjMpP2nTRjmjjA6FhEFKdFJiKVCkYt.1</a><br />One tap mobile<br />+16469313860,,92858011027#</p>
<p class="p2">Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM<br />Greater Berks Chapter Meeting<br /><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/95253890689?pwd=RjVoSjZabnNaNXh5SlZoWUtVRnlOUT09">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/95253890689?pwd=RjVoSjZabnNaNXh5SlZoWUtVRnlOUT09</a><br />One tap mobile<br />+16469313860,,95253890689# US</p>
<p class="p2">Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM<br />Erie County Chapter Meeting<br /><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91404388179?pwd=RUJHeDA1V0FQWVpqR1BRNnBleE9pQT09">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91404388179?pwd=RUJHeDA1V0FQWVpqR1BRNnBleE9pQT09</a><br />One tap mobile<br />+13126266799,,91404388179#</p>
<p class="p2">Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM<br />PA Organization of Blind Parents<br />Join Zoom Meeting<br /><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92797371396?pwd=QkJ6MVJ6WDVvMEhGdXpMQTlLM000QT09">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92797371396?pwd=QkJ6MVJ6WDVvMEhGdXpMQTlLM000QT09</a><br />One tap mobile<br />+13017158592,,92797371396#</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Fundraisers</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">April Raffle Tickets on Sale Now</p>
<p class="p2">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="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Spring Fling 2026</p>
<p class="p2">The Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM) invites you to its highly anticipated Spring Fling Blind Vendors Showcase on April 11, 2026, from 4:00–10:00 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">https://www.pablindmerchants.org/springfling2026</a>. If you are a blind vendor, we want to showcase your business! Register for a table to meet with attendees at <a href="https://pablindmerchants.org/exhibitors">https://pablindmerchants.org/exhibitors</a>. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Visit <a href="https://pablindmerchants.org/sponsors">https://pablindmerchants.org/sponsors</a> to see the sponsorship levels and register.</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">White Canes Connect</p>
<p class="p2">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="p2">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="p2">Listen on your favorite podcast player or at:</p>
<p class="p2">Apple Podcasts<br /><span class="s1"><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="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Spotify<br /><span class="s1"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6DQCH0AhQ2v17uuPBtyasm">https://open.spotify.com/episode/6DQCH0AhQ2v17uuPBtyasm</a></span></p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">YouTube<br /><span class="s1"><a href="https://youtu.be/WoLZvZMp36s?si=QNkFfWsTXMf_NwSs">https://youtu.be/WoLZvZMp36s?si=QNkFfWsTXMf_NwSs</a></span></p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">White Canes Connect Website<br /><a href="https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/149/">https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/149/</a> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">White Canes Connect is on Two Best Visually Impaired Podcast Lists</p>
<p class="p2">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/">https://podcast.feedspot.com/visually_impaired_podcasts/</a>.</p>
<p class="p2">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></p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">NFB-NEWSLINE®</p>
<p class="p2">Learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE® at <a href="https://nfbofpa.org/nfb-newsline">https://nfbofpa.org/nfb-newsline</a>. Want to subscribe? Call (866)504-7300.</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Braille Monitor</p>
<p class="p2">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">https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor</a>.</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Independence Market Online</p>
<p class="p2">The Independence Market is available online! Explore their product offerings and make a purchase at <a href="https://catalog.nfb.org/">https://catalog.nfb.org/</a>.</p>
<p class="p2">Have a great week ahead!</p>
<p class="p2">Regards,</p>
<p class="p2">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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