[Nfbsf] February chapter meeting minutes

[Jim Barbour]

Attendees: Jim, Sarah, Christina, Jordyn, Beth, Doug, David, Judy

(Sorry if I missed anyone, I didn't record us going around the table.)

* We played the presidential release and then talked about the release.  Everyone agreed that the summaries worked well, but that we'd like to hear releases that don't drag on too much.  Given that the format of the release will change soon, we're all waiting to see how the new format will work.  Jim and Sarah will listen to the next presidential release and decide if we think that it's worth playing for members or if it drags on and can be summarized.

* Centipede
Bay to breakers is a 7 mile race in San Francisco.  The Centipede is a bunch of people who hook themselves together and walk the course.  A few NFB bay area chapters did this last year and we're considering doing it again this year.

   + Sarah wants to go faster
   + Lots of conversations about not needing sighted guides.
   + We think we should not pay for sighted guides.
   + We are unlikely to develop a faster centipede
   + The centipede is also a good way to recruit new members.
   + If you are interested in participated, please contact Christina Daniels.
   + Christina and her helpers will contact Lisamaria, Shannon Dillon, and others to see if there's interest.

* Fundraising

    + Christina started looking into submitting an application to the rotary club.  There is something called a Global scholarship.  Basically, one of us would need to attend a seminar and represent the NFB.  Sarah, Christine, and Ed are looking more into this.
    + Getting donations from places like large retail, bowling alleys, restaurants, etc can also work.
    + Jordyn also suggests selling at national convention.  Boutique Braille items such as T-shirts, key chains, bracelets, etc. You can ship stuff to convention to sell.  Find very nice looking, creative stuff to sell.  Ghirardelli chocolate, golden gate bridge stuff, etc.
    + We are talking so far about selling to our own.  We can also sell to others.  Dining in the dark at ILRCSF.  Talk with other chapters about Fundraising.  Hold a picnic or meal where volunteers bring food and games and raise money.  Wine tasting parties is another option.  Talk to cooperations about sponsors.

* We have $529.70 in our treasury

* After some discussion, Jim moved and Beth seconded that the chapter not purchase food for the March chapter meeting.  Chapter members voted Yea.

* Washington Seminar
    + Sarah's experience as a first timer was very busy.  Sarah took 14 appointments. We worked everyday from 9 until 6 and then dinner, evening meetings and socializing.  Canon is the hardest building to figure out.
    + Issues were Space Available, Higher Education, the TIME act, Marrakesh treaty.
    + The TIME Act - Move away from sub minimum wages.
    + AIM High act was about funding a commission to write guidelines around what accessible learning systems are.
    + Space Available is all about allowing all blinded vets to be eligible for the space available program which allows vets to ride on military transport aircraft when there is space available.
    + The Marrakesh treaty is a treaty that allows countries to exchange books in special formats for blind readers.