[NFBSF] Meeting minutes for March 14th, 2023

[Monica Wegner]

National Federation of the Blind
San Francisco Chapter
Meeting Minutes
Meeting held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, 6:30 PM
Location: https://lighthouse-sf.zoom.us/j/462780914?pwd=VzRhaElHYU9MTVVvU2dxcGNxb0x5UT09

1.	Call to Order and Introductions
Bobbi invited members to share their name, pronouns, any identities they would like to share, along with their favorite pie.
Present: Bobbi Pompey, Monica Wegner, Laura Millar, Sara Hadsell, Christina Daniels;
Kendrick Lacerda;
Steven Sanith, Sheri Albers, Jeff Buckwalter, Jaime Tomasello, Taryn Morris, Cindy Fassler.

2.	Reports
a.	Secretary's Report
Monica reported that Taryn emailed minutes to the list; report moved and passed.
b.	Treasurer's report delivered by Sara
Current balance: $736.60 in bank, $200 in Venmo $936.60 total;
Thanks to all who paid dues. One more membership coming by mail
Raised almost $200 in memberships
Motion to approve carried.
c.	Presidential release recap
Laura summarized President Riccobono's monthly presidential release. A transcript of the release can be found at https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases/transcripts/presidential-release-525-march
d.	Legislative updates
Monica discussed the national legislative forum that recently occurred from the American Counsel of the Blind. This included some legislative priorities we share and some where we differ.

3.	Chapter announcements
a.	National Convention
Bobbi asked whether anyone had any thoughts or questions about attending national convention this year.
i.	A member raised the point that they were not going because of the location and that we need to stand in solidarity with our queer and trans members.
ii.	Bobbi mentioned the scholarship program was available to students.
iii.	The question of an online component came up and was addressed to the best of the knowledge of those present. Mainly that there would be an online component but it is uncertain as to what that will look like.
b.	Social gathering discussion
i.	We had a discussion about the format and venue for a social gathering in the month of May.
ii.	Most members were in favor of an outdoor restaurant rather than a picknick format.
iii.	Monica, Christina and Cyndi to get together offline to discuss specifics.
c.	Fundraising
i.	Bobbi shared the idea of a chilly cookoff as a fundraiser. She also shared the idea of an adult braille challenge.
ii.	Bobbi put out a call for help. Responding were Christina, Laura and Jaime

4.	Discussions
a.	Diversity Equity and Inclusion: Women's History
Sara lead a discussion on Judy Heumann and her contribution to disability rights, the 504 sit-ins and the help given by the Black Panthers. She also discussed the unique role that the bay area played in the movement.
b.	Blind Teaching the Blind
Sara lead a discussion on blind teachers of blind people. Several members pointed out the unique impact that blind people have had either in formal or informal teaching roles in our lives. We also talked about how "disability experts" are often non-disabled people and how that can be unique across marginalized identities.

5.	Bell Ringers

6.	Adjournment
Motion made and passed to adjourn.