[Nfbv-announce] Join Us in Orlando: 2016 McDonald Fellowship to the NFB National Convention

[Tracy Soforenko]

From: Sandy Halverson [mailto:sandyh50 at verizon.net] 



2016 McDonald Fellowships to National Convention 

 

The 2016 NFB National Convention is an experience you do not want to miss.

Many of those who have attended our national NFB  conventions are amazed at
how meeting and interacting with over 3000  other blind and low vision
convention attendees has positively changed their  lives. They not only
learn how the problems of vision loss can be overcome, but also experience
the confidence that comes withsolutions. 

 

Robert and Marian McDonald selflessly contributed to our Virginia affiliate
to further the progress and better the lives of those who are blind,
visually impaired, and low vision in Virginia. In their honor, we recognize
the personal benefits that come to people who attend a national convention
for the first time. In their memory, the National Federation of the Blind of
Virginia (NFBV) continues their legacy of education and empowerment to
Virginia's blind citizens. 

 

We anticipate awarding fellowships to assist each recipient with costs of
attending our 2016 NFB National Convention to be held in Orlando, FL, from
June 30- July 5. Please note: The banquet ends late in the evening of
Tuesday, July 5 and fellowship winners are expected to attend the banquet so
return travel must occur on Wednesday, July 6 or later. This event will take
place at the Rosen Shingle Creek  Hotel in Orlando Florida.

 

The  McDonald Fellowship program was established in 1998 to assist those who
have never attended a convention of the National Federation of  the Blind
(NFB) or those who have not attended in years and wish to come to a
convention this year.

 

Federationists are welcome and encouraged to apply for both the Virginia
specific McDonald Fellowship and a national Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship.
Details on the Jernigan Scholarship program will be emailed separately.

 

We will link each of our fellowship winners with mentors who will assist
them in getting the most out of their national convention experience.
McDonald Fellowship winners are expected to attend the entire NFB convention
and share their experiences by addressing our 2016 NFB of Virginia state
convention. 

 

Deadline for applications for the McDonald Fellowship is Friday, April 15,
2016.  Winners will be announced May 15, 2016. 

 

Your application should be in the form of a letter delivered via electronic
mail.  There is no specific form for the application.  Applicants should
write a brief letter outlining reasons why they should be considered for a
Fellowship and the letter must include:

 

A)      Name, Address, phone and email contact information 

B)      Chapter or other connection  With the affiliate

 

C)      How you will benefit from the experience

D)     How you have participated with your chapter or the affiliate in the

past year

E)      Any other pertinent details

 

In addition, you are required to contact your Chapter President or an
affiliate Board Member for a letter of recommendation. Letters of
recommendation are due by Friday, April 15, 2016.

 

Applications or questions about the Fellowship program should be sent to
Sandy Halverson, Chairman, McDonald Fellowship Committee, email at
<mailto:sandyh50 at verizon.net> sandyh50 at verizon.net 

 

or by phone at 703-400-6890.

 

Our committee wants to help you make 2016 the year you attend our national
convention.  The convention will be even better because you were there.  

 

Sandy Halverson

McDonald Fellowship Chair