[Nfbv-announce] Deadline Approaching for McDonald Fellowship Program

[Chris Walker]

2017 McDonald Fellowships to National Convention

The 2017 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 with solutions.

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 2017 NFB National Convention to be held in Orlando, FL, from
July 10- July 15. Please note: The banquet ends late in the evening of
Saturday, July 15 and fellowship winners are expected to attend the banquet
so return travel must occur on Sunday, July 16 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
are legally blind and 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 2017 NFB of
Virginia state convention.

Deadline for applications for the McDonald Fellowship is Saturday, April
15, 2017.  Winners will be announced May 15, 2017.

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 Saturday, April 15, 2017.

Applications or questions about the Fellowship program should be sent to
Mary Durbin, Chairman, McDonald Fellowship Committee, email at Mary Durbin (
mrdurbin at cox.net)