[Nfbv-announce] Fwd: Financial Assistance Requests for Attending the 2017 National Convention

[Chris Walker]

Our National convention is a highlight for the year and the 2017 convention
will be no exception. The convention dates are a little different this year
so we want to make sure people are planning accordingly. The convention
will begin Monday, July 10 and end late after the banquet on Saturday
evening, July 15. Most people will be departing on Sunday, July 16.



We want everyone to plan this into your calendar and your budget so you can
be there to join us.



We strongly encourage people to apply to both the McDonald Fellowship and
Kenneth Jernigan convention Scholarship programs which target first time
convention attendees.



Every year, the affiliate president will receive a few requests for
convention assistance from affiliate members. I am putting some ground
rules in place to help clarify expectations.


If you are planning to request assistance, please send your request to me
in email. Your request should factor in the following:



   1. What are my total expected costs:

What should I expect to pay for convention factoring in expected costs for
travel, lodging, meals, and a banquet ticket and convention registration? I
have no idea how much it costs to get from your home to the Rosen Shingle
Creek in Orlando. You need to do the research. In addition, the banquet is
a highlight of the convention and you don’t want to miss it. Many people
choose to share rooms and you will start seeing roommate requests posted to
our announce list starting soon.



   1. What can I afford myself

No one will be going to convention for free. The Jernigan Scholarships and
McDonald Fellowships do not provide all the funding for convention for
first timers. Individuals requesting financial assistance should expect to
make a significant contribution to your convention expenses. You should be
factoring in this expense into your budget.



   1. What is my chapter contributing?

Your chapter is a resource for financial assistance. Do not come to the
Virginia Affiliate requesting financial assistance if you have not asked
your local chapter. I will be following up with chapter presidents to
understand how you are contributing at the chapter level to programming and
fundraising.



   1. How much are you requesting from the affiliate

After considering other sources, how much are you requesting from the
Virginia affiliate. Please note that we do not provide funding in advance.
Mark Roane will provide funding at convention but you need to work locally
to get your travel and room expenses addressed. You should definitely
expect to attend the Virginia Caucus, probably Tuesday evening, July 11 at
10:00 PM to receive the financial assistance. It is not Mark’s job to hunt
you down at convention and it is not Mark’s job to provide you funds as you
walk into the hotel.  However, Mark will gladly sell you some Virginia
Peanuts.



Speaking of selling, fundraising is the means through which we have the
resources to provide financial assistance. When I talk to your chapter
president, I am checking to determine if you are engaged in the chapter and
affiliate fundraising. We will certainly be selling items at the Virginia
table at convention and you will be expected to help with that activity if
you receive financial assistance. You should be hustling throughout
convention and afterward back in Virginia to sell our products to fund our
movement.



We are asking that requests are submitted no later than June 1, 2017. You
should be planning in advance, booking your hotel room and taking advantage
of the early registration pricing.



We want everyone to join us in Orlando and we hope this guidance clarifies
the process. However, if you have questions, I am glad to address them.


Tracy Soforenko

President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

202 285-4595 <(202)%20285-4595>

Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com