[Nfbv-announce] Reminder: Richmond Seminar

[Joe Orozco]

This is for those of you who won't appreciate the hard work that is the
affiliate newsletter. And, well, it's nice to have something like this as
its own targeted announcement. :)

 


1st Legislative Reminder: Richmond Seminar


 

The National Federation of the Blind of Virginia is a powerful force
advocating for blind Virginians. Please join us for the Richmond Seminar on
January 21-22, 2019 to ensure our voice is heard in the offices of the
General Assembly.

 

If you have never attended a Richmond Seminar, we strongly encourage you to
attend and participate in representative democracy in action. Everyone is
assigned to a team with an experienced leader. The General Assembly members
and their staff are very receptive and welcoming. They know we are
organized, articulate, and well versed in the subject matter.

 

We will put everyone on the team to work, sharing our issues and answering
the questions of legislators and their staff.

 

The issues we will bring to Richmond are still under consideration but will
most likely include:

*	Expanding resources for the Virginia Department for the Blind and
Vision Impaired;
*	Disabled Parents Bill of Rights; and
*	Ensuring an equal education for blind and low vision students.

The final list of issues will be presented at the board meeting on Monday,
January 21. We have bills being drafted that will need co-sponsors. Chapter
Presidents should make contact with their General Assembly members in their
local offices before the end of the year. If you need assistance in
identifying them, contact Tracy Soforenko.

 

A meeting with our elected legislators in their home districts will go a
long way in establishing the recognition that is needed for our visit to
Richmond. All Chapter members are encouraged to participate. If you intend
on doing a meeting or need help setting one up, please contact Tracy
Soforenko.

 

Our board meeting is scheduled for 1:00 PM Monday afternoon, January 21,
which is Martin Luther King Day.  A lunch will be available at the cafeteria
on the premises. The Board Meeting will be held in the large conference room
at the Library and Resource Center on the DBVI campus on Azalea Avenue in
Richmond.

 

Our General Assembly visits will be Tuesday, January 22. The affiliate will
reimburse transportation expenses and hotel expenses.

 

Chapter presidents should arrange cost effective transportation for their
chapter members. Individuals are expected to share hotel rooms and must
obtain hotel reservations themselves at the NFB of Virginia rate. If you
need assistance identifying a room share, please contact Joe Orozco via
email: jsorozco at gmail.com.

 

Hotel rooms are available at the Delta Hotel.) The complete contact
information is:

 

Delta Hotels by Marriott Richmond Downtown

555 East Canal Street

Richmond, VA 23219

 

The group rate is $129 plus applicable taxes. You may begin making
reservations at any time by calling the reservations line at 844-781-7397and
referencing NFBVA. Please note reservations must be made no later than
Sunday, January 6, 2019. Note guests will receive a $10 discount toward
parking.

 

If you run into any problems with making reservations or need assistance at
the hotel, please call our Operations Coordinator, Joe Orozco.

 

Chapter presidents must provide an initial list of the names of the
individuals planning to attend from their chapter to Tracy by Sunday,
January 6, 2019 and additional names as they are known so we can establish
and update teams in advance.

 

Finally, if anyone in your chapter is interested in being a team leader,
have them reach out to Tracy directly. If you have any questions, please
contact Tracy Soforenko: 202-285-4595, or via email at:
tracy.soforenko at gmail.com.