[NFBV-Announce] Join Us for the NFB of Virginia State Convention Including the Agenda (October 24-31)
tracy.soforenko at gmail.com
tracy.soforenko at gmail.com
Thu Oct 7 17:58:30 UTC 2021
Please find attached and below the agenda for the National Federation of the
Blind of Virginia convention to be held October 24 - 31.
We hope you can join us . Please note that all times are Eastern time.
For all details including registration, please go to
www.nfbv.org/convention <http://www.nfbv.org/convention>
Unlocking Our Possibilities
63rd ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF VIRGINIA
Tracy Soforenko, President
Sunday, October 24 - Sunday, October 31, 2021
Virtually over Zoom
For assistance with accessibility features for Zoom--whether vision or
hearing, please visit the Zoom accessibility page:
<https://zoom.us/accessibility> https://zoom.us/accessibility
Our National Representative:
Denise Avant, Board Member, National Federation of the Blind and First Vice
President, National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 2
The Federation Pledge 4
Convention Registration 4
Zoom Meeting Access 5
Door Prizes 7
Action Auction 7
Pre-Authorized Contribution Plan 8
Requesting Help or Assistance 9
Closed Captioning 10
Sunday, October 24, 2021 11
Monday, October 25, 2021 12
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 13
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 14
Thursday, October 28, 2021 16
Friday, October 29, 2021 17
Senior Empowerment
Seminar:.................................................. 17
Unlocking the Best of the
Rest.................................................... 17
Saturday, October 30, 2021 23
General Session 23
Saturday Afternoon Seminars 26
2021 Convention Keynote and 26
Halloween Celebration 26
Sunday, October 31, 2021 28
General Session 28
The Federation Pledge
"I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
Constitution."
Convention Registration
Convention registration is available online. We ask everyone, whether a
Virginia resident or not, to register. If you register before October 18,
you will be entered into a drawing for $100. Additionally, current members
of a Virginia chapter or division will be eligible to vote for resolutions
and in our elections.
Online registration is free and simple:
<https://www.nfbv.org/registration> https://www.nfbv.org/registration
Inclusivity, Diversity, and Social Conduct
We are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone.
Thank you for cultivating an atmosphere in which participants from diverse
backgrounds can learn, network, and share with each other in an environment
of mutual respect. We are committed to diversity, equity, and the free
expression of ideas.
These principles have been outlined in our code of conduct found at:
<https://nfb.org/code-conduct> https://nfb.org/code-conduct
We recognize a shared responsibility to create and uphold that atmosphere
for the benefit of all. Prohibited behaviors include harassment, unwelcome
sexual attention, and inappropriate use of the NFB of Virginia virtual
convention platform. Prohibited behavior or misuse of the platform will not
be tolerated and may result in removal from the convention and/or other
consequences. For assistance or to report an incident at the convention,
please call 703-672-1339, or email <mailto:help at nfbv.org> help at nfbv.org for
immediate attention. All reports will be fully investigated according to the
steps in our code of conduct. Thank you for doing your part to contribute to
our community and the high expectations we strive to maintain.
Zoom Meeting Access
During the convention, we will be using one of three separate Zoom meetings
to run all programming.
We have embedded the Zoom links into the agenda to make it easy to just
select the link and access your meeting.
There are three meeting rooms which are being used based on our requirements
for certain features.
High-Capacity Sessions such as General Session and the keynote will use:
Zoom link:
<https://zoom.us/j/9986261733?pwd=SFdxVkhKQ0tDTXg3MzVhMlE4OHp3UT09>
https://zoom.us/j/9986261733?pwd=SFdxVkhKQ0tDTXg3MzVhMlE4OHp3UT09
Meeting ID: 998 626 1733
Passcode: 20201940
One tap mobile: <Tel:+13017158592,,9986261733> +13017158592,,9986261733#
For many sessions, we will be using our Standard Virginia Zoom Room:
Zoom link:
<https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09>
https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09
Meeting ID: 829 725 6345
One Tap Mobile: + <tel:+13017158592,,8297256345> 13017158592,,8297256345#
Finally, some additional meetings will use a third Zoom Room:
Zoom link:
<https://zoom.us/j/4926969418?pwd=dDdqOVRieXg4bXFwNmh1MjJyUGJ3Zz09>
https://zoom.us/j/4926969418?pwd=dDdqOVRieXg4bXFwNmh1MjJyUGJ3Zz09
Meeting ID: 492 696 9418
Passcode: 20201940
One tap mobile: <tel:+16468769923,,4926969418> +16468769923,,4926969418#
For those using a land line telephone to access the meeting, we have made
most of the information the same except for the meeting ID.
The telephone number to call for all meetings is: 301 715 8592
If prompted, the Password is always 2020 1940
Door Prizes
Door prizes will be drawn periodically throughout convention sessions on
Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday and at the banquet. To be eligible for
door prizes, you must be registered for the convention and present on Zoom
when your name is called. To claim your door prize, you will need to email
our door prize team within 10 minutes of the announcement. When your name is
called you will need to provide the following information in your email door
prize team at <mailto:doorprizes at nfbv.org> doorprizes at nfbv.org
* Your name
* Your phone
* Your email address
* The special code provided at the time the door prize was called.
Action Auction
Beginning October 18 and ending at 5:00 PM ET on Sunday, October 31, 2021 we
will be holding an Action Auction to raise money for our new Silver Bells
program for blind and low vision seniors. Most auction items will be
available through the online auction only, but some will be auctioned off on
Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31 in a live auction. The auction
will be great fun with many valuable items up for bid. You will have a
chance to review and bid on all auction items through our online auction
platform.
<https://www.32auctions.com/nfbv21> https://www.32auctions.com/nfbv21
For more information, contact Renee Valdez, Fundraising Co-Chairperson at
(703) 966-0836 or
<mailto:reneerome at yahoo.com> reneerome at yahoo.com or you can contact our
auctioneer, Laurie Wages at (540) 287-5446 or
<mailto:lburns24 at yahoo.com> lburns24 at yahoo.com
Pre-Authorized Contribution Plan
The Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Plan is a phenomenal and easy way to
fund the vital efforts of the National Federation of the Blind. Protecting
our rights, providing advocacy, and being able to offer programs such as our
efforts around voting access, remote learning assistance for parents and
children, and the innumerable programs and services of the Federation cannot
happen without financial support.
Please consider joining the PAC Plan, or if you are already a member, please
consider increasing your contribution. The recurring monthly contributions
can be direct withdrawals from a checking account or charges to a credit
card. New members will be contacted for their bank account or credit card
information. Increased contributions from existing members will be debited
from your existing account or charged to the card on file unless you wish to
change this.
Details of the program and a form to sign up or increase your contribution
are available at
<https://www.nfb.org/pac> https://www.nfb.org/pac
Please select Virginia in the affiliate to be credited field.
If you have questions or would prefer to work with someone over the phone,
call 877-NFB 2 PAC or 877 632-2722.
Once you have filled out the form or called and left a message, please send
an email to our Virginia Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Chair, Christine
Grassman to tell her the following:
* Your Name
* New PAC or Existing PAC
* Monthly Increase Amount
Email this information to Christine at:
<mailto:cfgrassman at icloud.com> cfgrassman at icloud.com
Requesting Help or Assistance
If you need assistance from the NFB of Virginia (such as helping a blind
child get a strong education, getting access to blindness skills training,
learning to use NFB-NEWSLINER, or resolving an employment discrimination
problem), please email our help line, <mailto:help at nfbv.org> help at nfbv.org.
You may also call the NFBV Help Line at: 703-672-1339. You may use this line
to ask technical questions if you are having trouble logging into any of our
Zoom sessions. Any questions that require the attention of President
Soforenko will be forwarded to his attention. In certain cases, please know
your inquiry may not be addressed until after the convention.
Sunday, October 24, 2021
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Opening the Doors on This Year's Convention
<https://zoom.us/j/9986261733?pwd=SFdxVkhKQ0tDTXg3MzVhMlE4OHp3UT09> Meeting
ID: 9986261733
All convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a welcoming Zoom
meeting. President Soforenko will be on hand to preview convention
activities and provide a historical perspective of the organization and how
it grew into one of the leading affiliates it is today. If you are new to
the NFB, come learn a little more about the extended family that could
become your own.
7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Advocating for your Blind Child, Part 1 of a seminar
conducted by the Virginia Organization of Parents of Blind Children.
<https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09> Meeting
ID: 829 725 6345
We invite you to rejoice and celebrate children of all ages and endeavor to
learn more about encouraging independence in our homes and communities.
Please join for part 1 of our parents' program as we converse together and
hear from guest speaker, Jordana Engebreston, the National Federation of the
Blind 2021 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students.
Monday, October 25, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Virginia Organization of Parents of Blind Children
Annual Meeting, Beth Sellers, President, Virginia Parents of Blind Children.
<https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09> Meeting
ID: 829 725 6345
This is part 2 of the Parents Seminar. Whether you have a newborn infant,
or your child is a working adult, you are warmly invited to our annual
parents of blind children meeting, where we brainstorm, reflect, and learn
together to set our children up for success. Throughout the evening, we will
hear from successful blind adults in the workforce and participate in
interactive conversations on the school systems and supporting our children
toward confidence and independence. The parents' support network is stronger
with your voice involved.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Embracing Our Diversity: Understanding distinctions
between Prejudice, Bias, and Micro Triggers: Uricka Harrison and Chris
Walker- Co-chairs, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
<https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09> Meeting
ID: 829 725 6345
The National Federation of the Blind recognizes that our diversity is a core
strength. This interactive session, organized by the Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion Committee will cover prejudice, bias, and microaggression. How are
they different and how are they intertwined?
Key discussion facilitators will include:
* Denise Avant, National Federation of the Blind Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion Committee National Committee Member, Chicago, Illinois.
8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Blind Parents' Annual Meetup: Virginia Blind Parents
Seminar. Jessica Reed, facilitator.
<https://zoom.us/j/4926969418?pwd=dDdqOVRieXg4bXFwNmh1MjJyUGJ3Zz09> Meeting
ID: 4926969418
Just as there is more than one way to carve a pumpkin, there is definitely
more than one way to blind parent. Whether you are a blind homeschooler,
blind father, and yes even a blind homesteader there is always something new
we can glean from each other. At times, we have all felt there is nothing
scarier than parenting, so come on out for some sharing and exchanging of
ideas on how to skin the cat.
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Partnering with the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
<https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09> Meeting
ID: 829 725 6345
7:00 p.m. to 7:05 p.m. Welcome Remarks: Tracy Soforenko, President.
7:05 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. Initiating, Engaging, Thriving: The Virginia
Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired Partners with
Stakeholders and Pursues Opportunities
- Melody Roane, Director, Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and
Vision Impaired, Moderator, Richmond Virginia.
- Bella Teta, Participant in the 2021 LIFE Program, Gainesville, Virginia
- Shayla Winn, Student in the Adult Training Program, Midlothian, Virginia
- Matt Harding, TVI and O and M Instructor for Roanoke Public Schools,
Pearisburg, Virginia
7:20 p.m. to 7:35 p.m. Rehabilitation Services for the Blind in Virginia.
Raymond Hopkins, Commissioner, Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.
7:35 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Questions and Answers with Commissioner Hopkins.
7:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Public Meeting on DBVI Divisions, Programs and
Services: Susan K. Davis, Policy and Training Coordinator, Virginia
Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.
We are grateful that DBVI will hold a public meeting where attendees can ask
questions and speak with agency leadership. DBVI wants to hear from you so
come and share your thoughts and ideas on how DBVI can better meet the needs
of blind and low vision Virginians. Let your voice be heard.
Thursday, October 28, 2021
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Virginia Association of Blind Students Seminar and
Business Meeting, Jacob Ham, President.
<https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09> Meeting
ID: 829 725 6345
If you are a student of any age, this evening item is for you! Join students
across the Commonwealth to share, learn, and grow until late hours of the
evening. During this seminar, you will be introduced to successful and
ambitious blind professionals and students, confident and independent
throughout their lives. At the end, make your voice heard by participating
in the student division's annual election!
9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Scholarship Mixer: Jimmy Morris, Chairperson.
<https://zoom.us/j/4926969418?pwd=dDdqOVRieXg4bXFwNmh1MjJyUGJ3Zz09> Meeting
ID: 4926969418
Friday, October 29, 2021
Senior Empowerment Seminar:
Unlocking the Best of the Rest
Retirement does not spell the end of your productive years. It is the start
of a fresh chapter, the freedom to live life on your own terms, and if you
happen to be blind or low vision, there is a range of resources that is
going to make independence taste sweeter than ever! Join us for an afternoon
of interactive discussion and exploration. This is your time, your story,
your opportunity to unlock the best of the rest!
While this seminar is targeting seniors, we believe that everyone could
benefit from participating in the exciting programming we have defined.
<https://zoom.us/j/9986261733?pwd=SFdxVkhKQ0tDTXg3MzVhMlE4OHp3UT09> Meeting
ID: 9986261733
1:00 p.m. The False Narrative - Tracy Soforenko, President, NFB of Virginia
1:10 p.m. Welcome to Our Family - Nancy Yeager, President, NFBV Seniors
Division
1:15 p.m. Silver BELLS Are Ringing and What This Means for Your Independence
- Sandy Halverson, Program Coordinator
1:30 p.m. Your Philosophical Spirit: What is it and how does it guide you?
2:00 p.m. Who Says You Can't Live Life the Way You Want? Cracking Down on
How We Travel, Cook, and Communicate with Flare - Shimere Roberts,
Moderator. Panelists: Chris Walker, Evelyn Valdez, and Wanda Taylor
2:30 p.m. Intermission. Take a moment to stretch, refill your beverage of
choice, and come back to join us for more exciting programming!
2:40 p.m. Convention Weekend Previews
2:45 p.m. Controlling Your Health Using Audible Devices with Tactile Over
the Counter and Prescription Medications - Accessible Pharmacy
3:00 p.m. Literature Unleashed: From the Classics to Contemporary Page
Turners, Your library in your back pocket. - Joe Orozco
3:10 p.m. Get Plugged into Your Community: In Your Home and on the Go! -
Karin Jernberg, Moderator
NFB Newsline: 500 Newspapers and Magazines at the Speed of a Finger Flick or
Push of a Button - John Halverson, Coordinator
Virginia Voice: Your News Delivered with a Human Touch - Teresa Wray,
Director
Access Virginia: From the Stage to Your Ears, Theater Description at Its
Best - Jacki Bruce, President
3:45 p.m. Breaking Down Our Concerns and Building Up Our Confidence: An
Interactive Dialogue. Keep your seats and allow a rotation of presenters to
answer your most pressing questions about everything.
Team 1: Home Management Essentials
Team 2: Dealing with Your Family
Team 3: Managing Your health, Finances and Other Responsibilities
4:45 p.m. Closing Remarks and Next Steps
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee: Deepa Goraya, Chairperson.
<https://zoom.us/j/9986261733?pwd=SFdxVkhKQ0tDTXg3MzVhMlE4OHp3UT09> Meeting
ID: 9986261733
We encourage the participation of all members in setting Federation policy,
and the best way to influence policy is through resolutions. As a grass
roots organization, we serve our movement through collective action, and
such action begins with policy making and debate. Come help shape the
policies of the NFB of Virginia. Please refer to the
<http://nfbv.org/principles_of_engagement> Principles of Engagement for
details on how to voice your positions on the proposed resolutions.
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Virginia Association of Blind Merchants Division
Business Meeting: Jimmy Cunningham, President, Virginia Merchants Division,
Prince George, Virginia.
<https://zoom.us/j/4926969418?pwd=dDdqOVRieXg4bXFwNmh1MjJyUGJ3Zz09> Meeting
ID: 4926969418
The Merchants are as resilient today as we have ever been. Like everyone
else, we continue to work toward improving upon our new norm. In doing so,
we are reviewing new ideas and things that we can add to what we are
presently doing to avoid pitfalls that we encountered from COVID-19. free
to join up at our Merchant meeting to hear and learn more.
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. At-Large Chapter Meeting: Patrick Johnson, President.
<https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09> Meeting
ID: 829 725 6345
Come join the chapter for our annual reception and business meeting.
The virtual reception is open to all blind Virginians and family members
regardless of where you live in the Commonwealth.
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Unlocking our Possibilities: A Federation Philosophy
Seminar
<https://zoom.us/j/9986261733?pwd=SFdxVkhKQ0tDTXg3MzVhMlE4OHp3UT09> Meeting
ID: 9986261733
Unlocking Our Possibilities
Three words. One theme. In this session, we will be analyzing this
statement, breaking it down and creating meaningful discussion. Our goal is
to build collaborations that will connect to who we are and answer the
question "who are we and what is next?" Come ready to speak your mind and be
heard at this empowering session and work on unlocking your own
possibilities.
8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Virginia October Fest Party
<https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09> Meeting
ID: 829 725 6345
Join us for this virtual house party where you can meet old friends, make
new connections, and enjoy drinks and snacks from your personal collection.
We are planning a set of breakout sessions across three separate Zoom
meetings with multiple break outs in each meeting.
A. Campfire Stories - Sharing Our Stories: Gather around the virtual
campfire for engaging real-life stories from our lived experiences. Your
stories must be told without notes and must be from your own personal
experience, as you remember it. Stories do not need to be related to
blindness. We encourage but do not require participants to practice with
John Bailey, our story telling coach, to refine your story and ensure you
fit into our strict 5-minute window. We want to hear from you but presenters
who work with the story telling coach will be presented first. We are
limited participation to 7 presenters so please reach out to John and secure
your slot. Let's hear your story. Organized by the Virginia Association of
Blind Students. To reach John Bailey, please call him at (703) 994-2040 or
email him at <mailto:john_bailey17 at hotmail.com> john_bailey17 at hotmail.com
B. The Game Room - Join us for fun interactive games where you can
compete against each other in team and individual settings. Details of the
games to be provided later in October.
C) Making Connections - Would you like to meet Denise Avant
(our National Rep) connect with students in the Virginia Association of
Blind students,
Each Zoom room will have multiple break out rooms with different themes and
our organizers will move you into one of the rooms when you arrive. If you
want to check out a different room, drop off and dial in again. Join us for
a fun evening to make connections and grow your network.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
General Session
<https://zoom.us/j/9986261733?pwd=SFdxVkhKQ0tDTXg3MzVhMlE4OHp3UT09> Meeting
ID: 9986261733
9:00 a.m. Call to Order -Tracy Soforenko, President, NFB of Virginia.
9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Opening Ceremonies:
* Gavel Down - Nora Nadeem, BELL Academy In Home Edition Participant,
Staunton, Virginia.
* Invocation - Carshena Gary, Vice President, Peninsula Chapter,
Capron, Virginia.
* Presentation of the Colors and Veterans Salute.
* Pledge of Allegiance, US Army Veteran, Joseph Hobson, Potomac
Chapter, Arlington, Virginia .
* Federation Pledge, Michael Matthews, Project RISE Participant,
Yorktown, Virginia.
* Star Spangled Banner, Julie McGinnity, Potomac Chapter, Arlington,
Virginia.
9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. National Report, Denise Avant, Board Member, National
Federation of the Blind and First Vice President, National Federation of the
Blind of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois.
9:45 a.m. to 9:55a.m. Action Auction.
9:55 a.m. to 10:05 a.m. My Journey: From Where I was to where I am Now, A
Confident Blind Senior- Karin Jernberg, Potomac Chapter, Alexandria,
Virginia.
10:05 a.m.: to 10:20 a.m. Working to Move the Needle on Disability
Employment and Close the Disability Wealth Gap Through Impact Investment:
SmartJob - Regina Kline, Founder and CEO, SmartJob, LLC, Alexandria,
Virginia.
10:20 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. Volunteering Your Way into Gainful Employment
* Brittany Ingram, Fredericksburg, Virginia.
* Cynthia Brandon, Mechanicsville, Virginia.
* Elana Crew, Baltimore, Maryland.
10:35 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Breaking Barriers: A Personal Story of a Blind
Immigrant.
Sachin Pavithran Ph.D., Executive Director, US Access Board, McLean,
Virginia.
10:45 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. A Friend in Congress. Congresswoman Jennifer
Wexton, Virginia 10th District.
10:55 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. AIRA: Your Special Sneak Peak From an Insider's
Perspective, Tracy Yeager, Agent, AIRA Tech Corporation, Alexandria,
Virginia.
11:05 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. What Students Are Doing to Unlock Their Potential-
Logan Stenzel, Board Member, National Association of Blind Students,
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
11:15 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Introducing the 2021 NFB of Virginia James F.
Nelson, Jr. Scholarship Finalists.
* Jimmy Morris, Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Glen Allen,
Virginia.
* Kailey Christian, Old Dominion University, Chesapeake, Virginia.
* Chris Infante, College of William and Mary, Henrico, Virginia.
* Desmond Walker, Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach,
Virginia.
* Wayne Edward Williams Jr., Lord Fairfax Community College,
Winchester, Virginia.
11:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Reports and Announcements.
11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Unlocking Our Possibilities:
The Key to Results That Last, A Presidential Report, Tracy Soforenko,
President, NFB of Virginia.
12:00 p.m. General Session Adjourns.
Saturday Afternoon Seminars
12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Big Money Made Easy. Brianna Murray, Facilitator.
<https://zoom.us/j/9986261733?pwd=SFdxVkhKQ0tDTXg3MzVhMlE4OHp3UT09> Meeting
ID: 9986261733
The path to financial success doesn't need to be difficult but it does
require discipline. From the 10 lessons written on an index card to
techniques used by blind role models, you can learn the techniques for
financial success.
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Leadership Bootcamp: Everything You Didn't Want to
Hear About Leadership, Joe Orozco and Domonique Lawless, Co-facilitators.
<https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09> Meeting
ID: 829 725 6345
Chapter meetings are boring. People complain but never want to volunteer. We
always do the same things. Yep, we've all heard the typical gripes, but what
if the problem is you? Buck up, buttercup. This is not your grandpa's feel
good seminar. Come ready to listen, learn, and lend your voice to making the
organization stronger. Platitudes are not welcomed. Straight talk is
encouraged, and action items are a must.
2021 Convention Keynote and
Halloween Celebration
In Federation fashion, come dressed in costume and ready for a fine
celebration with a keynote address by National Representative Denise Avant.
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Trick Or Treat: Speed Dining.
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ID: 829 725 6345
Meet Old Friends, Make New Ones at this Virtual Banquet Meal. You will be
moved to a new Zoom breakout table every 10-15 minutes.
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Keynote Program - Sandy Halverson, Master of
Ceremonies and First Vice President, NFB of Virginia:
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ID: 9986261733
* Invocation- Christine Grassman, President, Potomac Chapter, Falls
Church, Virginia.
* Keynote Address - Denise Avant, Board Member, National Federation of
the Blind.
* 2021 James F. Nelson Scholarship Awards Presentation-Jimmy Morris,
Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Glen Allen, Virginia.
* Action Auction - Laurie Wages, Auctioneer
* Drawings and Announcements.
Sunday, October 31, 2021
General Session
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ID: 9986261733
1:00 p.m. to 1:05 p.m. Invocation - Stewart Prost, President, Tidewater
Chapter, Norfolk, Virginia.
1:05 p.m. to 1:25 p.m. Unlocking the Power of Words: Using the Tool of
Storytelling.
* Qudsiya Naqui, Board Member, Potomac Chapter, Washington, District
of Columbia.
* Amir Rahimi, Greater Alexandria Chapter, Arlington, Virginia.
* Althea Pittman, President, Eastern Shore Chapter, Melfa, Virginia.
1:25 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. Learning by Doing: Braille Enrichment for Literacy &
Learning (BELL) Academy In Home Edition.
* Louise Walch, BELL Coordinator, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
* Renee Valdez, Virginia Supplemental BELL Coordinator, Alexandria,
Virginia.
1:40 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Unlocking Our Possible: Elevating the Education of
Blind and Low Vision Students in Maryland.
* Marcella Franczkowski: Assistant State Superintendent, Maryland
State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early
Intervention Services.
* Conchita Hernandez: State Blind and Low Vision Specialist, Maryland
State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early
Intervention Services.
2:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. Unlocking the Phoenix: Project RISE Reaches New
Heights.
* Brianna Murray, Project RISE Program Coordinator, Highland Park, New
Jersey.
* Ally Kelso, Project RISE student, Burke, Virginia
* Aleyanah Holden, Project RISE student, Triangle, Virginia
* Gheeti Nusrati, Project RISE graduate, Springfield, Virginia
2:20 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Collaborating to Increase Our Access to Sensory
Trails:
* Chris Walker, President, Winchester Chapter, Winchester, Virginia
* Laure Wallace, Virginia master naturalist, sky meadow State Park,
Delaplaine Virginia.
* Tom Crosby, Winchester Host Lions club, Jim Barnett Park,
Winchester, Virginia.
2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Interactive Town Hall Discussion with Denise Avant,
Bord member, National Federation of the Blind and Tracy Soforenko,
President.
3:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Action Auction.
3:15 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. Business Session:
* Resolutions-Deepa Goraya, Chairperson.
* Audit Committee Report-Sean McMahon, Chairperson.
* Treasurer's Report-Mark Roane, Treasurer.
* SUN Committee Report: Sandy Halverson, Chairperson.
* PAC Report: Christine Grassman, Virginia PAC Chairperson.
* 2022 Richmond and Washington Seminars.
* 2022 National Convention, July 5 - July 10, New Orleans, Louisiana.
* 2022 NFB of Virginia Convention, October 28- October 30, Westin
Tyson's Corner, Falls church, Virginia.
3:50 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Reports and Announcements.
4:00 p.m. General Session Adjourns.
Tracy Soforenko
President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia
202 285-4595
<mailto:Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com> Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com
<http://www.nfb.org> www.nfb.org
<http://www.nfbv.org> www.nfbv.org
National Federation of the Blind. Live the Life You Want
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work
together to help blind people live the lives they want.
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