[NFBV-Announce] NFB of Virginia Board of Directors meeting notes from 01-20-2025

Mon May 12 16:46:05 UTC 2025

>From Sandy Halverson, Recording Secretary, National Federation of the Blind
of Virginia

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF VIRGINIA

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

January 20, 2025

The meeting was called to order by President Soforenko at 1 pm with 14
delegates and many members present.

Minutes from our 2024 NFBV state convention business meeting which had been
emailed, were read and approved; at our May meeting, we will decide whether
future board meeting minutes should be emailed and read.

Our current checking account balance is $83,050.34 and our treasurer's
report was accepted unanimously.

When it was brought to our attention blind prisoners did not have access to
programs, services, and technology available to other inmates in Virginia,
we filed a lawsuit against the Virginia Department of Corrections. That case
was settled and the Commonwealth paid $250,000 toward attorney fees and the
remaining $750,000.00 was paid by our national treasury. The motion was
previously made by Mark Roane and seconded by Sandy Halverson that we
withdraw $50,000.00 from our endowment fund to help with these legal fees
was passed unanimously by a delegate vote. We are pleased by the positive
but slow changes taking place and we  are beginning to meet regularly with
the blind prisoners. 

Tracy next read a list of board officers and delegates who receive financial
compensation for program-specific services. It was moved, seconded and
carried that these individuals do not violate our Conflict of Interest
Policy.

After discussing our need to provide accommodations upon request, it was
moved, seconded and passed unanimously that we adopt our NFBV Accommodations
policy; Stewart Prost is our point of contact and chapter presidents should
contact Tracy if affiliate assistance is needed to accommodate the expense.

Our national convention will take place at the Marriott Hotel in New Orleans
from July 8 to 13, 2025. At our May meeting, chapter and division presidents
should be prepared to announce their donations to our White Cane, Jernigan,
SUN and tenBroek funds, NFB camp, and door prizes.

Mary Durbin briefly described financial assistance from our McDonald
Fellowship and Kenneth Jernigan scholarship programs for first-time
convention attendees. April 15 is the deadline for both programs with
additional application information coming soon.

We next welcomed our Greater Loudoun County chapter of the NFB of Virginia
which has held meetings, adopted a Constitution, elected officers and
collected dues; We heard briefly from President Bryan Duarte about projects
being considered. A motion was made, seconded and carried unanimously to
accept this chapter and give our newest chapter $500 in seed money to
support their plans.

Bonnie O'Day, our legislative chairperson, introduced Angie Matney, a member
and attorney, to provide legal background for our 2025 legislative
priorities. The fact sheet was read and each priority discussed after which
team assignments were reviewed. We were asked to email Bonnie about each
visit, who was present at each visit and if there was support, or follow-up
questions.

Renee Valdez, our Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) committee chairperson,
thanked those who had served and welcomed new members and reminded us of
this valuable resource to build and strengthen our chapters.

Silver Bells and Project RISE reports were given emphasizing recruitment and
programs for 2025.

NFB BELL, our National Federation of the Blind Braille Enrichment for
Literacy and Learning program for blind and low-vision children ages 6-12
coordinated by Louise Walch and Jodi Nicholson as lead instructor will take
place from June 22 through 27 pending site availability.

Teisha Gillespie chairs our communications committee and thanked Michael
Kitchens, Facebook content manager; Wayne Williams, Zoom Coordinator and
YouTube Manager; Jeremy Grandstaff, LinkedIn Content Manager and Video
Curator; and Christine Grassman, Blog writer. 2025 Communications Committee
objectives were presented such as a 2025 comprehensive communications
calendar, and quarterly virtual training. 

Our  fundraising committee members are Mary Durbin, Gary Moore, Marcia
Harvey and Renee Valdez. There will be a more detailed report at our May
board meeting.

Finding offices in our General Assembly Building was described by Mark
Roane, one of our Richmond members who often visits the legislature on our
behalf.

Bonnie O'Day stated we are working on Washington Seminar appointments. A
form can be found at archive.nfbv.org/Washington and needs to be completed
by those planning to participate in our Virginia delegation Congressional
efforts.

Our parents of blind children division report, presented by Tracy, indicated
ongoing efforts to recruit parents of blind children and offer support to
these parents.

Jacki Bruce, our membership committee chairperson, thanked our phenomenal
team of Alli Haney, Ameenah Ghoston, Jenny Blinsmon, Joe Gatzek, John
Bailey, John Halverson, Karin Jernberg, Lois Fritz and Shannon Britt, a
group of hardworking, caring people who want to see every member and chapter
thrive! Members and free white cane recipients are being called; a committee
member has been assigned to work with each chapter and division to develop
goals and discuss other challenges; second Saturday monthly Zoom training;
your journey through blindness discussion from 7 to 9 PM starting February
10 and the second Monday of each month; member to member emails introducing
members around the state; and hope to establish another new chapter before
the end of the year.

Stewart Prost, our new logistics coordinator for state convention and board
meeting planning stated our May board meeting will take place in Richmond;
details will be announced when confirmed.

Our 2025 state convention will take place from October 30 to November 2 at
the Wyndham Ocean Front Atlantic Hotel in Virginia Beach. Rates are $109 per
night plus tax, banquet early -registration price $37, and early
registration box lunch price $22. Early registration is encouraged and
prices for late registration will increase more significantly this year due
to hotel added fees. Special dietary requests must be received 30 days in
advance and our hotel is charging more for late registrations.

Patty Droppers reported our seniors division and Silver Bells sponsored an
exercise class in November with dates being finalized for the remaining
three classes. 

After Stewart announced the passing of Earl Chapman, a longtime Tidewater
Chapter member and there being no further business, the meeting was
adjourned at 4 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy Halverson

Recording Secretary

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

Peace,

Jacki Bruce

Corresponding Secretary NFBV

mailto:jackibruce6 at gmail.com

tel:(757)291-1789

Membership Chair

mailto:membership at nfbv.org

tel:(757)354-4170

Find us on Facebook @NationalFederationoftheBlindofVirginia

Find us on Instragram @nfbofvirginia

Subscribe to our Youtube: NFB Virginia

www.nfbv.org <http://www.nfbv.org/> 

STRONGER TOGETHER!

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