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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>From Evelyn Valdez, NFB of Virginia Recording Secretary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:center'>Tracy Soforenko National Federation of the Blind of Virginia NFBV<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:center'>Meeting of the Board of Directors<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:center'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:center'>Saturday, August 17, 2019<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:center'>1pm-4pm<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:center'>The Westin Tysons Corner<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:center'>7801 Leesburg Pike<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:center'>Falls Church, VA 22043<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>The National Federation of the Blind of Virginia’s Board of Directors meeting was called to order by President Tracy Soforenko<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Invocation by: Corliss Jones<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Roll Call: 49 members were present including delegates and alternate delegates<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Minutes for May 18th board meeting were read by Evelyn Valdez. Minutes were approved without correction<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>Treasurer’s Report</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Treasurer’s report was read by Mark Roane<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Reporting period was April 30, 2019 - July 31, 2019<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>General checking account balance as of July 31 is $60,110.71<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Treasurer’s report was accepted without any corrections<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>Membership Coins<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>1st VP Sandy Halverson presented the 25 membership coins to the delegates present. National President Mark Riccobono gave out the membership coins.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>Committee Reports<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>McDonald Fellowship/Jernigan Fund Scholarship: Sandy reported on behalf of Mary Durbin the four finalists who were selected and how they worked hard at convention. Mary Durbin assigned mentors at convention to work and play with the finalists; thanking the affiliate for McDonald funds and President Soforenko for writing letters of recommendation. .<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>Fundraising: <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>Chris Walker—gave the report on behalf of Earl Everett and mentioned that Virginia peanuts salted and coated were sold at national convention at our Virginia table along with something brand new and custom-made to hold our membership coins…coin holders. Thanking members for volunteering to work shifts at the Virginia table and Jim Walker for all the legwork and the fundraising committee will continue to hold fundraising efforts throughout the year.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>At state convention, the fundraising committee is bringing back the Crab Race, 50/50 raffle and premium seating! Also, bring gift baskets so it can be auctioned off at the Action Auction at state convention.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>Chapter Leadership Institute: Joe Orozco and Domonique Lawless presented a report regarding the individuals who have been in CLI for 9 months, they are being assessed with leadership personality assessments, diving deep into Federation philosophy, tasked with chapter simulations, growing as leaders and strengthening weaknesses, learning to use one’s voice, and CLI is seeking additional participants and another year of funding if the affiliate can consider—CLI has spent $2,451.10.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>Another year for CLI was approved and the application will be available online and the deadline will be September 1<sup>st</sup>.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>Convention Operations:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>Richmond Seminar will be taking place on January 20<sup>th</sup> and the deadline for making reservations is January 3<sup>rd</sup> and we will be staying at the Delta Hotel for proximity purposes.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>Info for state convention will be available on the website at nfbv.org/convention<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>We are seeking your help to find some sponsors and exhibitors. The convention will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Portsmouth beginning on Friday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 3<sup>rd</sup>. Tidewater and Peninsula chapters will be hosting the convention.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>John Halverson, president of the Potomac Chapter will be in charge of the bus since the affiliate would like to have a bus pick up at various points beginning in northern Virginia, a 1-way seat and a round-trip seat will be available for members, however, keep in mind that the Amtrak will cost $96 excluding the cost of the Uber from the train station to the hotel.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>Our national rep for the state convention is 2<sup>nd</sup> VP of the NFB, Ron Brown.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b>Some ideas for state convention are an empowerment lunch suggested by Evelyn Valdez and Sandy and Sarah Blumberg will gladly assist, Joe Orozco suggested a financial literacy workshop to educate individuals of financial planning for college students, beware of scams, accessible apps, ,Kathryn Webster discussed having upcoming leaders and having chapter presidents in a chapter leaders and presidents university focusing on how to run a chapter meeting, operate a chapter and overcoming challenges, Nancy Yeager suggested the Seniors division of having a Possibilities Fair, Annette Carr suggested having entrepreneurs who are members come to the exhibit hall, Joe Orozco suggested a prayer breakfast on Sunday morning, Brittany Ingram suggested having a workshop on the logistics side of running a chapter, Jessica Reed suggested having a breakout session for blind parents and we should attract the southeastern part of the state, Stewart Prost suggested having experts show us how to use social media to promote our chapters, Sean McMahon suggested having chapters work on an accessibility issue, Kathryn Webster suggested having a Federation Open House, Joe Orozco suggested for the convention in 2021 either Charlottesville and Winchester, Nikki Jeffards suggested an employment track, Kris Foley suggested on how to advocate to organizations on how to make websites accessible, <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Membership:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>National President Mark Riccobono was our guest and addressed some questions from our affiliate. Questions were raised about global advocacy for blind and hence the World Blind Union has been established; why the NFB exists as a watchdog to oversee programs and ensuring that quality services are being provided to blind consumers; blind federal government employees have lack of accessibility with Share point in addition to other platforms, but it must be brought to the attention of the committee of blind federal government employees; the Domino’s app is not accessible and they could have just poured their money into making their website accessible instead of spending money in media; the presidential release should be played at chapter meeting to bring people together to have a sense of unity and togetherness; inquiring how to engage individuals who live in rural areas of Virginia and figuring out carpooling options and how to maximize a chapter’s tools to share with other chapters to see what is working and what is not; the code of conduct is a framework for handling any member issues but understanding that a member can bring an issue to the attention of the National Office or to Tracy Soforenko; the Marrakesh Treaty allows a blind person to have access to material/content from other parts of the world; finally, developing a standard for tactile graphics. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Division Reports-<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Scholarship: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Patrick Johnson gave the report indicating that the scholarship applications would be available in written and online similar to last year’s process. Deadline will be late September for applications. Application forms being submitted via website will be discussed by the committee in October.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Public Outreach: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Uricka Harrison/Corliss Jones reported the committee will be holding a walk with the blind on October 12 in Williamsburg as a Meet the Blind activity. If you have an activity planned for your chapter, please email Uricka or Corliss to let them know.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Seniors <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Nancy Yeager gave the report indicating that the division is working on a Seniors Possibilities fair for state convention; the seniors division holds a monthly conference calls on Wednesdays.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>VABS <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Gerald Meredith reported that VABS holds their conference call the first Thursday of the month ; Bowl with the Blind will take place in October as a Meet the Blind activity; there will be a students meet and greet on Friday of the state convention and lunch/elections on Saturday. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Communications: Joe reported that Tracy Soforenko now will have his email through the NFBV website.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>The board meeting was adjourned at 3:53pm. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>