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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hey NFB Family and Friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wow! Our Members are certainly excited about our upcoming State Convention. Read on and see what I mean.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One of the things, I loved about the virtual convention was the ability to get so many people from all over the country to one place without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home. You have an unique opportunity to grow the affiliate by reaching audiences that you may not have reached before do illness, transportation issues, unfamiliarity with convention or general scheduling conflicts. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Some may say, "well I feel like the information is different or stuff is being left out" I understand and acknowledge why you feel that way because things seemed rushed but I disagree, I think the organizers and presenters do their best to ensure that the information given during a virtual convention is the same as what you would get in person, so the good thing is there is consistency in that regard. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I strongly encourage you to attend the convention!!!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Andre Hill<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><p class=MsoNormal>While the 2020 National Federation of the Blind of Virginia state convention was a virtual event due to the circumstances of COVID-19, it was still quite an enjoyable event at that. Many memories were made, many of the zoom glitches were had, and there were times where I did not realize that my microphone was not on mute. However, the convention programming was nevertheless robust, bold, informative, and kept us on our feet throughout the weekend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My favorite event of the weekend was the Thursday night discussion the chapter leadership Institute had with fellow Federationists from across the country such as Everett Bacon from Utah. We had quite an informative discussion surrounding effective leader ship, and development, and established the need for outreach among leaders throughout the country. There were many great discussions had and many thought-provoking comments made. And wow this was one of many events, it’s stuck with me because I was able to take the action items discussed and apply them in many facets in my life. The lessons learned were more than just abstract commentary that evening.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While there are many events I was able to attend, I was so bummed that I missed the seminar with a leader from the federal bureau of investigations. That would have been an opportunity to understand the perspectives of those who play behind the scenes roles yet are some of our nation‘s bravest and most effective leaders. All in all, I really do look forward to the upcoming virtual convention . Many thanks and much respect.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Naim<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'><br>It’s not to late! You can still register for our NFB of Virginia State Convention, up to and including throughout Convention! Please register at <a href="www.NFBV.org/registration">www.NFBV.org/registration</a>. The Convention runs from Sunday, October 24<sup>th</sup> through Sunday, October 31<sup>st</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'>Peace,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='color:#222222'>Jacki Bruce<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='color:#222222'>Corresponding Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia<br><a href="mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com</span></a></span><span style='color:black'><br></span><span style='color:#222222'><a href="tel:(757)291-1789" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>tel:(757)291-1789</span></a></span><span style='color:black'><br></span><span style='color:#222222'><a href="http://www.nfb.org/" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>www.nfb.org</span></a></span><span style='color:black'><br></span><span style='color:#222222'><a href="http://www.nfbv.org/" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>www.nfbv.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='color:#222222'>Follow us on Twitter @NFBVirginia<br>Find us on Facebook @NationalFederationoftheBlindofVirginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='color:#222222'>Live the life you want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'>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<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>