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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>From Christine Grassman, Recording Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minutes from the January 16, 2023, Meeting of the Board of Directors, National federation of the Blind of Virginia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Virginia <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Affiliate Board Meeting Minutes<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>January 16, 2023<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The affiliate board meeting was called to order at approximately<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1:12 PM after several attempts to deal with technology issues associated with Zoom participation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There were 48 in-person attendees and eight Zoom attendees.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Treasurer’s Report: General Checking Account Balance as of 12/31/2022: $30,679.85 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Questions were asked regarding fund-raising of tote bags, coin holders, and peanuts. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Several individuals had not yet sent in proceeds from the sale of those items. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President Soforenko reminded those who had our products used in fundraising that these items were needed for National Convention and would need to be consolidated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Treasurer Mark Roan responded to a request to explain the Virginia Pre-Authorized Donation (VPAD) program which allows members and chapters to contribute monthly to the affiliate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A question was asked regarding coordination of the CPR class. Christine Grassman explained that she coordinated this with Accessibility Incorporated,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>that it was a community class and did not involve certification, but that could be arranged. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Spring 2022, the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia submitted a grant application to the Virginia Board for the Blind for $100,000 in financial support for the 2023-2024 Silver Bells program. The Virginia Board for the Blind had generously awarded the grant and the grant payment had just been received in early January 2023. However, since the payment was received after December 31, 2022, it is not reflected in this Treasurer’s Report. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A motion was made and seconded for acceptance of the Treasurer’s report, and the report was accepted. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Silver Bells: Sandy Halverson gave a report about Silver Bells. It is no longer a pilot program. She discussed three seminars which take place from Thursday through<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sunday. Focus of core areas include blindness 101: survival Braille, home management, technology, travel training, and communication skills, and networking.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sandy requested that members conduct intensive outreach to organizations: Lions clubs, senior centers. Weekends: A seminar weekend is planned for Virginia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Beach the last weekend in February. Sterling was scheduled for the end of March, and the third in Richmond in May.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If anyone is interested in supporting our core instructional areas, please reach out to Sandy. Sandy reminded all that having a skill and being able to teach a skill are not necessarily the same thing. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You do not have to be a member of the NFB to attend Silver Bells or to volunteer to support the program. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are currently 35 individuals signed up for Silver Bells in 2023; there is a cap of 60 participants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>An attendee mentioned that she noticed that initially, attendees were hesitant and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>uncertain and at the end of the weekend, they were more optimistic, engaged, and hopeful. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have interest or questions, contact <a href="mailto:silverbells@nfbv.org">silverbells@nfbv.org</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Taming the Shark: President Soforenko presented about Taming the Shark.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>a program teaching the basics of JAWS and Zoom Text magnification to students and teachers, was a big hit at state convention. We want to do it again in<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Richmond and at our 2023 state convention. We are building relationships with teachers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>vispero provided the laptops used for the instruction. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Allied Instructional Services (Karen Walker and Mike Fish) and Vispero are assisting with this instruction. A free or nominal fee license is given to<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>teachers for a year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Question: Will we do something in the western part of Virginia? President Soforenko indicated we are now broadening our pilot program; the cost was lower because we incorporated this program into an existing activity being run by our affiliate. In Richmond, we will likely get many teachers from other areas. Richmond is centrally<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>located. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Convention: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>July 1-6 at the Hilton Americas in Houston, Texas. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We would like to assist first-timers to attend with our McDonald Fellowship and Kenneth Jernigan convention scholarship programs. It is for first-time, in person attendees. First time attendees are encouraged to apply for both our Virginia specific McDonald Fellowship and our national Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship programs. Since both require essentially the same information, please apply to both. Details were distributed on the Virginia Announce list and can be found on NFBV.org and NFB.org respectively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will also send out an announcement for financial assistance for those who have attended previous conventions but might need some assistance in attending this year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Contributing to national funds: At the May board meeting, chapters will have the opportunity to contribute to these funds: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-White Cane (Our General Fund)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-TenBroek (Our Building Fund)<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'> Shares Unlimited in NFB (Our rainy-day fund)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>The Kenneth Jernigan Fund (Runs special programs like grants to first time convention attendees)<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chapters and divisions can also contribute to NFB Camp. NFB Camp is a kid’s program at the national convention to provide childcare for blind and sighted children at the convention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) Academy is not NFB Camp. BELL is a summer enrichment program for blind and low vision students conducted throughout the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The State Convention will be held from November 2-5 in Williamsburg, Virginia at the doubletree.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Spanish interpretation for materials and sessions: President Soforenko discussed the NFB’s and affiliate’s commitment to providing materials in Spanish. If further materials are needed, please contact him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fundraising: Renee Valdez explained the affiliate is selling tote bags, peanuts, and coin holders. we still have remaining merchandise. You can order coin holders at our web site, contact<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Renee for tote bags. Renee will discuss selling merchandise at our national convention during the May board meeting in Tysons Corner. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Merchants Division: Yasiah Hurtado, The<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President of the NFBV Merchants Division provided a report congratulating Mark Roan and Chimere Roberts; Mark’s facility just opened, and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chimere was completing training. She also announced the new vending contract at Fort Lee, two retirees, and a meeting for VA merchants scheduled for March<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>23 and 24. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Seniors Division: Patty Droppers presented the Senior Division report. The next division meeting would be held 01/25 at 7:00 PM on the affiliate Zoom. Patty reminded seniors<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>to sign up for Silver Bells, and others to reach out to seniors who might be interested. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Virginia Parents of Blind Children Division: Christine Grassman delivered the Parents of Blind Children Division report for President Beth Sellers. POBC meets virtually, as members live throughout the state.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They meet with legislators, assist parents one on one, and provide information to teachers of blind children. They partner with other affiliate divisions<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>to provide programs such as Taming the Shark, which will occur again in Richmond and at the next state convention in November. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Acknowledgment of Perception of Conflict of Interest: President Soforenko spoke about the need to recognize that because board members sometimes receive compensation for certain activities: Silver Bells, Project Rise, etc., there could be a perception of a conflict of interest. As a responsible non-profit organization, we need to formally acknowledge these potential conflicts. A motion was submitted, seconded, and voted to acknowledge the potential conflict of interest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Membership Committee: Christine Grassman delivered the Membership Committee report for John Halverson. There will be a membership meeting on Sunday, March 5, from 2:00 to 5:00<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PM to discuss recruitment, retaining members through engagement. Remember to send dues by the end of January. Chapter presidents should appoint membership committee<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>representatives. We must be sure that our membership rolls are reconciled with the national database. The database had some growing pains, but it has been<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>updated. Long-time members will no longer receive emails and information with the New Member protocol; the database has been updated with a button to acknowledge long standing members who needed to be added to the member roles.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Membership Seminars: We are planning a seminar in the Spring, tentatively scheduled for April 16 to orient new members and provide context to our work together. These interactive sessions will help answer questions and help people tap our Federation network.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The NFB of Virginia Announce List and many chapter email distribution lists are available at NFBNET.org. Chapters and individuals can sign themselves up. We are trying to do some mass subscriptions on an annual basis, and we have added nearly 50 people to the Virginia affiliate’s rolls.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Additionally, nearly 50 new members were subscribed to the Braille Monitor, our flagship publication. Subscriptions can be accessed by emailing <a href="mailto:publications@nfb.org">publications@nfb.org</a> or through the Publications section of our national web site.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you are not receiving it,, please check spam folders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Scholarship Committee: Christine Grassman delivered the Scholarship Committee report for Jimmy Morris. In 2022, Nine scholarship finalists attended the 2022 NFBV State Convention with support from the Virginia affiliate and 3 were awarded college scholarships in the amount of $2,500. Information will be coming soon regarding the<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2023 scholarship program. Please continue to recruit applicants for the program and support the program. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Blind Equality Achievement Month and Public Outreach: Uricka Harrison described our efforts within and across chapters to run public outreach events in October, many conducted on October 15 which is White Cane Safety Day. For 2023, we are seeking both chapter specific events and coordinated events across regions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Convention Operations & Logistics: Joe Orozco reported on the record turnout of the 2022 state convention and the kudos and criticisms received. He reminded all that whenever there are seminars, conventions, or other activities, individuals should not wait until the last minute to make reservations, complete their registration, or book transportation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Project Rise: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Project RISE is about not only receiving and enhancing skills, and being visible in the community, but giving back to the community. Students purchased<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>and wrapped gifts over the holidays for low-income families in <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>northern Virginia. In the Richmond area, students volunteered at an animal rescue organization. Project RISE wants to provide internship and employment placement<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>for students. Our web site has a listing for an employment coordinator. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>GUIDE Program: Ally Kelso, President of the Virginia Association of Blind Students, described the GUIDE program. GUIDE pairs blind and low vision high school students with elementary and middle school students for mentoring, role modeling, and exciting activities over Zoom. Older teens and college students who are blind act as mentors. In December, the students made peppermint bark. At the January session, the students will participate in an interactive career session with speakers. ten students regularly attend, and we would like more students to be involved. Reach out to Ally or get more information from the nFBV website. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:guide@nfbv.orgAlly">guide@nfbv.org</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Virginia Association of Blind Students: Ally Kelso also reported the Virginia Association of Blind Students (VABS) will conduct a pizza and ice cream social at 7:00 PM on January 16. VABS is planning engaging virtual and in-person programming and updating the membership process. The National Association of Blind Students (NABS) is considering the potential of a regional seminar in September 2023 to be held in Virginia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Braille Enrichment for Literacy & Learning (BELL) Academy: Christine Grassman delivered the BELL Academy report for Louise Walsh, NFBV Youth Coordinator. Our BELL Academy in Home Edition was very successful with many Virginia participants in 2020, 2021, and 2022. However, in 2023, the NFB of Virginia is focused on an in-person BELL Academy program. While the In-Home Edition will still be available, an in-person BELL Academy is being considered for Virginia Beach. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We need investment now in order to plan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Several chapters indicated interest in supporting the program. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A motion was offered and seconded to authorize $10,000 toward the BELL program. After discussion, the motion passed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since we have not held an in-person BELL Academy in Virginia for many years, the request to consider other parts of the Commonwealth have been deferred to later years after we complete the pilot in 2023.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Richmond Seminar Preparation: Bonnie O’Day delivered the Richmond seminar report and Stewart Prost read the fact sheet outlining the description of our legislative priorities. Fact sheets and information for the legislative agenda was distributed earlier on the Virginia Announce list. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) Commissioner Dr. Rick Mitchell addressed the board meeting. He explained that we were the last external group to be using the Library and Resource Center(LRC) Large Conference room since this building will soon be undergoing a major renovation. The space would be renovated to become a modern conference center. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He reported that the governor is a supporter of hiring persons with disabilities. The Governor’s budget proposal includes additional funding for DBVI’s vocational rehabilitation program to reduce the possibility of wait lists for services from DBVI. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stewart Prost gave the names of legislative team leads and members and offered tips and logistics for getting to the Pocahontas Building. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting adjourned at 4:17 PM.<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>