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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><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>From Sandy Halverson, Recording Secretary, 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>BOARD MEETING MINUTES<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>January 20, 2025<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting was called to order by President Soforenko at 1 pm with 14 delegates and many members present.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our current checking account balance is $83,050.34 and our treasurer’s report was accepted unanimously.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Silver Bells and Project RISE reports were given emphasizing recruitment and programs for 2025.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Patty Droppers reported our seniors division and Silver Bells sponsored an exercise class in November with dates being finalized for the remaining three classes. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sandy Halverson<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Recording Secretary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Virginia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Peace,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Jacki Bruce<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Corresponding Secretary NFBV<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com">mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="tel:(757)291-1789">tel:(757)291-1789</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Membership Chair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:membership@nfbv.org">mailto:membership@nfbv.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="tel:(757)354-4170">tel:(757)354-4170</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Find us on Facebook @NationalFederationoftheBlindofVirginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Find us on Instragram @nfbofvirginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Subscribe to our Youtube: NFB Virginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="http://www.nfbv.org/">www.nfbv.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>STRONGER TOGETHER!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>