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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><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>In case you missed NFB VA Affiliate President Tracy Soforenko’s message regarding National Convention funding requests, I am reposting it below.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>Our National convention is a highlight for the year and the 2023 convention will be no exception. We expect the 2023 National Federation of the Blind convention in Houston to be a fantastic Federation family reunion. The convention dates are July 1-6. The convention will begin Saturday, July 1 and end late after the banquet on Thursday evening, July 6. Most people will be departing on Friday, July 7.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>We want everyone to plan this into your calendar and your budget so you can be there to join us.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>If you have never attended an in-person national convention, we strongly encourage people to apply to both the Virginia specific McDonald Fellowship and national Kenneth Jernigan convention Scholarship programs. Attending a virtual convention does not limit application for these two programs. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>Every year, the affiliate president will receive a few requests for convention assistance from affiliate members. I am putting some ground rules in place to help clarify expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>If you are planning to request assistance, please send your request to me in email. Your request should factor in the following:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=1 type=A><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-top:0in;mso-margin-bottom-alt:8.0pt;mso-margin-top-alt:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>What are my total expected costs:<o:p></o:p></span></font></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>What should I expect to pay for convention factoring in expected costs for travel, lodging, meals, and convention registration? I have no idea how much it costs to get from your home to the Hilton Americas Houston. You need to do the research. In addition, the banquet is a highlight of the convention and you don’t want to miss it. You need to factor this into your calculation. Many people choose to share rooms and you will start seeing roommate requests posted to our announce list starting soon. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=2 type=A><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-top:0in;mso-margin-bottom-alt:8.0pt;mso-margin-top-alt:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>What can I afford myself<o:p></o:p></span></font></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>No one will be going to convention for free. The Jernigan Scholarships and McDonald Fellowships do not provide all the funding for convention for first timers. Individuals requesting financial assistance should expect to make a significant contribution to your convention expenses. You should be factoring in this expense into your budget.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=3 type=A><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-top:0in;mso-margin-bottom-alt:8.0pt;mso-margin-top-alt:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>What is my chapter contributing?<o:p></o:p></span></font></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>Your chapter is a resource for financial assistance. Do not come to the Virginia Affiliate requesting financial assistance if you have not asked your local chapter. I will be following up with chapter presidents to understand how you are contributing at the chapter level to programming and fundraising. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=4 type=A><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-top:0in;mso-margin-bottom-alt:8.0pt;mso-margin-top-alt:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>How much are you requesting from the affiliate <o:p></o:p></span></font></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>After considering other sources, how much are you requesting from the Virginia affiliate. Please note that we do not provide funding in advance. Our NFBV Treasurer Mark Roane or I will provide funding at convention but you need to work locally to get your travel and room expenses addressed. You should definitely expect to attend the Virginia Caucus to receive the financial assistance. I do not know the date and time for the caucus at this time but you will want to make certain you are there. It is not Mark or my job to hunt you down at convention and it is not Mark or my job to provide you funds as you walk into the hotel. However, we will gladly sell you some Virginia Peanuts. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>Speaking of selling, fundraising is the means through which we have the resources to provide financial assistance. When I talk to your chapter president, I am checking to determine if you are engaged in the chapter and affiliate fundraising. We will certainly be selling items at the Virginia table at convention and you will be expected to help with that activity if you receive financial assistance. You should be hustling throughout convention and afterward back in Virginia to sell our products to fund our movement. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>We are asking that requests are submitted no later than June 1, 2023. You should be planning in advance, booking your hotel room and taking advantage of the early registration pricing. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'>We want everyone to join us in Houston and we hope this guidance clarifies the process. However, if you have questions, I am glad to address them.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal'><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tracy Soforenko<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal'><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal'><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>202 285-4595<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal'><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:Tracy.soforenko@gmail.com">Tracy.soforenko@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p></div></body></html>