[NFBV-Potomac-Announce] FW: Chapter Minutes August 8, 2019

[John Halverson]

Thank you Christine for these great minutes.

John


From: Christine Grassman [mailto:cfgrassman at icloud.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 24, 2019 9:10 AM
To: John Halverson <jwh100 at outlook.com>
Subject: Chapter Minutes August 8, 2019

NFB of Virginia Potomac Chapter Minutes August 8, 2019:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM with sixteen attendees.
This meeting’s question was: Name a teacher who made an impact on your life. Several members named two teachers, and discussion reflected the real influence teachers and mentors can have on a person’s self-worth and future expectations.
The post-convention Presidential release, No. 485, was played.


President Riccobono discussed the success of the 2019 Las Vegas convention, gave the top ten convention attendance rates, and gave the dates and location of the 2020 convention: the Hilton Americas in Houston, Texas, from June 30-July 5. HOtel rates will be $105 across the board.
Twenty-one resolutions were passed and are available at the web site; chapters are encouraged to discuss their significance.
We are implementing a new initiative to answer questions of prospective members called open houses, which will  be calls that will take place in order to answer questions, demystify what the NFB is, and what membership means.

The first one will be in August. They will be happening on the third Sunday of each even numbered month and on the third Wednesday of each odd numbered month.
You must RSVP for these calls by emailing membership at nfb.org<mailto:membership at nfb.org>, or calling (410) 659-9314, ext. 2509. Prospective members can also ask questions via these methods.

Legislative update:
H.R. 3929, the GAIN Act, one of our priorities at Washington Seminar, has been introduced in the House. Please use this time to contact your representatives to encourage co-sponsorship.

This legislation authorizes the United States Access Board to develop a minimum nonvisual access standard for home use, medical devices, exercise equipment, and home appliances.

Send details about Meet the Blind Monthactivities to web at nfb.org<mailto:web at nfb.org> with what, when, and where.
There will be a major announcement in October that will put the name of the NFB and Braille into stores worldwide.
President Riccobono discussed the harm of “click by” lawsuits where attorneys recruit blind and other disabled people to file complaints against businesses who have inaccessible web sites, settle for a certain amount, and nothing changes for others. Contact the NFB about these and avoid these harmful attempts to capitalize on the ADA.
The Federation only signs public agreements.  if the NFB’s name is used, implying our endorsement, contact us or your affiliate president. If you are approached about any click-by lawsuit, contact us; these lawsuits change nothing for the greater disabled community.

The same applies to research in the blindness field.
Valerie Yingling is the contact for legal case coordination, and LuAnn Blake handles research coordination.
The American Action Fund for Blind  Children and Adults is turning 100 years old.
You can  order a free Braille calendar from the American Action Fund by calling 410-659-9315, or you can send an e-mail to calendars at actionfund.org<mailto:calendars at actionfund.org>.
Three free calendars per individual request.
For $35, you can obtain a Twin Vision (TM) book Pedro and the Octopus from the Independence Market; you will receive one book and one will be given free to a blind child in the U.S.

***
We discussed membership committees and discussed projects going forward. The upcoming state convention was discussed. There will be details of transportation traveling to Portsmouth on Thursday, October 31, and returning Sunday, November 3. If you commit, you must pay regardless of whether your plans change.
Our National Harbor trip with other local chapters will take place September 7.
Our wine-tasting event will take place September 14, and orders for wines will be taken and handled by a local store, and we will receive some percentage of the proceeds. The cost of the vent is $40; light refreshments will be served. Assistance with set-up and clean-up is appreciated.
There are serious issues involving blind inmates, who have the same rights as other blind individuals. We are forming a committee to address these issues. There is currently a lawsuit pending against the state on behalf of several blind inmates.
We have a new member!
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Grassman
Recording Secretary


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