[NFBV-Potomac-Announce] Potomac Chapter Minutes January 2021

[John Halverson]

Colleagues,

Please find attached and below the minutes for our chapter meeting of January 14, 2021.

Thank you.

John

National Federation of the Blind Potomac Chapter Meeting
January 14, 2021

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. and 19 members were present.
Christine offered words of support to the membership during this stressful time for our country.
The minutes were approved without correction.
The treasurer's report was approved. Current balances are $2,410.64 in the general fund and $750.00 in the youth fund.
Sean mentioned that people can pay their dues either through Venmo, by check, or through the chapter's Square account. Sean will post the Square link on the listserv soon.
Our speaker was Bianca Moreiras, a life coach and professional speaker/author.
She talked about goal setting and perseverance. Topics included breaking down goals into manageable steps and surrounding oneself with positive people/influences. She discussed how to be assertive without being overbearing. After her presentation, Bianca answered questions from the membership.
Bianca is available to help NFBV members who are interested in career coaching.

Christine reminded the members that our board meeting will be on Saturday January 16 which will include Richmond Seminar training.
Tracy announced that we have 95 people participating in Richmond Seminar.
Fact sheets will be distributed Friday evening and will be discussed at our Saturday training. There will be a second make-up training on Monday January 18 at 7 p.m.

Christine thanked the membership committee for their work on updating the chapter membership list. The list should now be updated.
Christine also thanked the program and activities committee for their work in brainstorming new programming ideas.
The Libby presentation will be scheduled for February's meeting.
We may also discuss the impact of isolation, especially around Valentine's Day.

Christine mentioned the NFB's national work to address sexual misconduct and to promote diversity and inclusion. These initiatives were discussed on the latest Presidential Release.
Kathryn Webster spoke about the new Survivor Task Force and the ongoing efforts to address instances of sexual misconduct.
The NFB is contracting with the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) to provide trauma-informed training for Federation leaders.
Additionally, the NFB has created a six-member survivor task force to serve as an advisory board on procedures and oversight; training and culture; and communications and engagement.
Individuals may confidentially email concerns to survivors at nfb.org<mailto:survivors at nfb.org>
or call 410-659-9314, 2238
updates will be posted to www.nfb.org/survivors<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfb.org%2Fsurvivors&data=04%7C01%7C%7C27c870fbc08e498ccf6808d8ba35e232%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637464088030481480%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=DS%2Fc0TKBSkYTcdFWz%2Br39NFoAb8Y9EsE6QH8sGk1uzs%3D&reserved=0>
the task force is distinct from the body who investigates code of conduct reports; all task force members are survivors. Efforts are being made to ensure that an outside third party is part of every investigation.
Kathryn answered members' questions and provided clarifications. For example, she clarified that the task force serves the entire blindness community, including both Federation members and nonmembers.

Ureka Harrison spoke about the affiliate's Diversity and Inclusion committee. They are looking for feedback on subcommittees to create. Some existing subcommittees include multiple disabilities, Latinx, Black Empowerment, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and LGBTQ.
The D&I committee will be developing programming throughout the year.
Diversity goes a lot deeper than race.
Next month the Black Empowerment Committee will be doing a program for Black History Month.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Arielle Silverman, Secretary, National Federation of the Blind Potomac Chapter


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