[NFBWAtLarge] Meeting minutes

[Kris Colcock]

Here are the minutes for April and March

April 9 meeting

Attendance:

Nikki P.

Robby N.

Kris C.

Natalie C.

Marci C.

Suzi P.

And 11 members.



Ice Breaker - What are you looking forward to in the warmer weather?

Minutes were tabled until May

Treasurer's Report - Interest of .05 cents, $952.93 in the account.
Treasurer's Report was accepted.



Marci talked about the NFB National Convention. Suggested if you've not
been before, you go this year. She talked about scholarships that are
available with deadlines in April. Shared that the NFB settled a
discrimination suit with Oregon State University. Sizeable settlement with
agreement to make materials more accessible. She also shared that the
advocacy for the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library is going to
receive enough money that allows them to open to the public and a
receptionist. The opening will begin in July.



Discussion about Fundraising. Ideas were entertained. Possibly device to
raffle off. Meta glasses were suggested. Murray shared that Seeing AI is
hoping to pair with the glasses by September or October. Philip can get the
Meta glasses for a 10% discount. Marci shared that the affiliate tried to
raffle off the glasses and the affiliate didn't make any money off the
effort.



Natalie asked about what type of raffle does well. Nikki shared that device
raffles seem to do well as well as 50/50 raffles. Nikki reminded that
chapter engagement was essential. Johnathan suggested that the raffles go
for longer than 30 days. He also suggested a 50/50 raffle.



Suzi said product raffles need to have an appeal outside of the
organization. Meat sticks were mentioned. Popcorn was mentioned. Marci
reminded us of See's Candies. A good idea for Valentines Day or Easter or
Mother's Day.



The chapter is giving money to help people get to national conventions and
giving national funds. Kris suggested we donate $500 in total. $25 to each
of the funds and $400 to help people go to the convention all to be sent to
the affiliate to add to the pool. It was moved and seconded. Discussion
ensued. There was concern about the ability of the chapter to replenish
funds. Also, the chapter had ideas of what they wanted to do as a chapter
and would there be enough money to meet those goals. Nikki reminded us of
the goals the chapter set during the state convention. Goals included
wanting to help people get to National convention and Washington Seminar.
The chapter also wanted to get together as a chapter during the summer
months. Ideas of social time with a picnic, bowling or going to someone's
house. After discussion, the motion passed.



Kris C. suggested a gift basket from convention as a fund raiser. Kris C.
offered to sponsor $100 of goodies from convention. The idea is being
considered and will be talked about at the May meeting.



Chapter additional Zoom meeting. Suzi talked about how to talk with your
legislators. 12 people attended. Suzi shared some highlights. There were
lots of questions and they helped people feel more confident to talk to
their legislators. There was some role playing about how to leave messages
with staffers.  Discussion about 504 and asking for the lawsuit to be
withdrawn. Based on the popularity there was a decision to continue these
additional meetings. The next social meeting will be a game night. A
subcommittee was formed by Natalie, Jill and Murray. Others are welcome to
help.



Chapter will start with appa-teasers. A five minute period of time to talk
about anything.



Chris H. shared his story. He spent 5 minutes telling his story. Chris'
context was giving a pitch for a larger story. He shared the importance of
regular vision screenings and doctor visits.



Final reminder to write to your legislators as it makes a difference when
we all work together.



It was moved and seconded that we adjourned.







March Meeting

Nikki P.

Robby N.

Kris C.

Natalie C.

Jason C.

Suzi P.

And 12 members

Secretary minutes - Minutes for December, January and February were
approved.

Treasurer's Report - no activity on account. $952.82 .06 from interest



Marci was ill and missed the meeting. Nikki reminded people that they can
still apply for Jernigan scholarships and that financial aid from the
affiliates is available.





Reminder that by going to nfbnet.org you can find a number of listservs for
a number of interests. Ben reminded us of the NFB scholarships. The
National NFB gives away 30 different scholarships. He reminded us that a
letter from the affiliate president is needed and the deadline is
approaching.



We reviewed the state convention. Chapter members shared their memories and
take aways. Getting to spend time with fellow chapter members was a big
part of the memories. Student scholarships were also a big hit.



                              Natalie shared her feelings of being OK and
building her confidence. Robby was elected to the state treasurer position
and Natalie to the state secretary position. Many people enjoyed Norma's
interactions throughout the convention.



Nikki reviewed the goals of the chapter that were decided on at the
convention. They included getting people to the conventions and seminars
across the nation and in state. They also included getting together as a
chapter at least once in person during the year. We also have a membership
goal of 3 to 5 new members a year. Hold a Zoom gathering to talk about
different topics outside of the chapter meeting.



There was discussion regarding how fundraising works and that the chapter
is not a not for profit, but the state affiliate is.



Voted in three new members.



Suzi talked about the voting issues and that the Secretary of State is
concerned about security issues. This is interfering with accessible
voting. Suzi is trying to coordinate a meeting with Secretary of State to
make voting truly accessible. Questions were asked and discussion motivated
our first outreach Zoom event of how to connect with your legislators.



Adjourned
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