[nfbwatlk] Affiliate News

[Kaye Kipp]

Thank you for passing the news on.  I also thought that hotel in Everett was 
excellent.

Kaye
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
To: <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 5:14 PM
Subject: [nfbwatlk] Affiliate News


> Fellow Federationists:
>
> I have some items of affiliate news:
>
> First, the Holiday Inn Downtown-Everett worked so well for this year's 
> fall convention that I decided to investigate the possibility of a repeat 
> performance. Gary Mackenstadt has signed the contract for next year's fall 
> convention: it will be held October 2-4, 2009, again at the Holiday Inn 
> Downtown-Everett, 3105 Pine Street, Everett, Washington 98201; telephone 
> (425) 339-2000. Room rates are slightly higher than was the case this 
> year; they are $88 plus tax per night for singles, doubles, triples and 
> quads. We have the meeting room all day Friday and Saturday and Sunday 
> morning. If we do not have events on Friday, we can modify the 
> arrangement. I will have more information as we get closer to the actual 
> convention date.
>
> Second, on Saturday, I attended the December meeting of the State 
> Rehabilitation Council (SRC) OF THE Department of Services for the Blind 
> (DSB). Although DSB, LIKE OTHER STATE AGENCIES, WILL HAVE TO TRIM ITS 
> BUDGET APPRECIABLY, I can say with confidence that the vocational 
> rehabilitation program will not be substantially affected. In particular, 
> DSB WILL NOT HAVE TO IMPLEMENT AN ORDER OF SELECTION FOR VOC REHAB 
> CLIENTS. For more details, we shall have to await publication of the 
> Governor's budget proposal, slated for December 20. The Governor has 
> directed all state agencies to go through a "Priorities in Government", 
> POG, PROCESS, A METHOD OF MAKING POLITICAL DECISIONS APPEAR RATIONAL AND 
> SCIENTIFIC. As I say, the voc rehab program will survive essentially 
> intact. However, it is clear that DSB's two legislative proposals 
> announced at our recent convention, a direct appropriation for NFB 
> Newsline and more funds for the Independent Living program, are unlikely 
> to go forward. W
> hile this is disappointing, given the dismal financial climate, it could 
> have been much worse.
>
> Finally, Dr. Maurer has decided to hold a seminar for affiliate presidents 
> at the end of February, 2009. The last one was held in early 2006 and 
> their have been many changes in affiliate presidents since then. One of 
> the principal topics of discussion will be fund-raising efforts and 
> strategies for the affiliates as well as for the Federation as a whole. 
> The abysmal financial climate has affected fund-raising revenue for all 
> affiliates and for the Federation in the aggregate; revenues are down and 
> we are developing new models for fund-raising which will be discussed at 
> the seminar. I will keep you informed.
>
> I am pleased that the holiday party in Seattle went well and I am sure 
> that the holiday party of the Clark County chapter will be equally filled 
> with fellowship and good cheer!
>
> May everyone have a happy holiday season and may 2009 be a good year for 
> all of us personally, the NFB OF Washington and for the NFB AS A WHOLE.
>
> Warmly,
>
> Mike Freeman, President
> National Federation of the Blind of Washington
>
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