[Nfbwv-talk] Funding for National Convention

[Karen McDonald]

Charlene, this is in the message that you sent to us.
 Active NFB members, blind or sighted, who have not yet attended 
an NFB national convention because of lack of funding are 
eligible to apply.



As far as I can see, it says nothing about anyone who has 
attended the national convention in the past.
Karen

 ----- Original Message -----
From: "Smyth, Charlene R via Nfbwv-talk" <nfbwv-talk at nfbnet.org
To: "NFB of West Virginia Discussion List 
(nfbwv-talk at nfbnet.org)"<nfbwv-talk at nfbnet.org
Date sent: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:48:42 +0000
Subject: [Nfbwv-talk] Funding for National Convention

I realize that national conventions can be very expensive.  For 
those of you who might be a little short of money, I encourage 
you to find someone you can share a room with to split lodging 
expenses.  I also want to encourage those of you who need some 
assistance to apply for a Jernigan Fund Scholarship.  These 
scholarships are usually, but not always, given to first-timers.  
If you have any question whatsoever as to whether you should 
apply for one of these scholarships, please call me at 
304-841-1111 so we can discuss this.

The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund

by Allen Harris

[Allen Harris]From the Editor: Allen Harris is the chairman of 
the Kenneth Jernigan Fund Committee and was one of the people who 
came up with the idea of honoring our former president and 
longtime leader by establishing a program to promote attendance 
at the national convention, where so much inspiration and 
learning occur.  Here is Allen's announcement about the 2015 
Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund Program:

Have you always wanted to attend an NFB annual convention but 
have not done so because of the lack of funds? The Kenneth 
Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund invites you to make an 
application for a scholarship grant.  Perhaps this July you too 
can be in the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida, enjoying 
the many pleasures and learning opportunities at the largest and 
most important yearly convention of blind people in the world.

The three biggest ticket items you need to cover when attending 
an NFB national convention are the roundtrip transportation, the 
hotel room for a week, and the food (which tends to be higher 
priced than at home).  We attempt to award additional funds to 
families, but, whether a family or an individual is granted a 
scholarship, this fund can only help; it won't pay all the costs.  
Last year most of the sixty grants were in the range of $400 to 
$500 per individual.

We recommend that you find an NFB member as your personal 
convention mentor, someone who has been to many national 
conventions and is able to share money-saving tips with you and 
tips on navigating the extensive agenda in the big hotel.  Your 
mentor will help you get the most out of the amazing experience 
that is convention week.

Who is eligible?
Active NFB members, blind or sighted, who have not yet attended 
an NFB national convention because of lack of funding are 
eligible to apply.

How do I apply for funding assistance?
1.     You write a letter giving your contact information, and 
your local NFB information, your specific amount requested, and 
then explain why this is a good investment for the NFB.  The 
points to cover are listed below.

2.     You contact your state president in person or by phone to 
request his or her help in obtaining funding.  Be sure to tell 
the president when to expect your request letter by email, and 
mention the deadline.


3.     You (or a friend) send your letter by email to your state 
president.  He or she must add a president's recommendation and 
then email both letters directly to the Kenneth Jernigan 
Convention Scholarship Fund Committee.  Your president must 
forward the two letters no later than April 15, 2015.


Your letter to Chairperson Allen Harris must cover these points:

  *   Your full name, and all your telephone numbers and label 
them-cell phone, home, office, other person (if any).
  *   Your mailing address and, if you have one, your email 
address.
  *   Your state affiliate and state president; your chapter and 
chapter president, if you attend a chapter.
  *   Your personal convention mentor and provide that person's 
phone number.
  *   Your specific request:
Explain how much money you need from this fund to make this trip 
possible for you.  We suggest you consult with other members to 
make a rough budget for yourself.

The body of your letter should answer these questions:
How do you currently participate in the Federation? Why do you 
want to attend a national convention? What would you receive; 
what can you share or give? You can include in your letter to the 
committee any special circumstances you hope they will take into 
consideration.

When will I be notified that I am a winner?
If you are chosen to receive this scholarship, you will receive a 
letter with convention details which should answer most of your 
questions.  The committee makes every effort to notify 
scholarship winners by May 15, but you must do several things 
before that to be prepared to attend if you are chosen..

1.     Make your own hotel reservation.  If something prevents 
you from attending, you can cancel the reservation.  (Yes, you 
may arrange for roommates of your own to reduce the cost.)

2.     Register online for the entire convention, including the 
banquet, by May 31.


3.     Find someone in your chapter or affiliate who has been to 
many conventions and can answer your questions as a friend and 
advisor.


4.     If you do not hear from the committee by May 15, then you 
did not win a grant this year.


How will I receive my convention scholarship?

At convention you will be given a debit card or credit card 
loaded with the amount of your award.  The times and locations to 
pick up your card will be listed in the letter we sent you.  The 
committee is not able to provide funds before the convention, so 
work with your chapter and state affiliate to assist you by 
obtaining an agreement to advance funds if you win a scholarship 
and to pay your treasury back after you receive your debit or 
credit card.

What if I have more questions? For additional information email 
the chairman, Allen Harris, at 
<kjscholarships at nfb.org<mailto:kjscholarships at nfb.org>> or call 
his Baltimore, Maryland, office at (410) 659-9314, extension 
2415.

Above all, please use this opportunity to attend your first 
convention on the national level and join several thousand active 
Federationists in the most important meeting of the blind in the 
world.  We hope to see you in Orlando.
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