[Nfbwv-talk] President Riccobono's Notebook for 6/14/18

[Smyth, Charlene R]

June 14, 2018
President's Notebook
National Federation of the Blind
Mark A. Riccobono
officeofthepresident at nfb.org<mailto:officeofthepresident at nfb.org>
410-659-9314

Dear Fellow Federationists,

Happy Flag Day! Today early voting has started in Maryland, and I stepped away from writing the banquet speech for a few moments to join members of the Federation at a protest in front of one of our early voting sites. In Maryland, blind people who use the ballot-marking device have a ballot that is a different size from the standard voter who marks their ballot manually. As we know well, separate is unequal, and it is great that our Maryland affiliate is leading the way on this important issue. It was a nice pre-convention rally.

I am anticipating being with everyone in Orlando. There is still a lot of work to get done before we arrive. I want to call the attention of our affiliate presidents to the convention and taking care that our delegations understand where to get what they need at the convention. As leaders, it should be our goal to make sure that all members have a welcoming, safe, and empowering experience. This group is central in finding problems and solving them. You will note that we have implemented some new supports to help convention attendees who might be feeling stressed or, in the worse cases, who run into problems of harassment. Those supports are not meant to give our presidents an out. You are still the first and most important line of information and support for our attendees. I know that each and every one of you works hard to make the convention the great gathering that it is every year. Thank you in advance for all that you will do to help make this our greatest convention ever.

Critical Actions This Week:
Convention Agenda Is Available:
The convention agenda has been posted online.
HTML version: https://nfb.org/convention/2018/agenda
Other formats: https://nfb.org/convention



News:

Text Message Alerts System Is Live:
I sent the first text message alert to the state presidents yesterday to alert them to the agenda posting. Only those state presidents that opted into the program were included. If you had signed up but did not receive a message, please let Beth Braun know. Please do not reply to these texts;, no one is alerted to a reply, and the account is not monitored.


2017 Annual Report Is Now Available:
Our 2017 annual report<https://nfb.org/annual-report> is now available online as an accessible PDF in a shorter, more engaging format. It features lots of highlights about important programs, stories, quotes, and photos. Please share the link nfb.org/annual-report<http://www.nfb.org/annual-report> with local members, donors, and others who might enjoy it. Share any feedback with communicationsteam at nfb.org<mailto:communicationsteam at nfb.org>.



Actions:
Portrait Studio at Convention:
This year we have a new backdrop for our portrait studio. We would like to get current photos of all board members and state and chapter leaders in front of it for 2018. These photos will be used on our new website, in the Braille Monitor, etc., and can make great profile photos anywhere you need one. Anyone is welcome to take advantage of this opportunity, but we are requesting leaders make it a priority. Please plan to drop by the portrait studio at one of the following times to have your photo taken:



July 3 Seminar Day: Portrait Studio Open: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
July 5 Board Meeting Day: Portrait Studio Open: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
July 6 Opening Session: Portrait Studio Open: One hour before general session starts.
July 8 Banquet Day: Portrait Studio Open: One hour before banquet.



Dates to Keep in Mind:

  *   July 3-8, 2018: National Federation of the Blind National Convention<https://nfb.org/convention>, Orlando, Florida
  *   July 29-August 4, 2018: NFB EQ<http://www.blindscience.org/nfbeq>

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.


Mark A. Riccobono
President
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314 | officeofthepresident at nfb.org<mailto:officeofthepresident at nfb.org>

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.



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