[NHLakesChapter] 2021 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind

Mon Jul 5 10:40:48 UTC 2021

Thanks.  I will check into it when I get home.  Talk later.  I was thinking of Lydia yesterday!  Hope you and she had a happy birthday!

Jeannie

From: NHLakesChapter <nhlakeschapter-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Dana Trahan via NHLakesChapter
Sent: Sunday, July 4, 2021 11:35 PM
To: 'NFB of New Hampshire Lakes Region Chapter List' <nhlakeschapter at nfbnet.org>
Cc: danatrahan at comcast.net
Subject: [NHLakesChapter] 2021 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind

I hope everyone enjoyed the 4th!

This email may be redundant, but it might be helpful.  It includes all of the information I have received via email since I signed up for the National Convention…get ready for tons of info!

It’s not too late to sign up and take part in as little or as much as your schedule allows. Register for chances to win door prizes and more. Last-minute registrants will not be able to vote, but there’s still tons to be a part of.

Know someone who hasn’t registered yet? Registration is open and free! Encourage them to register now at 

https://nfb.org/registration .

Dates: Tuesday, July 6 through Saturday, July 10, 2021

Location: Anywhere and Everywhere

We are excited that you are attending the largest gathering of blind people. We are stronger together: transforming and unifying our future. Please watch this welcome message from President Riccobono 

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21502 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21502&qid=5505839> &qid=5505839 

and start planning your banquet meal!

Access information: Zoom details and other ways to access will be provided in the agenda, via email, and at 

www.nfb.org/convention <http://www.nfb.org/convention>  . 

Kick Off Convention with the NFB LOL Comedy Night

On Monday, July 5 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Eastern, the host affiliate, Maryland, is hosting the first-ever LOL Comedy Night. The event will bring blind comedians right to the virtual stage to make us laugh out loud. The master of ceremonies for the event is Marilee Talkington

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=22006 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=22006&qid=5662638> &qid=5662638 , 

an acclaimed blind actor who recently appeared onscreen in the Apple TV Plus adventure drama See. Attendees who are eligible can vote on their favorite comedian. Participation is free. Join via Zoom: 

https://zoom.us/j/98598715785.

The overall schedule for the 2021 convention is:

Monday, July 5: Pre-Convention Activities

•             7:30 p.m. – LOL Comedy Night

Tuesday, July 6: Seminars & Specialized Meetings

•             9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Exhibit Hall

•             9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Presidential Suite

•             8:00 p.m. – One Voice: #StrongerTogether #NFB21 Concert. Please note: Separate registration is required for the concert.  Learn more at https://nfb.org/concert.

Wednesday, July 7: Board Meeting & Resolutions

•             9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Exhibit Hall

•             9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Presidential Suite

•             2:00 p.m. – Board Meeting

•             5:00 p.m. – Resolutions Committee

•             6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Presidential Suite

Thursday, July 8: Division Meetings & Opening Ceremony

•             9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Exhibit Hall

•             9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Presidential Suite

•             1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Division Meetings

•             5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Presidential Suite

•             6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies

Friday, July 9: Presidential Report & General Session

•             8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. – Presidential Suite

•             9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Exhibit Hall

•             11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Affiliate Caucuses

•             2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – General Session: Presidential Report

•             6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – General Session

Saturday, July 10: Business Session & Banquet

•             9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Exhibit Hall

•             9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Presidential Suite

•             1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – General Session: Financial Report, Elections, and Resolutions

•             4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – General Session

•             7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Banquet

Access the #NFB21 Convention Agenda

Seminars. Meetings. General Sessions. Exhibits. There is something for everyone. The 2021 National Federation of the Blind National Convention agenda is available in several formats. Please share this information with chapter members who may not receive emails. 

•             2021 National Convention Agenda (HTML) https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21678 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21678&qid=5571579> &qid=5571579 

•             2021 National Convention Agenda (EPUB) https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21679 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21679&qid=5571579> &qid=5571579 

•             2021 National Convention Agenda (Word) https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21680 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21680&qid=5571579> &qid=5571579 

•             2021 National Convention Agenda (BRF) https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21681 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21681&qid=5571579> &qid=5571579 

•             2021 National Convention Agenda (Spanish) (Word) https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=22003 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=22003&qid=5662638> &qid=5662638 

Enhance Your Convention Experience!

Log in today and throughout the 2021 National Federation of the Blind National Convention. Access important information, visit the exhibit hall, network with attendees, and more. 

What is the virtual event platform? Available via either the mobile app or the web, our virtual event platform lets you: 

•             Customize your personal convention schedule

•             Join Zoom meetings instantly

•             Connect directly with sponsors and exhibitors

•             Network with other attendees and send messages

•             Receive important updates and notifications

How do I access the virtual event platform?

You will receive an email invitation to login to the CrowdCompass mobile app and virtual event platform. The subject of the email will probably say “Access the 2021 National Convention Virtual Event Platform”. Follow the link in the email to initiate a login and another link to verify your account.

Via the Mobile App

•             Follow this link to download the mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store https://crowd.cc/s/40gtm .

•             Or, search for “NFB 21” in the app store.

•             Login with the same email address you used to register for the convention.

Via the Web

•             Visit https://crowd.cc/nfb21 .

•             Login with the same email address you used to register for the convention.

•             You'll receive a verification code via email each time you initiate a login on the web.

Use the mobile app, the web, or both. When you initiate a login, you'll receive a verification code via email. Create a profile to start networking and begin building your personal schedule. Please note that your profile should be marked visible in order to network with other attendees. 

The excitement and engagement is already beginning. If you have questions regarding the app, please email 

nfb at nfb.org <mailto:nfb at nfb.org> .

NFB21 Voting Details: Important Information

As a member of the National Federation of the Blind and registrant for the 2021 National Convention, you are receiving this email because you are eligible to vote during our general sessions. We have arranged for a voting platform that will allow you to vote via SMS (text message) or by phone. The phone number for voting is 667-xxx-xxxx. You may choose to program this number into your phone. Below is important information to review prior to convention to prepare for voting. 

As the supreme authority of the organization, the Convention elects leaders and sets policies and priorities. Delegations normally need to be in-person to vote, but the board has proposed rules of engagement for the virtual environment. Similar rules were adopted in 2020.

•             Review the proposed rules of engagement for the 2021 NFB Virtual Convention. https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21661 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21661&qid=5565778> &qid=5565778 

•             Review a board resolution being recommended to the convention to establish a fund to support survivors under our code of conduct. https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21662 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21662&qid=5565778> &qid=5565778 

•             Review proposed resolutions—which will be posted under https://nfb.org/resolutions  as soon as the committee has processed them.

Voting

•             Every member in good standing who registered for the convention and indicated their intention of voting during the convention registration by May 31, 2021 and provided a valid telephone number to be used for voting will be eligible to participate in votes during the business meetings of the convention. will be eligible to vote.

•             All individuals who are members, are registered for the convention, and who opt in to the voter enrollment by the specified time above, will constitute the pool of Convention voters.  

•             All voting will be done via phone, either by texting or by calling.

•             Any matter must receive a simple majority of the votes cast by the Convention voters present and voting in order to be affirmed.

•             “Present and voting” will mean the subset of convention voters who actually cast a vote on a given question. Thus, voters who are indifferent to a matter cannot block its consideration by the Convention by choosing not to cast a vote.

•             All votes will be allocated two minutes for vote time. 

•             After two minutes, if the outcome to the question under consideration is unclear, the chair will poll the delegates by voice vote for a definitive outcome. 

•             If voting indicates seventy-five percent support for or against a question prior to the two-minute period elapsing, the chair may elect to move to the next order of business.

•             An opportunity to practice voting will be offered in the convention on a question that has no impact on the policy of the organization.

Motions and Nominations from the Floor

•             Only delegates will be able to make motions, second motions, and nominate candidates from the floor during the convention. 

•             Should a member of a delegation wish to make a motion or nominate a member for election by the Convention, their delegate must bring it forward on their behalf.

•             A member may petition another delegate to support their motion, especially if the delegate from their own state will not support the motion.

Resolutions

•             Resolutions to be presented to the Convention must proceed through the resolutions committee process as usual.

•             Resolutions being recommended to the Convention by the committee will be posted to the web at https://www.nfb.org/resolutions  by 8:00 p.m. Eastern, or three hours after the committee meeting (whichever is later) on July 7, 2021.

•             Affiliate delegations will be encouraged to discuss resolutions during their state caucus on July 9.

•             Those wishing to speak for or against a resolution on the floor of the convention must submit their interest in doing so by sending an email to resolutions at nfb.org <mailto:resolutions at nfb.org>   by 5:30 p.m. Eastern on July 9. The email must contain the individual’s full name, state affiliate, number of the resolution they wish to discuss, whether they are for or against the resolution, and a phone number where they can best be reached in case there is an issue with the Zoom platform.

•             Reminders will be given at each of the general sessions prior to the deadline regarding the above process. 

•             In determining the amount of debate a resolution requires, the chair may use the Zoom polling option to get a sense of the crowd, ask the delegates for their feeling on cutting off debate, or engage some other strategy outside of the voting system to gauge the sense of the convention. 

We look forward to your participation in the 2021 National Convention. If you have questions, please email votingsupport at nfb.org <mailto:votingsupport at nfb.org>  . Thank you! 

Diversity and Inclusion

The NFB is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, integrity, and respect. Throughout the week, you will have amazing opportunities to network with thousands of blind role models and leaders, attend presentations on a wide variety of empowering topics, and view the latest in technology. To allow all attendees the chance to benefit from all aspects of the convention, we must provide a harassment-free environment for everyone. We appreciate your assistance in cultivating an atmosphere in which participants from diverse backgrounds can learn, network, and share with each other in a spirit of mutual respect. Thank you for doing your part to contribute to our community and the high expectations we strive to maintain.

Engage with us about convention on social media using the hashtag #NFB21–you can start now by posting that you are registered for the NFB 2021 National Convention! 

If you haven’t already, please contact your state affiliate for more ways to get involved and meet more Federationists.

Give $20 Convention Drawing

Each year, thousands of Federation members contribute during national convention to various funds that support blind people, like the tenBroek Memorial Fund which maintains the National Federation of the Blind headquarters building, known as the Jernigan Institute, in Baltimore for the benefit of blind people. In 2021, your generosity is still needed to fund our great programs. When you give $20 or more between April 15 and July 10 at 2:00 p.m. ET, you will be entered into the Give $20 Convention Drawing, to win an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2022 NFB National Convention, OR $2,000 CASH! Learn more and give today.

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21208 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21208&qid=5341084> &qid=5341084 

win the following:

•             Round-trip transportation for two for the 2022 NFB National Convention

•             A hotel room at the convention

•             Registration and banquet tickets for two

•             $1,000 in walking-around cash

OR take the cash—$2,000!

Support Accessibility. Impact Education, Employment, and Independence.

Accessibility means providing equal access to information. Equal access is crucial for independence, education, and employment. The National Federation of the Blind works every day to bring accessibility to the blind community by educating, advocating, and providing resources and tools to individuals, businesses, government, and educational institutions. Learn more about our accessibility work at 

www.nfb.org/cena <http://www.nfb.org/cena>  .

Help support the work of accelerating accessibility and so much more by contributing to the National Federation of the Blind. 

Thursday, May 20 was the tenth Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). 

Deque offered multiple events and resources in support of Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Learn more at: 

https://www.deque.com/global-accessibility-awareness-day/ .

“Deque University scholarship recipients get free access to amazing coursework that could put you on a path toward Accessibility Consultancy.” - Mark Lasser, Senior Accessibility Consultant at Deque Systems and National Federation of the Blind Member

For more information or to donate by phone, contact us at 

outreach at nfb.org <mailto:outreach at nfb.org>   or 410-659-9314, extension 2282.

Send a check to National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, 200 East Wells Street Baltimore, MD 21230. Important: Be sure to have “Give 20” and the fund you are donating to in the memo (Kenneth Jernigan Fund, SUN Fund, White Cane Fund, or tenBroek Fund).

Get an Extra Chance at Bat!

Get a free extra chance to win the prize by sharing on social media. This contest is great for friends and family. Here is the pitch:

•             You must make a minimum donation of $20.

•             You must Like our Facebook and Twitter pages.

•             You must use the hashtag #NFB21 in your posts and share a personal story or experience about convention for added fun.

•             You must tag at least 2 friends in your posts.

•             If you’re adding an image, be sure you’ve added alt text to it.

Read the recent Braille Monitor article, "The 2021 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind on Track to be Bigger and Better than Ever". 

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21504 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21504&qid=5505839> &qid=5505839 

Resources for First-Time Convention Attendees

Is this your first convention or do you need a review of what to expect? We want your first convention to be a space where we grow stronger together with love, hope, and determination.

•             First Timer's Guide https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21506 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21506&qid=5505839> &qid=5505839 

Access more details on what to expect during convention. 

New Attendees please plan to stop by the presidential suite to say hello during convention. 

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21665 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21665&qid=5565778> &qid=5565778

Request Appointments with President Riccobono

The Presidential Suite is a place for attendees to connect with each other and where President Riccobono meets with individuals and groups who request appointments. Learn about the Presidential Suite, its schedule during the 2021 convention, and how to request appointments in the recent Braille Monitor article, "Visit the Presidential Suite at the 2021 Convention." 

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21512 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21512&qid=5505839> &qid=5505839 

Legal Office Hours During Convention

Disability rights attorneys will be available to discuss blindness discrimination concerns regarding employment, technology, education, voting, and more. Legal office hours will be held on Tuesday, July 6, and Wednesday, July 7, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. eastern. Schedule your private twenty-minute appointment by emailing 

vyingling at nfb.org <mailto:vyingling at nfb.org>  . 

Code of Conduct

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. Our organization requires a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we are committed to a safe and welcoming environment. As part of that effort, registration for national convention requires that you agree to the code of conduct. The NFB Code of Conduct outlines policies and standards for anyone who participates in Federation activities. Please read our code of conduct at 

https://nfb.org/codeofconduct  

and become familiar with the reporting process. Thank you for your commitment to the safety and support of the blind community.

Requests for Accommodations & Access Needs

The 2021 NFB National Convention will have closed captioning and Spanish interpretation for all general sessions and for breakout meetings as requested. The request for access support and accommodations was part of registration. Based upon your registration, you will receive communications prior to convention regarding breakout meetings and access support information. If you didn’t complete a request for access support in your registration, please email 

pmiller at nfb.org <mailto:pmiller at nfb.org>   as soon as possible.

Career Fair

The NFB National Career Fair will be held as a virtual event on the Zoom platform on Tuesday, July 6 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Job seekers can register until 5 p.m. ET Saturday, June 26. When you register, make sure that you attach your resume (include your name in the file name), as you will not be able to attach one later. You can find a useful resume format in this article in the May 2021 Braille Monitor written by Employment Committee Chair Dick Davis. 

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21514 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21514&qid=5505839> &qid=5505839 

If you are an employer who would like to hire talented blind professionals, please register here. 

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21515 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21515&qid=5505839> &qid=5505839 

Exhibitors

The exhibit hall is always one of the most visited locations during convention week. Visit the exhibit hall on our virtual event platform, CrowdCompass. Create a profile to network with other attendees. You can review the list of exhibitors on our website. 

https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/sponsors-exhibitors

View sponsor and exhibitor profiles at any time. 

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=22022 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=22022&qid=5662638> &qid=5662638 

Interact during the exhibit hall hours of operation:

•             Tuesday, July 6; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

•             Wednesday, July 7; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

•             Thursday, July 8; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

•             Friday, July 9; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

•             Saturday, July 10; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The 2021 National Convention banquet is on the evening of Saturday, July 10. During the event, we will drop into banquet parties across the country for a chance to say hello to the whole convention.

Ways to Access and Connect

There are multiple ways to participate in and interact with all convention events, from video conferencing to phone access. If you haven’t already done so, please also connect with your affiliate president.

•             All convention sessions, including the board meeting, general sessions, and the banquet, will be held via Zoom. Due to the large amount of sessions, there will be various links provided…Meeting IDs and Zoom links are provided in the agenda as well as our virtual event platform, CrowdCompass. Learn more about the features of Zoom on our Zoom information page.

•             For those who prefer phone access, we will provide local dial-in numbers. Find your local dial-in number on our Zoom information page and then enter the appropriate Zoom meeting ID.

•             Zoom shortcuts, tips, and tricks are provided on our Zoom information page. https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21656 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21656&qid=5565778> &qid=5565778 

•             Each convention attendee will receive an invitation email to access the CrowdCompass mobile app and virtual event platform on the web. Visit the exhibit hall, personalize your own schedule, and network with other attendees.

Additional Options for the Board Meeting, General Sessions, and the Banquet

•             Shoutcast https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21657 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21657&qid=5565778> &qid=5565778 

•             YouTube https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21658 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21658&qid=5565778> &qid=5565778 

•             Access our live stream by asking your Amazon device to play "Nation's Blind"

•             NFB-NEWSLINE® Subscribers (Using the telephone, press 5 from the main menu. Then select option 5 for "National Meetings of Interest to the Print Disabled." From there, select the "NFB 2021 Convention Stream.") https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=22005 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=22005&qid=5662638> &qid=5662638 

Connect on Social Media!

Join the Facebook event. 

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21586 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21586&qid=5525886> &qid=5525886

Dream Makers Circle – Make a Difference

You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle. It is easier than you think. Learn more about ways to transform dreams into reality for future generations. For additional information, please contact Patti Chang at 410-659-9314, extension 2422 or at pchang at nfb.org <mailto:pchang at nfb.org>  .

One Voice: #StrongerTogether #NFB21 Concert

Enjoy a night of performance and support our work changing what it means to be blind, one stage at a time. The National Federation of the Blind and our Performing Arts Division are hosting a fundraiser concert on July 6, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. eastern via Zoom. Please note: Separate registration is required for the concert.  Learn more at 

https://nfb.org/concert .

Music, memories, and more, hosted by our Performing Arts Division. Enjoy a night of many performances and support our work changing what it means to be blind, one stage at a time. 

Tickets are $20 for each household. Purchase your ticket now online 

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21710 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21710&qid=5584670> &qid=5584670

or call the Independence Market at 410-659-9314, extension 2216.

Check out a sneak peek of performances. 

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21711 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21711&qid=5584670> &qid=5584670 

About the Performing Arts Division

The National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division (PAD), a strong and proud division of the National Federation of the Blind, works to provide equality and opportunity to blind performers. We seek to connect blind performers of any genre and experience level and educate the public on the capabilities of the blind who choose to work in the performing arts or perform for recreation. Learn more about PAD. 

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21712 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21712&qid=5584670> &qid=5584670 

Sign Up for Our E-newsletter 

https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21219 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21219&qid=5341084> &qid=5341084 

Mark A. Riccobono, President

200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

410-659-9314 | Officeofthepresident at nfb.org <mailto:Officeofthepresident at nfb.org> 

Twitter: @Riccobono

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