[Njabs-talk] National Convention First Timers Convention Announcement

[EVELYN E. VALDEZ]

Allen 

Harris chairs the Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund committee. He has 

an important announcement for those who would like to attend this year's 

national convention but find themselves short of funds. This is what he 

says:
The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund is 

looking for individuals who can use some financial assistance to attend our 

national convention in Orlando, Florida. In 2011 our convention will begin on 

Sunday, July 3, and run through Friday, July 8. The convention ends with the 

banquet Friday evening.
Who is eligible to receive a Kenneth Jernigan Convention 

Scholarship?
If you are a member of the National Federation of the 

Blind, you are eligible to apply. Preference, however, will be given to 

first-time convention attendees. The scholarship selection committee is able to 

make an occasional exception, but first-time convention participants are the 

target group.
What do I have to do to apply for a Kenneth Jernigan 

Convention Scholarship?
You must do the following and are responsible for these 

application requirements:
1. Find out who your state NFB president is and get him 

or her to write a letter of recommendation for you, or you may have a chapter 

president or other officer write a letter of recommendation, but we must have a 

letter from a Federation leader who is familiar with you.
2. You must write a letter to the Kenneth Jernigan Fund 

committee expressing the reasons why you want a scholarship. Describe your 

participation in the Federation and what you think you would get and give to the 

convention. Please send all information to Allen Harris, 5209 Sterling Glen Drive, Pinson, Alabama 

35126, or email the 

information to <allen.harris at dwx.com> or 

<joy.harris at dwx.com>.
3. You must register for and attend the entire 

convention, including the banquet.
What else must I do to insure that my application will 

be considered?
We must receive all of the 

following:
1. Your full name
2. Your address
3. Your 

telephone numbers (home, business, cell)
4. Your email address (if you have 

one)
5. Your state president's name and the name of your local chapter, if 

you attend one
All applications must be received by April 14, 

2011.
How do I get my scholarship funds?
You will get a debit card at the convention loaded with 

the amount of your scholarship award. The times and locations to pick up your 

debit card will be listed in the notice you receive if you are a scholarship 

winner. The committee is not able to provide funds before the convention, so 

work with your chapter and state affiliate to assist by advancing funds you can 

pay back when you receive your scholarship.
When will I know if I have been selected as a Kenneth 

Jernigan Scholarship winner?
The committee makes every effort to notify scholarship 

winners by May 15, but you must do several things to be prepared to attend if 

you are chosen:
1. You must make your own hotel reservation. If 

something prevents you from attending, you can cancel your 

reservation.
2. You will receive a letter with the convention details 

which should answer many of your questions. It is also helpful to find a mentor 

from your chapter or affiliate to act as a friend and advisor during the 

convention. Although you will not know officially whether or not you have been 

selected until mid-May, you must make plans to attend and then adjust your plans 

accordingly.
This past summer in Dallas the Jernigan Fund scholarship 

committee awarded seventy Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships. The average grant was 

$600. You can include in your letter to the committee any extenuating 

circumstances which the committee may choose to take into consideration. Above 

all, please use this opportunity to attend your first convention and join 

several thousand other blind Federationists in the most important meeting of the 

blind in the world.
If you have questions or need 

additional information, call Allen Harris at (205) 520-9979 or email him at 

<allen.harris at dwx.com>. You may also email Joy Harris at 

<joy.harris at dwx.com>. We look forward to seeing you in Orlando.