[OAGDU] FW: [Ohio-Talk] State board meeting and Columbus Seminar .

Sat Jun 19 19:45:25 UTC 2021

I am forwarding this to this group so people can begin making plans to
attend the board meeting and go to the state capitol to advocate for the
bill we are hoping to pass during this during the current legislature. 

Also, remember that our state convention is Nov. 5-7. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Richard Payne
via Ohio-Talk
Sent: Friday, June 18, 2021 12:48 PM
To: Ohio-Talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Richard Payne <rchpay7 at gmail.com>
Subject: [Ohio-Talk] State board meeting and Columbus Seminar .

Dear Members of the Ohio Affiliate,
The time has finally come when we are beginning to plan in person family
gatherings. That is true for our personal families as well as for our
Federation family. We are doing this of course, with the understanding that
Covid-19 has not gone away. What we know is that getting one of the vaccines
that are now available. To us is the only way to stay safe. If you are not
fully vaccinated, you should consider wearing your mask at all Federation
events.
With this in mind we are now beginning to plan for an in person gathering in
Columbus this fall. Our planning is only beginning, but I want to get this
information to you as quickly as possible. It is now June, and some chapters
will not meet in July. Therefore, we have got to begin preparing now.
Our Parental Rights bill will soon be introduced in the House and in the
Senate. We are planning for a Columbus Seminar on September 20 and 21. The
Board of Directors will meet in the afternoon of September 19. We are also
planning a short job seekers seminar for the morning of September 20.
As I have already said, I don't know exactly how everything will work yet,
because we are in the very early planning stages. But, what I do know is
that as a member of a chapter or division of the National Federation of the
Blind of Ohio, you are an integral part of who we are as an organization,
and we are relying on you to help us make these events successful. Use these
opportunities to build your chapter and therefore to build the affiliate. 
Please read carefully the outline for the three days beginning on September
19,  as presented below. Talk with your chapter president and let him/her
know if you want to be a part of these events and how much time you have to
commit. The Board of Directors is committed to making these events all
inclusive. This means that we will do what we can to assist with
transportation, meals, and lodging, though we will be deeply grateful for
personal support for the events. We expect anyone who agrees to participate
in any or all  of the events to do so in a way that is in accordance with
the code of conduct of the National Federation of the Blind and is also
engaging, respectful, consistent with the brand and values of the National
Federation of the Blind, and that will help participants grow as members of
this organization. This is true regardless of whether or not we are
providing you with financial assistance. 
The Board of Directors will meet at 1:00 PM on Sunday, September 19. This of
course is an open meeting, and we urge as many members who can do so to
attend.  If for travel scheduling or other logistical reasons members need
to stay at the hotel Saturday night, we will work out the details if we know
of the situation in advance. We will gather for a relaxing dinner at a local
restaurant shortly after the conclusion of the meeting.
Monday begins our legislative work. The entire day of Monday, September 20,
is devoted to legislative training if that is what you are interested in.
But if you are looking for a job, there will be a job seekers seminar that
will run from 9:00 to noon, and at the same time  We will offer  a tour of
the Ohio State House as a part of our legislative work. Lunch is on your own
unless you are a part of the job seekers seminar, but once again, if you
need financial assistance please be sure to discuss the matter with me in
advance. 
In the afternoon you can be sure that we will have inspirational and
motivational speakers. You will get training on how to work in the Ohio
General Assembly all year long. Monday evening will be our great Gathering
In. This will include a meal appropriate for the occasion. If for any reason
you have been unable to join us for the earlier activities we want you there
in time for the evening activities. Again we will do what we can to break
down financial barriers to participation. Those of you who have been a part
of the Washington Seminar understand the importance of participating in the
Great Gathering In. Although we want to be as inclusive as possible, you
should also understand that by the time Tuesday morning is here, we have to
be organized and ready to hit Capitol Square running. This means that all
the training has to take place the night before.
Chapters please assist your members as much as possible. I will again say
that The affiliate will also work with anyone who needs assistance.
To the degree that it is needed, we will help with the cost of
transportation and lodging. We will do so in compliance with current
affiliate policies. This means that anyone who is requesting assistance with
lodging should be prepared to share a hotel room with one to three other
people. Transportation expenses will be reimbursed if discussed with me in
advance and provided that the appropriate receipts are included with a
signed expense reimbursement form.  On the next page you will find the
information we need from all members who wish to participate
In this exciting opportunity. Please begin discussing this with   your
Chapter or
Division president as soon as possible.
       Thank you in advance for your dedication and continued service to the
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio! I hope to see each and every one
of you in Columbus. Let's go build the Federation!
Member Participant form
1.      Name First and Last:
2.      Mobile Phone or other (please indicate which type):
3.      Email Address:
4.      Name and phone number of emergency contact:
5.      Arrival date:
6.      Departure date:
7.      Do you need transportation assistance? If so, please describe:
8.      Do you need financial assistance with lodging? 
9.      Do you have a roommate(s)? If so, please provide names: 
10.      Are you prepared to share a room with one to three others? 
11.      Please let us know of any special needs that you have related to
sharing a room. For example, are you allergic to dogs, do you need an
accessible room? 
12.      Please let us know your meal preferences. For example, vegetarian,
kosher, no seafood: 
13.      Do you have allergies or other medical conditions that we should be
aware of? If so, please list: 
14.      If you are planning on participating in the legislative activities,
who is your state senator? 
15.      Who is your state representative?
16.      Are you able to walk long distances?
Please email your request directly to me.
Richard Payne,  President
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio 937-396-5573or 937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com>  <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com> 

Richard Payne,  President
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com> 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.

Richard Payne,  President
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com> 
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.

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