[Ohio-Talk] Ohio President's December remarks

Wed Dec 15 16:14:52 UTC 2021

Happy Holiday's Ohio, Members and Friends,

I am wishing you all a wonderful and prosperous New Year to come! I am also
grateful for the work we have accomplished in 2021. On behalf of me and the
Vice President, thank you, thank you and thank you for your service!

It is very hard again to sit down and not mention the weather in Dayton
which at the time that I am writing this email it is 60 degrees.  Who can
possibly complain about that! However, I would also like to say that the
recent storms that were reported across several states leaving a tremendous
amount of damage really had an effect on my heart. I have a lot of family as
I am sure that many of you do in neighboring areas. Please keep those who
are affected by the devastating storms in your prayers and thoughts.

You know that I have maintained that this affiliate has a tremendous amount
of talent. It is also reasonable to say that  we need to find a more
effective way to develop and tap into the upcoming leaders in the movement.
As a whole, you can count on me pushing myself and current leaders to help
to do our part to open opportunities for others to lead and collaborate with
them in a way that will bring members along.

I would like to thank the legislative team for the challenging work and all
of you who done what you could to see our legislation make it to the point
that it has so far. But we can count on more work to come. Eric and the team
has made it fairly easy! Nevertheless, getting laws changed can get very
testy! So, hopefully we can celebrate the parental rights bill being part of
the Ohio law very soon.

As we reflect on the work that was done over the last year, be aware that
COVID has not left and in some cases, it is more aggressive. I urge everyone
to stay safe and do your best to check on each other more than ever before. 

You will find the 2022 NFBO State Committees and the team that will be
attending the 2022 Washington Seminar in the body of this message.
Additionally, other vital information from the National Office is included
as well.

Again, Happy Holidays and please have a Happy upcoming New Year!

2022 NFBO Committee appointments.

1: AWARDS COMMITTEE
Charge: To oversee the awards process, to provide information and feedback
when necessary, and to make reasonable judgments about NFBO awards.

Annette Lutz, Chair
Jerry Purcell
Macy McClain

2: BELL COORDINATOR 
Charge: To communicate and help with planning the inhouse bell program and
to organize the bell Academy and plan efficient ways to promote and execute
the important programs. 

Eric Duffy, Coordinator

3: COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE
Charge: To educate the Ohio Affiliate about the professional and personal
benefits of community service, to encourage chapters, divisions, and
individuals to participate in projects in their communities, to encourage
members to identify or develop and implement their own service projects, and
to educate  the public about NFB philosophy and the skills and abilities
blind people bring to community service

Cheryl E. Fields and Pat McPherson co-chairs
Colleen Roth
Candice Armstrong
Barbara Mabry 
Susan Day
Delcenia Brown
 Michael Moore
 Wanda Sloan
 Maggie Stringer 
Joann Williams

4: CONSTITUTION  Committee
Charge: To make sure that all NFBO constitutions follow the state and
national constitutions, both philosophically and rhetorically.

Barbara Pierce, Chair 

5:RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
Charge: To oversee the submission process and to write and distribute
clearly articulated and philosophically sound resolutions. 

Todd Elzey, chair
Debbie Baker
Barbara Pierce
Macy McClain
Andra Stover

6: DEAF-BLIND Committee 
Charge: To aid and provide information to those who are in this unique
community and to serve as a vehicle to foster a positive relationship for
the deaf-blind community. 

Sharon Dodds , chair
Todd Elzey
Suzanne Turner
William Turner

7: EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Charge: To inform the president about policies, legislation, strategies, and
initiatives in which NFBO should be engaged to improve educational
opportunities for blind youth throughout the state.

Jordy Stringer, chair
Suzanne Turner
Debbie Baker
Annette Lutz
marianne denning
Caroline Karbowski

8: FINANCING THE MOVEMENT COMMITTEE including (SUN coordinator, Jernigan
Fund coordinator, PAC coordinator)
Charge: To make members aware of these specific organizational fundraising
opportunities and to implement strategies to increase participation. 

Colleen Roth, chair
Annette Lutz

9: FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Charge: To investigate added opportunities to increase NFB-O resources and
to implement effective fundraising strategies and programming. 

Todd Elzey, chair
Delcenia Brown 
marianne denning

10:  LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Charge: To increase the organization's visibility and effectiveness in the
state legislature and to continue to support our efforts in Washington
throughout the year. 

Eric Duffy, chair
Jordy Stringer
Todd Elzey
Debbie Baker
Annette Lutz
William Turner
Andra Stover
Olivia Bump

11: MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Charge: To implement effective strategies to recruit and retain members and
to reinvigorate the chapters and divisions of NFBO. 

Carolyn Peters, chair
Maggie Stringer
Dianna Labiche
Kinshuk Tella
Pat McPherson
Dave Perry,
William Turner

12: PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY AND NEWSLINE COMMITTEE
Charge: To assist with updating the content on  the Newsline service, as
well as, promoting and advertising NEWSLINE. Members on this committee
should be proficient computer users.
To develop content and suggest creative ways to promote NFBO branding.
Responsibilities include research audience preferences and discover current
trends, create engaging text, image and video content, design posts to
sustain readers' curiosity and create buzz around current issues, stay up to
date with changes in all social platforms ensuring maximum effectiveness,
train leaders how to use social media in a cohesive and beneficial way.
, and oversee social media accounts. 

Todd Elzey, Chair
Maggie Stringer
Macy McClain

13: SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Charge: To conduct the affiliate scholarship program and to develop and
implement effective strategies to increase the visibility of the program and
increase participation. 

Jordy Stringer, Chair
Kinshuk Tella
Jessica Stover

14: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee
The charge for the committee is to provide education and training, guidance
and advocacy where needed. Our diverse community includes, but is not
limited to, the intersectionality of ability, age, religion, race,
ethnicity, culture, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation.

Christopher Sabine, chair
Emily Kiehl
Carolyn Peters
William Turner
Annette Anderson
Laurita Jones
Sheila Wilson
Masquenada Douglas

14: Employment Committee
To inform the president about policies, legislation, strategies, and
initiatives on why NFBO should be involved to improve employment
opportunities for blind persons throughout the state and beyond; the
importance of holding various platforms on accessible technology,
socializations skills, resume writing, career exploration and preparing
employers for interviewing and hiring blind people; also prepare members for
the National and various Career Fairs through, Learning about new employment
resources. Networking and interviewing techniques; finally educating members
on the significance on how to advocate for reasonable accommodations,
rehabilitation services and other vital resources to aid one in being
productive and successful in obtaining and maintaining a career.    

Suzanne Turner, Chair
Christopher Sabine
Andra Stover
Olivia Bump

I am so proud of those who have been chosen to attend this year's Washington
Seminar in 2022. I understand that others wanted to attend, but because of
social distance requirements, many limitations were imposed this year  due
to the current health crisis. We will have a number of events hopefully in
the new year and I will be looking forward to your attendance to serve in
this capacity at the local and state levels.

The Ohio Representatives will be:
Richard Payne
Delcenia Brown
Eric Duffy
Todd Elzey
Kinshuk Tella
Emily Kiehl

News:
	2022 Washington Seminar Update:
	The 2022 Washington Seminar will take place from Monday, February 7,
through Thursday, February 10, 2022, at the Holiday Inn Washington
Capitol-National Mall. This is the same, familiar location at 550 C St., SW
Washington, DC, that we have been going to for decades. As is tradition, the
Great Gathering-In will take place that Monday, February 7, from 5:00 to
7:00 p.m., eastern, and meetings with your members of Congress will take
place the following Tuesday, Wednesday, and for the states with more
representatives, Thursday. Due to social-distancing requirements, we are
allotting only a limited number of participants from each state affiliate,
so we are referring members back to affiliate presidents to discuss
participation in this year's seminar activities. 
	For the 2022 Washington Seminar, we are taking four issues to
Capitol Hill:
1.	Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 431/S. 212)
2.	Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 4853)
3.	Twenty-First Century Website and Application Accessibility Act
4.	Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (H.R.
2373/S. 3238)

Those of you who are longtime Federation convention goers may recall our
1997 convention when we were last in New Orleans. We set our current
in-person attendance record that year. Wouldn't you like to be part of the
next attendance record? Mark your calendar for January 1 with a note to make
your reservation for our triumphant return to normal-ish.
The Marriott New Orleans will serve as our headquarters hotel while right
across the street is the Sheraton New Orleans providing the balance of our
sleeping rooms and activity space. The hotels sit astride the storied Canal
Street at 555 and 500 Canal Street respectively, only blocks from the mighty
Mississippi River and even closer to the historic French Quarter. Both
hotels offer a range of dining options as well as fitness centers. You'll
find a rooftop pool at the Marriott while the Sheraton features a Starbuck's
in its atrium lobby.
The nightly rate for both the Marriott and the Sheraton is $109 for singles
and doubles. Triples and quads can be booked for $119 per night. In
addition, the combined sales tax and tourism support rate is 16.2 percent,
and there is a hotel occupancy fee of $3.00 per night. To book your room for
the 2022 convention, call 1- 800-654-3990 after January 1. For each room,
the hotel will take a deposit of the first night's room rate, taxes, and
fees and will require a credit card or a personal check. If you use a credit
card, the deposit will be charged against your card immediately. If a
reservation is cancelled before Monday, June 1, 2022, half of the deposit
will be returned. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made beyond
that date.
The 2022 convention of the National Federation of the Blind will be a truly
exciting and memorable event, with an unparalleled program and rededication
to the goals and work of our movement. The action begins on Tuesday, July 5
and will conclude on Sunday, July 10 when the gavel falls at the conclusion
of the banquet. The agenda will again be chockfull of seminars, committee
and division meetings, and other breakout sessions. Open to all, the
National Federation of the Blind's Board of Directors will hold its annual
meeting. General convention sessions will be filled with informative and
inspirational presentations. And of course, attendees can look forward to
exploring the exhibit hall and capping the week off with the banquet. 

	Scholarship Applications Open-Share with Students Now:
	The National Federation of the Blind's annual scholarship program is
the largest of its kind in the nation. Every year we award thousands of
dollars to blind scholars across the country and provide them with a trip to
national convention (and more!). The full application is due by March 31,
2022. Learn more and share this opportunity with students and families:
https://nfb.org/scholarships. 

	Mark Your Calendar for the January Presidential Release:
	The January Presidential Release will take place January 4, 2021, at
8:00 p.m., eastern. The monthly Presidential Release provides important
updates and perspectives of the organized blind movement, and the live event
includes a Q&A session. Submit questions in advance to cdanielsen at nfb.org
<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>  and put PR512 in the subject line, or call
410-659-9314, extension 2473. Zoom details coming soon. 

	December Braille Monitor Available:
	The latest issue of the National Federation of the Blind flagship
publication is now available. Read about the 2022 National Convention;
diversity, equity, and inclusion; Blind Equality Achievement Month; and more
stories from members. Access the Braille Monitor now
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2111/bm2111tc.htm> .

	Final Week to Request Santa or Winter Letter:
	The National Federation of the Blind works to get more Braille into
the hands of blind and low-vision children. We are excited to provide the
option for a Santa or Winter Celebration Braille letter, both in either
English or Spanish. Each letter comes with a fun activity packet and a print
version for the whole family to enjoy. Deadline for requests is December 17.
Request a Santa or a Winter Celebration letter today
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters
/english-form> . 

	More Braille Books from Our Partners, the American Action Fund:
	The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults Braille Book
Program provides blind children with a free Braille book every month from a
popular children's reading series. Sign up for the program by December 15 to
start getting the 2022 selection in January. Learn about the 2022 Braille
Books Program and how to sign up
<https://www.actionfund.org/programs/braille-books-program> .

	December 15 Seminar: A Guide to Accessible Devices:
	Join the National Federation of the Blind Center for Excellence in
Nonvisual Accessibility and the Maryland Department of Disabilities on
Wednesday, December 15, from 1:00-5:00 p.m., eastern, to learn about
accessible smart speakers, Braille displays, smart-home devices, and
accessible entertainment technology. Register for the December seminar today
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events
> .

	Independence Market - Products of the Month and Sale Items:
	Products of the Month:
*	Kenneth Jernigan Map of the United States - large, take-apart,
topographical puzzle map for learning about various geographical features of
the United States - $250
*	Magnetic Checkers - portable magnetic checkers' board; easy to play
on-the-go - $22
*	Phase 10T Cards (Braille) - popular Phase 10 game with
Braille-labeled cards and play instructions - $15
*	UNOR Cards (NFB Braille Edition) - the classic UNO game with Braille
labeled cards - $10

	Sale and Close-out Items:
*	Shut the Box Math game - $10
*	Nine Men Morris game - $10
*	Solitaire and Fox and Geese game - $10
*	Cube clock - $5
*	Camera bag - $1
*	Egg separator - $1

Dates to Keep in Mind:
(All times eastern)
*	December 17: Deadline to request Santa or a Winter Celebration
Letter
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters
/english-form> 
*	January 4: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.
*	February 1: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.
*	February 7: Great Gathering-In, 5:00 p.m.
*	February 7-10: Washington Seminar
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/> 
*	March 1: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.
*	March 31: Deadline to submit scholarship application
<https://nfb.org/scholarships> 
*	July 5-10: National Convention, New Orleans

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.