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

Fri Jun 18 16:48:14 UTC 2021

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.