[Ohio-Talk] From the President's Desk, July 2025

[Richard Payne]

>From the President's Desk, July 2025

Dear colleagues and friends,
 
As we greet the heart of summer, I find myself reflecting on the journey we
have traveled together over these past months. July offers us not only the
warmth of longer days, but also the opportunity to appreciate the growth and
achievements that define our community.
This year has been marked by resilience, innovation, and the shared pursuit
of excellence. Your dedication continues to inspire me-whether witnessed in
collaborative projects, new ideas brought to life, or the quiet moments of
support extended to one another. Together, we have turned challenges into
stepping stones, and aspirations into realities.
Looking forward, I am filled with optimism. The initiatives we have launched
are already bearing fruit, and I am confident that our collective
determination will carry us even further. Let us continue to foster an
environment where creativity thrives, where every voice is valued, and where
our commitment to integrity guides our actions.
Thank you for your unwavering spirit, your hard work, and your belief in the
promise of what we can achieve together. May this summer bring you
inspiration, rest, and renewed purpose.

This year's national convention was very good and as you have already found
out that some of our Ohio members were granted awards.
This speaks for the long commitment from our leaders out front and those who
you and I may not get the chance to know.

We will be having our state board of directors meeting on September 27,
2025, in the Ohio zoom room starting at 10:00 AM.

Many of you know of vendors and possible sponsors for the convention Suzanne
and I have been working on these items but could certainly use your help
visit our web page or direct people to it to find the forms.
"AIN'T No Stopping Us Now" is the theme for 2025.
AIN'T No Stopping Us Now! We fight to win, breaking down barriers and
sustaining our civil rights.

The Convention dates are Thursday, November 6, 2025, through Sunday,
November 9, 2025.
In the spirit of progress, I encourage you to carry this momentum forward as
we set our sights on the next chapter. Our successes are not merely trophies
of the past, but steppingstones toward the brighter future we envision.
Let's channel the energy from our recent victories into the planning and
preparation for what lies ahead.
As we look toward the upcoming board meeting and convention, I want to
emphasize the importance of your involvement in every stage. Your insights,
connections, and collective wisdom shape our path and help us rise to new
challenges. Every contribution-no matter how small-adds strength to our
foundation and propels us closer to our goals.

As we prepare for these important gathering's, I encourage all members to
share their insights and suggestions. Your perspectives are vital to shaping
the direction of our organization, and your active participation ensures
that our decisions reflect the diverse strengths within our community.
Please mark your calendars for September 27, and feel free to reach out in
advance with topics you'd like to see addressed during the board meeting.
Additionally, as we continue planning for the upcoming convention, your
recommendations and introductions to potential partners are invaluable. A
successful event relies not only on our hard work behind the scenes, but
also on the connections and ideas contributed by each of you. Let's work
together to build a network of support that will make this year's convention
truly memorable.

The 79th Ohio State convention will be held at the Wyndham Garden Westlake
Hotel. The address is 1100 Crocker Road, Cleveland Westlake, Ohio 44145. You
can make reservations by calling (800) 407-9832. Individuals must identify
themselves as being with the group, The National Federation of the Blind, at
the time the reservation is made. The room rate is only $115.00, taxes are
17.5%, which includes breakfast for 2 occupants per room. The last date to
reserve a room is Monday, October 6, 2025.

Let us take pride in our achievements and use them as motivation to reach
even greater heights in the year to come. Whether you are championing
initiatives behind the scenes or taking visible action in your community,
your efforts matter deeply to the future of our cause.
I am grateful for the collaboration and dedication each of you brings to our
shared mission. As we approach these significant milestones-the board
meeting and our annual convention-let's continue to support one another and
welcome fresh ideas. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and ensure that
our organization remains a beacon of perseverance and progress.
Wishing you all a joyful and productive summer season. I look forward to our
continued progress and to seeing many of you-virtually or in person-in the
months ahead.

With appreciation and hope,

	

Richard Payne, President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com> 

www.nfbohio.org <http://www.nfbohio.org> 

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.




Richard Payne, President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com> 

www.nfbohio.org <http://www.nfbohio.org> 

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.


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