[Nfbv-announce] Action Required: Richmond Seminar

[Joe Orozco]

If you plan on attending Richmond Seminar and need a roommate, please
notify me via email. Reply to this email and please confirm your
arrival and departure dates. I am aware a few matches have already
occurred, so even if you have previously written to me before, please
take the opportunity to communicate with me again in advance of the
January 6 deadline listed below so that I am working with the most
up-to-date information. Remember, all I'm doing is facilitating
roommate matches. It is still your responsibility to make room
reservations. The original message with all the details follows.

Thanks,

Joe




On 12/3/18, Joe Orozco <jsorozco at gmail.com> wrote:
> This is for those of you who won't appreciate the hard work that is the
> affiliate newsletter. And, well, it's nice to have something like this as
> its own targeted announcement. :)
>
>
>
>
> 1st Legislative Reminder: Richmond Seminar
>
>
>
>
> The National Federation of the Blind of Virginia is a powerful force
> advocating for blind Virginians. Please join us for the Richmond Seminar on
> January 21-22, 2019 to ensure our voice is heard in the offices of the
> General Assembly.
>
>
>
> If you have never attended a Richmond Seminar, we strongly encourage you to
> attend and participate in representative democracy in action. Everyone is
> assigned to a team with an experienced leader. The General Assembly members
> and their staff are very receptive and welcoming. They know we are
> organized, articulate, and well versed in the subject matter.
>
>
>
> We will put everyone on the team to work, sharing our issues and answering
> the questions of legislators and their staff.
>
>
>
> The issues we will bring to Richmond are still under consideration but will
> most likely include:
>
> *	Expanding resources for the Virginia Department for the Blind and
> Vision Impaired;
> *	Disabled Parents Bill of Rights; and
> *	Ensuring an equal education for blind and low vision students.
>
> The final list of issues will be presented at the board meeting on Monday,
> January 21. We have bills being drafted that will need co-sponsors. Chapter
> Presidents should make contact with their General Assembly members in their
> local offices before the end of the year. If you need assistance in
> identifying them, contact Tracy Soforenko.
>
>
>
> A meeting with our elected legislators in their home districts will go a
> long way in establishing the recognition that is needed for our visit to
> Richmond. All Chapter members are encouraged to participate. If you intend
> on doing a meeting or need help setting one up, please contact Tracy
> Soforenko.
>
>
>
> Our board meeting is scheduled for 1:00 PM Monday afternoon, January 21,
> which is Martin Luther King Day.  A lunch will be available at the
> cafeteria
> on the premises. The Board Meeting will be held in the large conference
> room
> at the Library and Resource Center on the DBVI campus on Azalea Avenue in
> Richmond.
>
>
>
> Our General Assembly visits will be Tuesday, January 22. The affiliate will
> reimburse transportation expenses and hotel expenses.
>
>
>
> Chapter presidents should arrange cost effective transportation for their
> chapter members. Individuals are expected to share hotel rooms and must
> obtain hotel reservations themselves at the NFB of Virginia rate. If you
> need assistance identifying a room share, please contact Joe Orozco via
> email: jsorozco at gmail.com no later than January 6..
>
>
>
> Hotel rooms are available at the Delta Hotel.) The complete contact
> information is:
>
>
>
> Delta Hotels by Marriott Richmond Downtown
>
> 555 East Canal Street
>
> Richmond, VA 23219
>
>
>
> The group rate is $129 plus applicable taxes. You may begin making
> reservations at any time by calling the reservations line at
> 844-781-7397and
> referencing NFBVA. Please note reservations must be made no later than
> Sunday, January 6, 2019. Note guests will receive a $10 discount toward
> parking.
>
>
>
> If you run into any problems with making reservations or need assistance at
> the hotel, please call our Operations Coordinator, Joe Orozco.
>
>
>
> Chapter presidents must provide an initial list of the names of the
> individuals planning to attend from their chapter to Tracy by Sunday,
> January 6, 2019 and additional names as they are known so we can establish
> and update teams in advance.
>
>
>
> Finally, if anyone in your chapter is interested in being a team leader,
> have them reach out to Tracy directly. If you have any questions, please
> contact Tracy Soforenko: 202-285-4595, or via email at:
> tracy.soforenko at gmail.com.
>
>
>
>