Nashville Chapter Minutes - January 19. 2019
By Sheila Hansen
OFFICIAL PLEDGE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its Constitution.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE
Sign at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo: “Care for the small creatures and all else follows.”
Members reflected on the quote. Start with the small things, then work your way up to the bigger things.. If you start with the big things, it can be overwhelming.You can’t start building a building from the roof; you start from the foundation. If you think about all the little facets of our lives all at once, it can be overwhelming.
PRESIDENTIAL REPORT
Tabled due to full agenda. You can listen to it on www.nfb.org. James Boehm stold us that some of the things President Riccobono talked about were the NFB strategic plan, two new AIRA plans for NFB members, the 2019 Washington Seminar, and the 2019 NFB National Convention.
ATTENDANCE:
16 in attendance
4 on Facebook page.
0 on phone line
Roll call - Each attendee answered the question “How do I educate my friends and family about blindness and my ability to be independent?”
Mikaela said that anyone with a disability can do what they want. Nobody should tell them that they can’t.”
Sam from TRC said “Don’t try to walk my journey for me; walk it with me.”
Josh Harper said “I can do anything you want, I just might have to do it a different way.”
Wendy Boehm said to emphasize your strengths and what you are able to do. Look for your hidden strengths and share them.
Beverly Parker said that we are not to be pitied..
Michael White quoted Friedrich Nietzsche: “To live is to suffer, but to survive is to find meaning in the suffering.”
Jana Jackson talked about well-meaning people trying to help us do things that we are capable of doing.
Milica Zivic and others agreed and reiterated these sentiments in their own words.-
John Harris said, “Wherever you are, remember what got you there. If it’s bad, get rid of it. If it’s good, continue to use it.”
H.K. Derryberry said that FAIL means “First Attempt In Learning” and said he recently went snow skiing in Colorado
APPROVAL OF LAST MONTH’S MINUTES
September’s minutes: No meeting October-December
Motion: Jana Jackson
Second: Milica Zivic
Motion passed
APPROVAL OF CURRENT AGENDA
Motion: Michael White
Second: Milica Zivic
Motion passed
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Treasurer’s Report
Report for October-January
By J. P. Williams
September 2018
Beginning balance: $4,290.26
Expendatures: $ 0
Deposits: $318.73
Surplus: $318.73
Ending balance: $4,609.29
No October 2018 report due to no meeting.
November 2018 (October 2018 incorporated)
Beginning balance: $4,609.29
Expendatures: $235.47
Deposits: $2,115.00
Paypal $618.29
Venmo $50
Surplus: $2,318.99
Ending balance: $6,528.28
December 2018
Beginning balance: $6,528.28
Expendatures: $492.88
Deposits: $300.00
Deficit $192.88
Ending balance: $6,335.40
January 2019
Beginning balance: $6,335.40
Expendatures: $50 (Travel grants)
Venmo $117.41 (Board member inner)
Deposits: $ 0
Deficit; $167.41
Ending balance: $6167.99
APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion: John Harris
Second: H.K. Derryberry
Motion passed
PUBLIC RELATIONS/SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT
No meeting this month. Focus is on the fundraiser and inviting folks from the community to join us!
FUNDRAISING REPORT
James Brown wasn’t present, but he passed on the message that we will start the Dine Out for a Week fundraiser in April.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
We are up to 32 members!
Added a new member in October. Welcome Kristy Satherfield!
We are the largest chapter in Tennessee! Keep up the good work!
NFB TRIVIA
Name 2 programs, tools or resources that the NFB provides.
Milica Zivic won, with the help of a friend.
Some of the services are:
NFB Connect app - you can find nearby NFB local chapters when you’re traveling.
KNFB Reader
Free White Cane
Free slate & stylus
Independence Market
OLD BUSINESS:
Update on care package for young boys- James Brown
Care packages for 2 boys born blind - Families barely getting by. Nashville NFB bought them clothes, tactile games, clothes, and James & Crystal Brown took the boys shopping.
Congratulate Beverly Parker and Tyler Lewis for winning the two tech grants of 2018. Beverly got an iPhone. Tyler got an iPad.
Tech grant applications for the next tech grants are now open. There are two grants once a year.
Successful Chriatmas party.potluck - Thanks for your support!
NEW BUSINESS:
Chapter dues for 2019 are due by March 1, 2019 - $15
State Convention coming up. You can pay online for the convention admission as well as the banquet. There is now a way to pay with a credit card if you choose. Information will be on the Nashville NFB website.
TAGDU Conference call third Monday of the month at 7pm. Invite vets, dog lovers, potential guide dog users to join. Come check us out! Division is planning for state convention.
State convention plans:
$15 for convention, $40 for banquet. Total $55 for both.
Discussion about transportation - ride with the Memphis chapter. They have a load coming through Nashville on Thursday and Friday. Cost: $30 per person on the buses; Nashville chapter will cover this. Meet up location: TBD
Lodging: Room rates $105 + 17.2% tax per night.
Assistance with state convention, first timers especially: Men’s and women’s room if necessary for those who can’t afford their own room. Share with 2 or 3 others.
50th anniversary NFB T-Shirts available to order. Our cost is $8.00 each. Colors: Red or blue. Sizes: S-3XL.
National Convention - July 7-12, 2019 in Las Vegas, NV.
Convention grant details Stipend $250 per person.
DD council grant of $500 Assistance with application.
We will have elections for President, Vice President, Secretary and board members in April.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Birthdays:
Mikaela ‘s birthday was Dec. 31.
Vesna Zivic - Jan. 30.
Lynn Starks was out sick.
Tyler Lewis’ grandfather just passed away.
James Brown is training for cross-country skiing.
NEW MEMBERS VOTED IN THIS MEETING:
Jennifer Vick
Michael White
Sam Dix
Makayla Rodman
APPROVAL OF NEW MEMBERS
Motion: John Harris
Second: Sheila Hansen
Motion passed
We now have 36 members!
Stay tuned to emails regarding upcoming meetings and schedule
Adjourn Meeting
Meeting Line Details:
857-232-0158; Access code 253955
Facebook page and “live” feed:
https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleInsight/