Celebrating Our Past: Dreaming For Our Future

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF NEBRASKA
50th ANNUAL GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
OCTOBER 22-24, 2020

Anywhere and Everywhere
“Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.” – Nelson Mandela 

The National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska 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.  Together with love, hope, and determination, we transform dreams into reality.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND PLEDGE

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts 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.

CODE OF CONDUCT

We welcome all attendees to our convention and embrace diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Although we are meeting using Zoom, these items are still relevant. To that end, please keep the following expectations in mind when you join us:

Through advocacy, public awareness, and mentoring, the National Federation of the Blind provides support to members and advocates for our rights to live the lives we want. As a member or guest at our convention, you represent not only yourself, but also our organization.

We want you to enjoy your time with us, make new friends, and renew old acquaintances. Although we encourage members to socialize and have fun, the convention also provides an important opportunity to come together to continue the work of our organization, to learn about the important initiatives that we are involved with on a local and national level, and to plan our work for the future.

Please remember these guidelines:

1. Welcome new attendees: Although you will undoubtedly enjoy time with your friends, please reach out to those who have never joined us before and help them to be comfortable. We welcome people from all walks of life and with diverse needs and experiences.
2. Attend and participate in sessions.
3. Harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If your behavior could possibly make anyone uncomfortable, even if you would not be upset by it yourself, do not do or say anything that could be considered inappropriate by anyone.

ZOOM CONFERENCE BASICS

Telephone:

To mute or unmute your audio, press *6. Note: during convention, all persons will be muted by default. 
You must raise your hand to request the ability to speak. If your name is mentioned as a winner of a door prize, you must raise your hand to claim your prize. To raise your hand to ask a question, or claim your door prize, press *9. Always allow the host to lower your hand.

Windows Desktop or Laptop Computer:

You can mute your microphone by pressing Alt+A or by pressing the spacebar on the mute audio button. To unmute, press Alt+A again or press the spacebar on the unmute button.
You must raise your hand to request the ability to speak. If your name is mentioned as a winner of a door prize, you must raise your hand to claim your prize. To raise your hand, press Alt+Y. Always allow the host to lower your hand.

iPhone or iPad:

Tap on the settings button and look through the options to improve your experience. There are two buttons, meetings and general. Meetings has settings you should review.

Auto connect to audio allows you to select connect to internet audio.
This gets rid of the prompt before you connect to a meeting and ensures you get the best sound quality.

Always mute my microphone when joining a meeting ensures you are never accidentally heard until you want to speak.
You can unmute yourself by just double tapping the unmute audio button when you have something to contribute.

Always turn off my video ensures you never unintentionally show yourself or your environment when you did not mean to.
Important: To prevent the annoyance of VoiceOver always speaking the names of participants as they join and leave, turn off Show name when participants join.

When connecting, you will get a prompt saying, “to hear others, please join audio.”
Select the “call using internet audio” option or go into settings and select internet audio to always be automatically connected.

Important: Find and double tap the mute my audio button until you want to be heard. Or go into settings and choose to always mute audio upon entry. 
To raise your hand, tap on the more button on the far right, then double tap the button to raise your hand. This will exit you to the main screen. Allow the host to lower your hand. To know who is currently speaking, swipe to the far left. It will say, displaying person’s name avatar. You may want to use the earbuds that came with your iPhone. 
Again, always make sure your microphone is muted when you are not speaking to prevent creating noise or people hearing you. 
AGENDA

(All Times Are Central Daylight Savings Time)

Thursday, October 22, 2020

6:30 PM        Nominating Committee (closed meeting): 

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

Jeff Altman, Nominating Committee Chair

7:30 PM – 8:00 PM    Virtual Welcome and Rookie Round-up

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

 

BYOB and drop in to begin the celebration! We’re all newbies to the convention in the cloud so join us and learn about NFBN and the fun days ahead. 

Friday, October 23, 2020

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM     Don’t Throw It Away – Vote 2020! 

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

Come see a demo of the new Express Vote machine and hear directly from Deputy Secretary of State Wayne Bena and Lou Ann Blake, J.D. Director of Research Programs, Blindness Initiatives and Jeff Kaloc, Government Affairs Specialist National Federation of the Blind 

 
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM    Tools to Empower You

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

Hear the latest from Kimberly Scherbarth, NFBN-Newsline® Nebraska Coordinator, Gabe Kramer, Director Talking Book and Braille Service, Ryan Osentowski, Station Manager Radio Talking Book and Patrick J. Fischer, NanoPac, Inc.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM    Krafters Corner 

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

Jill Rossiter, Vice President NFB Crafters Division Facilitator.  A list of the needed supplies can be found on the Convention webpage http://ne.nfb.org/2020

12:45 PM – 4:15 PM     General Session

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

Call to Order: Amy Buresh President, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska 
Invocation: Kimberly Scherbarth, President, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, At Large Chapter and Member, NFBN Board of Directors
Housekeeping and announcements – Mike Hansen, 2nd Vice President National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska
1:20 PM – 2:00 PM    The Rainbow Connection: Filling that Pot of Gold Together – The National Report. Dr. Marc Maurer, Immediate Past President, National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, Maryland
2:10 PM – 2:30 PM    One Man’s Journey: Golden Nuggets Learned And Created Along The Way. Michael Hingson, Founder and CEO Michael Hingson Group and consultant, Independent Science LLC
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM    Those Were The Days! Round Table Reminiscences Barbara Loos, Moderator and Special Guest Presenters Mrs. Mary Ellen Jernigan and Mr. Jerry Eckery
3:30 PM – 3:50 PM    Blazing New Trails And Speaking For Themselves – Brandon Peters, Danni Schutz,  and Molly Troxel
3:50 PM – 4:05 PM    Parent Power: National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) –Carlton Ann Cooke Walker, President, NOPVC
4:10 PM –     Adjourn

“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?'” – George Bernard Shaw

4:15 PM – 6:30 PM    Career Mentoring Youth Track 

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

Reach for the stars and dream big dreams. You can be what you want to be. All youth and students are encouraged to come and learn more. Maurice Peret and Maura Loberg, coordinators

 

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

 

4:15 PM – 6:30 PM     NFBN Senior Division Annual Meeting 

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

Robert Newman, President

8:00 PM             NFBN Got Talent 

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

Sponsored by the Nebraska Association of Blind Students

Saturday, October 24, 2020

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM    Breakfast with the Board (open to all)

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM    Watch and Learn: 

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

Navigating the muddy road of accessible television, apps and devices. Wes Majerus, Facilitator

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM     NFBN Student Division Annual Meeting. 

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

Maura Loberg, President

2:30 PM             General Session

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

Invocation: Linda Mentink, President, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, Columbus Area Chapter and Member, NFBN Board of Directors

2:40 – 3:10 PM        Hidden Treasure: Unearthing The History Of Nebraska’s Blind — Peggy Chong, the Blind History Lady

3:15 — 3:30 PM        Partners For Success In Empowering The Blind Of Nebraska To Live A Full Life, Be Gainfully Employed And Achieve Their Dreams NCBVI Update — Kimberly Scherbarth, NFBN Designee to the Board of Commissioners and Carlos Servan, Executive Director

3:30 — 4:00 PM    Can We Build It? Yes We Can! Constructing A Separate Commission: A Celebration Of 20 Years Of Separate Services For The Blind Told By Those Who Helped Make It Happen. Christine Boone, panel moderator

4:00 — 4:15    Tackling Problems, Blocking Her Fear, And Scoring Her Points: Straight From The Heart And Soul Of One Of Our Own — Randi Strunk

4:20 — 5:00    Takin’ Care of Business
A.    Roll Call of Chapters and Divisions.
B.    Minutes of the 2019 Convention.
C.    Annual Treasurer's Report.
D.     Nominating Committee Report.
E.    Elections

5:00 PM —    Adjourn.

7:00 PM             Annual NFB of Nebraska Banquet 

Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda

Barbara Loos, Master of Ceremonies

Invocation: Cheryl Livingston, Treasurer, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska

Keynote Address: Dr. Marc Maurer Immediate Past President, National Federation of the Blind.

Raffle Drawings: Maura Loberg, President, Nebraska Association of Blind Students and Jamie Richey, Secretary, National 
Federation of the Blind of Nebraska
 Awards: Cheryl Livingston Awards Committee Chair
NFBN Scholarship Presentations: Shane Buresh, Scholarship Chair.
PAC It Up 

STAY CONNECTED AND IN THE KNOW!

Follow the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska on Twitter! Visit http://www.twitter.com/nfbn

Like us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/nebraskasblind

Stay connected with your Nebraska Federation family by joining our state e-mail listserv. This list allows you to receive affiliate and national announcements. To sign up, visit www.nfbnet.org.

Visit us online at http://www.ne.nfb.org.

FUNDING THE MOVEMENT

Get On The PAC Plan:

The Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Plan has come to be an ever-more important part of financing our movement since its inception in 1974. The PAC Plan allows members, affiliates, chapters, and others to give a regular and automatic donation to the Federation every month. All you have to provide is your checking or savings account identification information. Because of the costs associated with operating the program, the minimum donation is $5 a month and there is no restriction on how much you donate. Anyone can enroll in PAC or make changes to monthly contributions during state convention and throughout the year. PAC contributors or potential contributors can complete the webform at http://www.NFB.org/PAC to enroll or make changes to your PAC contributions. On the webform, existing donors can indicate if they want to increase the contribution, the amount, and give their contact information. New donors are asked to complete the form, indicate their monthly contribution, the state to be credited, and their contact information. Our PAC team will follow-up with new donors for their bank account or credit card details. Anyone who needs to stop their PAC contribution or who has questions can also email PAC@NFB.org or call us at 410-659-9314, extension 2622, or 1-877-632-272 (NFB-2PAC). Barbara Loos chairs Nebraska’s PAC efforts. Please contact by phone at (402) 486-3679 or email, beloos@neb.rr.com.

Dream Makers Circle

You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle. It is easier than you think. You can visit your bank and convert an account to a P.O.D. (payable on death) bank account which is payable after your passing to the National Federation of the blind or one of our affiliates. Your legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income generating gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or a life insurance policy. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage, or list NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For additional information, please contact Patti Chang at (410) 659-9314, extension 2422 or at pchang@nfb.org.

Vehicle Donation

The National Federation of the Blind uses car donations to improve the education of blind children, distribute free white canes, help veterans, and so much more. We have partnered with Vehicles for Charity to process donated vehicles. Please call toll-free (855) 659-9314, and a representative can make arrangements, or locally call Jeff Altman at (402) 489-9458.  You can also donate online by visiting www.nfb.org/vehicledonations.

A Note From Amy: SPECIAL THANKS FROM THE STATE PRESIDENT

There is a chill in the air. Leaves are falling. The smell of simmering soup and baking apple crisp tantalizes the senses. A cozy sweatshirt feels good. Inside I am feeling the warm glow of Federation spirit. Even though it has been a trying and difficult year, being with all of you at our first ever Nebraska virtual family reunion lifts my spirits and the love wraps around like a cozy blanket. I hope it does the same for you. 

To those who helped with registration, welcomed new members, served on committees and collected door prizes your efforts are truly appreciated. This is OUR Federation! We built it and we will continue to grow it.

To our distinguished guests and presenters, thank you for your service and your commitment to increasing opportunities for blind children and adults in Nebraska.

To those who contributed to PAC, guested on NFBN’s Got Talent and sold raffle tickets needed to support our organization, your generosity and sacrifice make our programs possible.

To state and chapter officers, your support and dedication are invaluable. Thank you for spreading our message of love, hope and determination throughout Nebraska.

To my distinguished colleague, Dr. Marc Maurer, thank you so much for your leadership, laughter and nuggets of wisdom.

To Shane, Noah and Sarah, family is the greatest blessing and my best and most favorite job. Thank you for your patience, love and understanding.  Most of all, for being a constant source of humility, strength, comfort, laughter, and light. XOXO always and forever!

To each member of my Federation family, thank you for your never-ending enthusiasm, love, sacrifice, and tireless commitment to our organization. Together, we are forever shattering barriers and misconceptions about us: living the lives we want and turning dreams in to reality! I am filled with hope, energy, and love by participating in the National Federation of the Blind because my expectations are raised, my contributions make a difference to me and to others, and I can celebrate the realization of my dreams with my Federation family.

  So with renewed hearts, strengthened dedication and resolve, Together, LET’S GO BUILD THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND!
—Amy Buresh

Live the life you want
by J.P. Williams, James Brown, Richie Flores, and J.J. Meddaugh

Live the life you want
nobody can stop you,
Shoot for the sun,
break on through,
So your blind, you'll be fine, we've got good news,
you can live the life you want
We know the truth.

Grab a cane, get trained, gotta get moving.
Make a change, earn a wage, that's what we're doing.
Come with me,
to live the life you want,
You and me, NFB
let's dream together,
NFB, you and me
lives on forever,
you will see.
You can live the life you want, nothing can stop you.
Shoot for the sun, break on through,
So your blind, you'll be fine, we've got good news,
you can live the life you want,
cause we know the truth.
you can live the life you want,
cause we know the truth.