Announcing the First Annual Gwendolyn M. Mangnall Convention Scholarship

Have you heard about the fun fellowship and empowerment a state convention
of the National Federation of the Blind can bring? Always wanted to attend
but didn't have the funds? Then I urge you to submit an application for a
grant from the NFBN Gwendolyn M. Mangnall scholarship fund.

It is through the generosity of a bequest left for us from Mrs. Mangnall
that we are able to award this grant.

*Who is eligible? *

Active NFBN members, whether blind or sighted, or blind individuals
interested in learning more about the National Federation of the Blind of
Nebraska, who have not yet attended an NFBN state convention because of lack
of funding are eligible to apply.

*How do I apply for funding assistance?*

1. Write a letter providing your contact information, and your local NFB
chapter information or how you became interested in learning more about the
NFBN, the specific amount you are requesting to cover the convention
expenses you are unable to afford, and then explain what you hope to gain
from attending the NFBN convention, and as well as what you hope to be able
to one day contribute to the efforts of the Federation. The points to cover
are listed below.

2. Submit a letter of recommendation from your local NFBN chapter president
NCBVI counselor, teacher or other non-family member.

Your letter to President Buresh and the committee must cover these 5 points:

-          Your full name, and all your telephone numbers, (Please label
The cell phone, home, office, other person, etc..).

- Your mailing address and email address if you have one.

- Your local chapter name and chapter president, if you
Participate in a local chapter.

- Your specific request:

- Explain how much money you need from this fund to make this trip
possible for you. We suggest you consult with NFBN members who have attended
previous conventions to make a rough budget for yourself.

The body of your letter should answer these questions:

- How do you currently participate in the Federation, or what do
you hope to learn about becoming a part of the NFBN?

- Why do you want to attend a state convention?

- What would you hope to receive by attending the convention or
becoming a member and what do you hope to contribute to the efforts of the
Federation to improve the lives of blind people?

You can include in your letter to the committee any special circumstances
you hope they will take into consideration.

*When will I be notified that I am a recipient of this scholarship? *

If you are chosen to receive this scholarship, you will receive a letter
with convention details that should answer most of your questions. The
committee will make every effort to notify scholarship winners by October 5,
but you must do several things before that to be prepared to attend if you
are chosen.

1. Make your own hotel reservation. If something prevents you from
attending, you can cancel the reservation. (Yes, you may arrange for
roommates of your own to reduce the cost.)

2. Register online for the entire convention, including the banquet, by
September 30. Winners must plan to attend the convention in its entirety in
order to receive a grant.

3. If you do not hear from the committee by October 5, then you did not win
a grant this year.

*How will I receive my convention scholarship?*

At convention, you will be given your cash by Treasurer Cheryl Livingston.
The times and locations to pick up your grant will be listed in the letter
we sent you. The committee is not able to provide funds before the
convention, so we recommend that you work with your chapter and others to
assist you by obtaining an agreement to advance funds if you win a
scholarship and to pay them back after you receive your grant. You can also
contact President Buresh should you be running into difficulty obtaining the
necessary funding in advance of the committee's decision.

*What if I have more questions?*

For additional information email president Buresh at president@ne.nfb.org or
call her at (402) 440-4722.

Above all, please use this opportunity to attend your first NFBN state
convention. You won't want to miss the most dynamic and influential
gathering of Nebraska's blind this year. We hope to see you in Norfolk!