NFBN 2022 Convention Agenda
Our Time Is Now: It’s Never Too Late to Live the Life You Want!
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF NEBRASKA
51st ANNUAL CONVENTION
March 24-26, 2022
Anywhere and Everywhere
“The path you take is up to you. Make good choices, dream BIG, it is never too late.” - Chris Herren
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.
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 Time)
Thursday, March 24, 2022
6:30 PM Nominating Committee (closed meeting)
Meeting Login information was emailed to the Committee
“Connect enthusiastically. Give relentlessly. And lead bravely. Do that, and the future is yours!” - Ted Coine
7:30 PM – 9:30 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! Enjoy fellowship and fun. Meet our national representative Mr. Shawn Callaway. Practice voting using Zoom.
Friday, March 25, 2022
“It’s never too late to act on your dream” - Bruce Wilkinson
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM General Session
Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda
8:30 AM – 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
Welcome and housekeeping: Mike Hansen, 2nd Vice President National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska
9:00 AM – What we are doing together - the national report: Shawn Callaway, Member National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors and President, NFB of D.C.
10:00 AM – For your health: Panel presentation.
11:00 AM – Educating our blind children- an update on the latest happenings at the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired (NCECBVI): Sally Schreiner, Campus Administrator
11:25 AM – Read all about it - an update on the latest news from the Nebraska Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS): Gabe Kramer, Director
12:00 PM – Adjourn
1:00 PM – Virtual Exhibit Hall and Presentations. Drop in to hear a brief presentation from each of our venders. Then, be available in their own virtual room for you to drop in and talk directly with them.
Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda
3:00 PM – Benefits 101. Shauna Dahlgren,Work Incentive & Community Outreach Specialist Easterseals Nebraska Facilitator.
Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda
“Never say you are too old. You do not say it now, perhaps; but by and by, when the hair grows gray and the eyes grow dim and the young despair comes to curse the old age, you will say, “It is too late for me.” Never too late! Never too old! How old are you–thirty, fifty, eighty? What is that in immortality? We are but children.” - Lyman Abbott
6:30 PM – NFBN Senior Division Annual Meeting. Robert Newman, President
Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda
8:00 PM – NABS Night At The Movies
Sponsored by the Nebraska Association of Blind Students
Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda
Showing: La La Land
Description: While navigating their careers in Los Angeles, a pianist and an actress fall in love while attempting to reconcile their aspirations for the future.
Saturday, March 26, 2022
“It’s never too late to act on your dream” - Bruce Wilkinson
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 Shop Till You Drop! Lace up your comfy shoes and grab your credit cards and prepare for a guided tour of on-line shopping apps and websites. Jamie Richey Facilitator
Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda
10:00 AM NFBN Student Division Annual Meeting. Maura Loberg President
Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda
11:00 AM Krafters Corner Tammy Freitag, President NFB Crafters Division Facilitator. A list of needed supplies can be found on our website 2022 convention page.
Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda
12:15 PM Membership Committee Meeting Jamie Richey Chair.
Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda
“The future starts today, not tomorrow.” - Pope John Paul II
1:00 PM General Session
Meeting Login information can be found in the downloaded agenda
1:15 PM — Getting to the golden apple: Chase Crispin
2:00 PM — All about that braille and that bell: Panel presentation
2:35 PM — The 5 W.’s of training: Panel Presentation
3:15 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
3:40 PM — Takin’ Care of Business
- Roll Call of Chapters and Divisions.
- Minutes of the 2020 Convention.
- Annual Treasurer's Report.
- . Nominating Committee Report.
- Elections
5:00 PM — Straight from the heart: Why I Am A Federationist
5:15 PM — Adjourn.
6:30 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: Shawn Callaway, Member National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors and President, NFB of D.C.
Raffle Drawings: Maura Loberg, President, Nebraska Association of Blind Students
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 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 her 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.
Code of Conduct:
We welcome all attendees to our convention and embrace diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Please keep the following expectations in mind when you join us:
Through advocacy, public awareness, and mentoring, the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska provides support to members and advocates for our rights to live the lives we want. As a member or guest at our event, 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:
- 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.
- Attend and participate in sessions.
- 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 others.
A Note From Amy: SPECIAL THANKS FROM THE STATE PRESIDENT
“Leadership comes in small acts as well as bold strokes.” - Carly Fiorina
To those who 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 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, Mr. Shawn Callaway, thank you so much for your leadership, laughter, and support.
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.