National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma
2021 virtual anywhere and everywhere Convention
November 13-14, 2021
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 programs and policies of the Federation and to abide by its constitution.
Our Message
The National Federation of the Blind 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.
Convention Details
This year our convention is all virtual. We will be meeting on the Zoom platform. You do not have to have a Zoom account to participate. You will need to have a computer, tablet or phone in order to join the meetings as they take place.
For technical assistance please e-mail your name, concern and phone number to info@nfbok.org
Registration
Registration is free for all who would like to join the convention. You may register for the convention on our our registration page.
Should you have questions about convention registration please contact Glenda Farnum by phone at 405-255-6482 or by e-mail at Gfarnum5474@gmail.com
Should you have questions about the NFBOK 2020 convention, please contact Audrey Farnum, 405-590-6110. Audrey is serving as chair for this year’s Convention Arrangements Committee.
National Rep
We are happy to welcome our national representative, John G. Paré, Jr., Executive Director, Advocacy and Policy, National Federation of the Blind.
Door Prizes
You must be registered for convention to be eligible for door prizes. In order to claim door prizes you must e-mail info@nfbok.org when your name is called during the convention.
Schedule
Saturday, November 13
For questions specific to any of the speakers during General Session please submit them to info@nfbok.org prior to convention if possible. If e-mailing questions during convention we will make every effort to ask them of our speakers.
9:00 – 12:00 General Session
9:00 – 9:15 Welcome to the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma Anywhere and everywhere virtual convention
Jeannie Massay, President
9:15 – 9:20 The National Federation of the Blind pledge and message
9:20 – 9:50 The National Report – John G. Paré, Jr., Executive Director, Advocacy and Policy, National Federation of the Blind
9:50-10:00 Oklahoma PAC Plan and funds report, Glenda Farnum, Treasurer.
10:00-10:20 Skiing While Blind – Melinda Hollins, Ski for Light. Tired of being cooped up during the pandemic? Find out how to hit the trails for some cross-country skiing during the 2022 Annual Ski for Light International Event in Granby, Colorado.
10:20 – 10:40 What’s new at the Oklahoma Library for the Blind.
10:40-11:00 Able Accounts: What they are and how they can help – Leah Campbell
11:00-12:00 Running a business: a panel discussion featuring successful blind business owners. If you’ve ever thought about starting a business but haven’t taken the blunge, here’s your opportunity to hear from other blind people who had a dream and made it happen.
12:00 – 2:00 Lunch on your own
12:15 – 1:45 Oklahoma Association of Blind Merchants Division meeting
Jeffrey Pennick, President
2:00 – 5:00 General Session
2:00 –2:30 Legislative Update, John G. Paré, Jr., Executive Director, Advocacy and Policy, National Federation of the Blind
Learn about the legislative initiatives of the National Federation of the Blind.
2:30-2:50 Assistive technology from Vispero, Ron Miller
2:50-3:10 Silver Bells – Norma Crosby, President, NFB of Texas.
Find out about the innovative outreach program that Texas has developed for helping blind seniors find independence.
3:10-3:30 Independence for Blind Seniors, Duncan Larsen, Colorado Center for the Blind
Learn about the programs available at CCB for blind seniors.
3:30-3:50 What you should know about Non-24, Shauna Jatho, Vanda Pharmaceuticals
You’ve probably seen the ads on TV about non-24 sleep/wake disorder. Here’s a chance to learn more about it and get all your questions answered.
3:50-4:30 A panel discussion about diversity and intersectionality
4:30-4:50 Resolutions Committee,
Steve Shelton, Chair
Any member may submit, at least 1 day in advance of the convention, a resolution which may be considered by the Committee. All members are encouraged to attend as this is where you will learn about the resolutions for this year. Resolutions which pass the committee will then be voted on by the membership at our annual business meeting on Sunday, November 14th . Resolutions are the birth place of what becomes the policy and action of our affiliate.
Resolutions for consideration may be sent to Steve Shelton at steve@sbshelton.com
4:50-5:00 Final comments
5:00 Adjourn
5:15 Nominating Committee – TBD
Meeting closed to all but those serving on the Nominating Committee
7:00 –8:30 Virtual Banquet
Keynote address: John G. Paré, Jr., Executive Director, Advocacy and Policy National Federation of the Blind.
Sunday, November 14
2:00 – 5:00 Business Meeting – National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma
2:00 – 2:20 Presidential Report – Jeannie Massay, President NFBOK
2:20 – 2:35 Treasurer’s Report – Glenda Farnum, Treasurer, NFBOK
2:35 – 2:50 Secretary’s Report –Brayan Zammarippa, Secretary, NFBOK
Chapter & Division Reports
2:50 – 3:05 Central Oklahoma Chapter, Audrey T. Farnum, President
3:05 – 3:20 Tulsa Chapter, Brooke Andersen, President
3:20 – 3:35 Oklahoma Association of Blind Merchants, Jeffrey Pennick, President
3:35 – 4:20 Resolutions Committee Report to the Membership followed by a vote of the dues paying members present Steve Shelton, Resolutions Committee Chair
4:20 – 4:30 Nominating Committee Report Audrey T. Farnum, Nominating Committee Chair
4:30 – 4:45 Elections
Dues paying members may vote in the elections
4:45 – 5:00 closing remarks – Jeannie Massay, President
5:00 Adjourn
** Remember to sign up for committees that you may be interested in helping out with!. Currently we need help with fundraising, outreach and membership. If you are interested in any of these committees please contact Jeannie Massay at 405-600-0695 or by e-mail at president@nfbok.org