National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma

State Convention Agenda

Saturday, September 9, 2023

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 we know that low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

ZOOM INFO

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.
To receive the Zoom link, you must register for the convention. Registration is free and you can quickly register by filling out our registration form

For technical assistance please e-mail your name, concern, and phone number to info@nfbok.org

SPECIAL GUEST

We are honored to welcome Pam Allen as this year’s national representative. Pam is currently the president of the NFB of Louisiana and secretary of the National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals. In July of 2002 she was elected to the National Federation of the Blind board of directors. Four years later, in 2006, she was elected to serve as treasurer of the National Federation of the Blind. In 2012, Pam and her husband Roland received the prestigious Jacobus tenBroek Award in recognition of their distinguished service in the Federation. In 2015, Pam was elected as first vice president of the National Federation of the Blind. Allen is also involved in a variety of community and professional organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce and as a gubernatorial appointee to the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council. She says, “Being elected to the national board has allowed me to give back and to spread the message of our movement. It is an incredible honor and privilege to serve!”

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.

Saturday General Session

9:00 – 9:30: Welcome to the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma Anywhere and everywhere virtual convention
Sanho Steele-Louchart, Esq., President, National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma

9:30—10:45: Philosophy Discussion and Membership Building
Pam Allen, National Rep, First Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors

10:45—11:00: Break

11:00–11:30: Legislative Updates and Ways to Get Involved
Leah Campbell & Theresa Mendez Booze, NFB Legislative Committee Co-Chairs

11:30—11:45: Resolutions Committee
Note: 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 from 2 to 5pm. Resolutions are the birthplace of what becomes the policy and action of our affiliate. Draft resolutions or ideas for consideration may be sent to info@nfbok.org.

11:45—12:00: Nominating Committee (By Invitation Only)

12:00—2:00: Lunch on Your Own

12:15—1:45: Oklahoma Association of Blind Merchants Annual Business Meeting
Jeffrey Pennick, President, OABM

2:00-5:00: NFB of Oklahoma Annual Business Meeting

2:00-2:20: Presidential Report
Sanho Steele-Louchart, President, NFBOK

2:20 – 2:30: Treasurer’s Report
Glenda Farnum, Treasurer, NFBOK

2:30-2:40: Secretary’s Report
Theresa Mendez Booze, Secretary, NFBOK

2:50-3:00: At Large Chapter Report
Sanho Steele-Louchart, President

3:00-3:10: Oklahoma Association of Blind Merchants
Jeffrey Pennick, President of OABM

3:10–3:20: Resolutions Committee Report followed by a vote of the dues paying members present
Sanho Steele-Louchart, Resolutions Committee Chair

3:20—3:30: Nominating Committee Report and Elections
Sanho Steele-Louchart, Nominating Committee Chair

3:30—3:35: Break

3:35—4:50: Leadership Seminar and Strategic Planning
Pam Allen, First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors

4:50–5:00: Closing Remarks