It is time to start planning for the 2017 Washington Seminar. The Washington Seminar is an annual event of the National Federation of the Blind to raise awareness of the priority issues affecting blind Americans that require congressional attention over the coming year. The issues are selected from official positions of the National Federation of the Blind and may address concerns in the
following areas: relevant civil rights issues; educational programs and services; rehabilitation of the blind for competitive employment; the operation
of vending facilities by blind persons on public property; specialized library services for the blind; the organization and funding of federal programs;
Social Security and Supplemental Income programs; and other timely topics. Approximately three legislative initiatives are chosen for priority attention
during the Washington Seminar. 

Each year, NFB Oklahoma sends a delegation to Washington Seminar to meet with our Oklahoma Congressmen. If you are interested in attending, please see the information below. It is imperative that if you do attend that you let our Legislative Coordinator, Glenda Farnum, know that you are attending so that she can include you in our congressional visits.

Seminar Details

PLACE: Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
DATES: Monday, January 30, 2017 through Thursday, February 2, 2017. Oklahoma’s congressional visits will be scheduled on Tuesday , January 31 and Wednesday
morning, February 1st.  

Schedule

Monday, January 30, 2:00 p.m. – Legislative Seminar at Holiday Inn
Monday, January 30,
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Great Gathering In at Holiday Inn

Tuesday, January 31,
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – NFB Student Rally at Upper Senate Park
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Congressional Reception at Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room G50

Tuesday, January 31, and Wednesday, February 1, Oklahoma Hill visits 

ROOM RATES AND RESERVATIONS

You can now reserve a room at the Holiday Inn Capitol (550 C Street, SW Washington, DC 20024) for Washington Seminar for check-in
beginning Saturday, January 28, 2017 and check-out Friday, February 3, 2017.  The rate is $188.00 per night.  This rate does not include DC sales tax,
currently 14.5%. You may begin booking reservations by using the following link:
Holiday Inn Washington-Capitol
 or by calling 1 877-572-6951 and referencing booking code F7B.  

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The NFB of Oklahoma Board of Directors has allocated $600.00 from the Live the Life You Want Fund for up to 3 first time attendees of Washington Seminar to receive a $200.00 stipend. Recipients of these stipends are responsible for all expenses above and beyond the amount of the stipend.
Stipends will be provided to recipients at the Great Gathering In on January 30th.  Stipend recipients are required to attend all of the meetings listed
above in addition to a meeting with the Oklahoma delegation to review our meeting schedule and practice our presentation to our representatives.  

ESTIMATED EXPENSES PER PERSONLFor Monday, January 30 – Wednesday morning, February 1st)

Airfare to Washington Reagan National Airport $350.00
Hotel for 2 nights based on last year’s rate $406.00 (Can be split between up to 4 persons)
Ground Transportation $30 to $50
Meals at $40 per day $120
Total estimated cost $926 

Selected applicants can reduce cost by room sharing and cab sharing. You will receive assistance in coordinating opportunities to reduce your cost at the
time of selection.  

APPLICATION PROCESS: All persons who wish to attend Washington Seminar must complete the brief application that will be reviewed by the Legislative Director
& Affiliate President. Selected applicants will be notified by e-mail on Monday, January 2, 2017. Applications are to be submitted on or before December
30, 2016 to Glenda Farnum, Legislative Director at gfarnum@cox.net.    

Please note all persons wishing to attend Washington Seminar need to complete the application form. It is necessary for us to have the names of all persons
who will be making Hill visits to send to legislators when scheduling appointments. We look forward to your attendance and growth in learning about the
legislative action of the National Federation of the Blind and how your local chapter fits into the affiliate and national organization.

APPLICATION FORM

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone:

e-mail:  

1.   Are you a member of the National Federation of the Blind Oklahoma? If you are a member of a chapter or division please list.

2.   Describe any leadership roles you hold in your chapter, division, affiliate or National level.

3.   Have you attended National or State Conventions?

4.   Have you attended Washington Seminar?

5.   If you are a first-time attendee, are you applying for a stipend?  

6.   Describe your involvement in advocacy activities.

7.    Why do you want to attend Washington Seminar, what do you hope to gain from attendance and what do you hope to do with what you gain? 

I understand that I am responsible for all expenses related to attending Washington Seminar. I Understand that I can seek additional support for Washington
Seminar from my local chapter and that the chapter is under no obligation to provide funding for Washington Seminar.  

I understand that if I am selected to attend Washington Seminar that I am to attend all meetings and Congressional appointments. 

My typed signature constitutes that I have read and understand my responsibilities related to attending Washington Seminar. 

Name and date:  

My contact information is listed below should you have any questions or concerns.