“We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already.”-J. K. Rowling
Welcome to the June edition of our NABS notes! With only a few weeks to go until our first ever virtual national convention, we have many exciting updates to share. Read on to learn more about our upcoming events and updates from committees. In this edition you will find:
- It’s Time – NABS Registration for Convention Due by July 8
- NABS events for National Convention
- June episode of the NABS Now Podcast
- Nominate a student for NABS Spotlight Saturdays
- Committee Updates
- How to stay connected with NABS on social media
NABS Registration for Convention Due by July 8
Amidst the wild world of COVID-19 and the adjustment to a virtual lifestyle, we are sorting through the ins and outs of interactive, fun, and informative… programming. In any case, I’m confident we will not disappoint. But first: you must register by July 8 via the below form in order to be considered a member, run for a position, vote on business and elections, etc. We accept your $5 dues via PayPal, Venmo, check if post marked by July 3, and Zell…lots of options for our tech-savvy friends! Register here! More to come on how elections will work, how our meetings will look, but just know we are Zooming to your homes on July 14, July 15, and 18 for various student-related fun! Don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of the NABS board with questions, concerns, or if you just want to share what’s on your mind.
Kathryn Webster – President
NABS Events for National Convention
NABS Success Summit
In lieu of our typical networking event, the National Association of Blind Students is thrilled to kick off our 2020 National Convention programming with an evening of interactive activities and dynamic speakers! This experience will be unlike any other, and you won’t want to miss it! Zoom info will be coming very soon.
When: Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 7:00pm-8:30pm EDT Where: Zoom
NABS Annual Business Meeting
We welcome all students to join us for our annual National Association of Blind Students Business Meeting! Let’s celebrate our many accomplishments as an organization over the past year together, express our gratitude to the leadership that has made them possible, and look forward to a new year of progress by electing our new board.
When: Wednesday July 15, 2020, 8:00-10:00 PM EDT. Where: Zoom
Note: You must be a dues-paying member to vote in elections or to run for a board position. We accept PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, and checks (if postmarked BEFORE July 3). Register here.
NABS Resource Showcase
Come join the National Association of Blind Students as we explore the many resources available to us! We will hear from innovative companies and organizations who demonstrate a strong commitment to accessibility as we envision a brighter future together.
When: Saturday July 18, 2020, 11:00-12:30pm EDT. Where: Zoom
June Episode of the NABS Now Podcast – Diving into Diversity | Learning to Appreciate Differences Amongst Students & Beyond
Listen on: Apple Podcast Spotify Overcast Google Podcast
It is no question that diversity is a huge part of our world. We each possess a unique perspective, and in this episode, we have open discussions as to what diversity really means. How can we learn to appreciate and protect diversity? Which diverse part of yourself are you most proud of? What challenges related to diversity have you faced? Listen to students discuss these complex questions and more. Also, learn about the NABS Diversity and Inclusion Committee and how you can become involved. Learning is how we grow, and discussions like this one are a perfect place to start! Thank you to special guests Jessica Karim, Adriana Mendez, Rilee Sloan, Syed Rizbi, and Johna Wright.
NABS Spotlight Saturdays – Nominate a student!
NABS needs your nominations! We’re looking for students to feature on our weekly #NABSSpotlightSaturdays campaign. To nominate a student, visit our nomination form. The goal of this campaign is to highlight blind students throughout the country that have made commendable contributions to their academic institution, profession, community or their individual state affiliates. Nominations can be submitted by instructors, academic institution staff, members of state affiliates, fellow students, or other individuals that have a relationship with the nominee that entails a genuine connection and warrants knowledge of the student’s skills or accomplishments. please contact Robert Parsons at [email protected] with any questions.
Committee Updates
Convention Fundraisers Coming At You!
Join the NABS Fundraising Committee as we walk to raise funds for the division we love so much on Thursday, July 16, 2020. Visit our Go Rally Up Page To register, and stay tuned for more information pertaining to our NABS sweatshirts, the design for which will be dropping soon!
Join a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force
The NABS Diversity and Inclusion Committee is excited to launch its new task forces! The first task force is dedicated to the production of our monthly calls. The second task force is dedicated to collaboration with other NABS committees, the NFB, and leaders in the community. The third task force is committed to creating a comprehensive toolkit for curriculum related to diversity and inclusion. You’re welcome to get involved in more than one task force. The committee needs as much collaboration as possible. This is a great advocacy opportunity to demonstrate your leadership abilities. If you’re interested in one or more task forces, please join the group chats below:
Advocacy Work Continues at an Individual & Systemic Level
The Legislative and Self-Advocacy Committee continues to take action on student initiatives at a individual and systemic level. We concentrated our energy on two main initiatives this month: gaining co-sponsors for the Accessible Technology Affordability Act and developing frequently asked questions for blind students. Our committee meets on the third Sunday of every month, and all are welcome. Please contact Trisha Kulkarni at [email protected] with any questions.
NABS Social Media
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Also like us on Facebook and Join our Facebook group.