NABS Notes | October 2021

“Education is not the filling of a pot but the lighting of a fire.” -W. B. Yeats
Welcome to the October edition of our NABS Notes! We in NABS are hoping your academic year has been successful and rewarding thus far; however, we invite you to take a few moments to rejuvenate your sense of determination for the months ahead by catching up on all things new with NABS. It is our sincere hope that all that our membership has accomplished in the past month will motivate you to keep working hard and, hopefully, get involved wherever you feel most comfortable. Read on to learn more about our upcoming events and updates from committees. In this edition you will find:

A Message from the Board
October Blog Post
October Episode of the NABS Now Podcast
Committee Updates
Stay Connected | NABS Social Media

New Ideas to Foster a National Community

November is upon us, and with the changing of the month, we find many successes behind us—Blind Equality Achievement Month, a busy state convention season, and hopefully midterms for most. This fall has been a unique time for our community. We have felt both the joys and stresses of returning to in-person classes while still longing for the ability to gather as a NABS family. Our wait has been highly anticipated. It has been trying, unlike anything we have experienced; however, it has shown our resilience, cohesion, and determination.
We hope that you are taking care of yourself and reaching the goals that you have set. NABS wants to be here for you in whatever ways we can. For this reason, we have been brainstorming new ideas to adjust with the ever-changing times. Coming up, you can expect monthly sound board calls on which you can ask questions and connect with fellow blind students, the return of regional seminars in different capacities, and greater opportunities for mentorship. That being said, if you need anything or have ideas you want to share, please reach out to NABS President Trisha Kulkarni at [email protected] or any other member of our NABS Board.

October Blog Post | Open Letters on Blind Equality Achievement Month

October is a month full of activity for members of the National Federation of the Blind as this month, recently rebranded Blind Equality achievement Month (BEAM,) provides opportunities to educate, demonstrate, and celebrate. If you’re interested in hearing how reflecting upon the achievements of the organized blind has impacted others, this month’s blog post is a great place to start. You’ll encounter student voices from across the nation, including our NABS President, Trisha Kulkarni. You never know; you might just find a great way to participate in BEAM in 2022!

October Episode of the NABS Now Podcast | Building Your Resume - Tips for Success & Myths to Avoid

Resumes are an important part of the job hunting process, but what, exactly, makes up a good resume? Why do we need resumes at all, and where do you even begin when starting one? In this month’s episode, we explore these questions and more. After listening, you will have a diverse knowledge base to craft a great resume.
Thank you to special guest Richard Davis.
Created and produced by Seyoon Choi, Nina Marranca, and Kinshuk Tella.
Are you interested in assisting with the planning and production of the NABS Now Podcast? Email Nina at: [email protected] for more information.
Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or see our Anchor page for more ways to listen!

Committee Updates

Recruitment Season!

Huddle up! The NABS Outreach Committee needs you! Bring your thoughts, opinions, and ideas to our next committee meeting. You won’t regret showing up to play because you’ll always be a valued member on our team!
Please join us for our next committee call, taking place on Sunday, November 14 at 8 PM EST, and reach out to committee chair Nina Marranca with questions on how to get further involved.

Raking in the Fall Funds!

As leaves continue to fall, the NABS Fundraising Committee is more dedicated than ever to raking in the funds that make our movement possible! Our Blind Equality Achievement Month Trivia Night was a smashing success, and we’d like to offer a special shoutout to the great state of California for taking home the grand prize! A massive thank you also goes to everyone who participated and made the event possible.
We now charge ahead with a full-force effort as we kick off our annual Washington Seminar fundraising efforts. We are looking for anyone interested in venturing into their community to collect funds for our momentous movement, which requires positivity, advocacy, and charisma. Interested in participating and/or learning more?
Please join us for our next committee call, taking place on Sunday, November 14 at 9 PM EST, and reach out to committee chair Logan Stenzel with questions on how to get further involved.

Living, Learning, & Loving Legislation!

The NABS Legislative and Self-Advocacy Committee was joined by Jeff Kaloc, a member of the Governmental affairs team at NFB headquarters this month, and if you missed out on all the information, tips, and tricks he shared regarding rallying support for the Access Technology Affordability Act, the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act, and the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment act, we loved to provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to contribute your voice to the conversation. Catch up with our meeting minutes, and reach out with questions.
Please join us for our next committee call, taking place on Sunday, November 21 at 8 PM EST, and reach out to committee chair Elizabeth Rouse with questions on how to get further involved.

Spotlighting Diversity and Promoting Achievement

The NABS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is excited to share our thoughts with you. Join us on Facebook every week by chiming in for our Talk About It Tuesdays, where we discuss things that are inherent to blind students in all ages and stages of life.
Are you a blind student that has accomplishments worth being celebrated. Submit a nomination for our Spotlight Saturdays campaign, where we shout out and lift up blind students that are living the meaning of Blind Equality Achievement Month (BEAM.) Complete a nomination form, and congratulate yourself or another student!
Please join us for our next committee call, taking place on Sunday, November 21 at 9 PM EST, and reach out to committee chair Robert Parsons with questions on how to get further involved.

… And don’t forget our monthly NABS sound Board, taking place on Sunday, November 28 at 9 PM EST!