This application should be completed by members wishing to apply for assistance to attend the National Federation of the Blind Convention in Houston, Texas. Dates for the convention are July 1-6, 2023. The main convention hotel is The Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar Street, Houston, TX 77010.
Other convention information is available at
www.nfb.org/convention.
Each year, The NFB OF MN Board of Directors authorizes the president to offer a limited amount of funds for members who wish to attend the national convention and need financial assistance in order to do so. Preference is given to those who have never attended a national convention before, but members who have previously attended the convention are also eligible to apply. In order to receive assistance, applicants must:
1. Be a member in good standing of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota.
2.
Be willing to have at least one roommate for the duration of the
convention (if this requirement presents a barrier to your attending the
convention, contact President@nfbmn.org).3. Pre-register for the convention.
4. Purchase a banquet ticket and attend the banquet.
5. Attend the national board meeting, all general sessions, and at least three special interest or committee meetings.
6. Agree to work at least one shift at the NFB of Minnesota table or the Independence Market in the exhibit hall.
7. Agree to write an article talking about their convention experience by the end of August of the year they attended the convention.
8. Report back to their chapter regarding at least one special interest or committee meeting in order to share information with those who were not able to attend the convention and those who could not attend every meeting.
9. Agree to read and abide by the National Federation of the Blind's Code of Conduct.
10. Complete and submit this application no later than May 1.
Hotel Rooms
Not all applicants will need assistance with funding for lodging in the hotel, but for those who do, the applicant may reserve rooms in one of two ways. They may reserve their own room and select their own roommate. If others stay in the room, we will pay for the applicant's portion of the room. Of course, if applicants select a roommate who is also receiving assistance from the affiliate, we will pay for the entire room. The other method for acquiring a room is to allow us to reserve a room for the applicant.
Airfare
Flights for individuals receiving assistance with airfare to the convention must depart from and return to Minnesota.
Food and Incidentals
For those receiving financial assistance with food and incidentals, these funds will be distributed just prior to the convention by check or pre-paid card.
The NFB OF MN expects that all participants will contribute to funding to attend the convention. Assistance from NFB OF MN will not cover all costs of attending the convention, but will help to make attendance possible for a number of people. Please remember to complete your application no later than May 1.
