September Bulletin

California Convention Bulletin

Greetings Fellow Federationists,

The National Federation of the Blind of California 2013 Convention is Coming Soon
Our convention theme this year is “Everything Works if You Do”. We will apply this theme throughout the weekend with speakers and break-out sessions which will focus on job readiness skills, personal stories, and employment tips. Pre-registration for the convention is $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

The pre-convention activities will begin on Friday, October 11, 2013 at 9 a.m. Employment Link in conjunction with NFB of California will introduce the LEAP Program and schedule-A jobs with the federal government. Speakers will assist with resume writing, interviewing, and job preparation. Anyone who is seeking employment or thinking about their future would benefit from this seminar. Rehabilitation counselors and teachers of the visually impaired are encouraged to bring clients/ students to make the contacts and plant the seeds for success with a variety of mentors.

The convention will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Sacramento on October 11, 12, and 13. The address of the hotel is:
2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, CA 95815. It is across the street from the Arden Fair Mall. The room rate is $89 for singles and doubles plus taxes. You can now make your room reservations on a personalized website group page. Go to: http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/R/RLSA-DT-NBF-20131010/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG

If you choose to make your reservations by phone, you’ll need:
Group Name: NFBC – 2013 Convention
Group Code: NBF
Group Dates: 10/10/13 – 10/13/13
Reservations: 800-686-3775 or 916-924-4900
NOTE: You will need your hotel reservation confirmation number in order to register for the convention.

Register Now
Registration is now open.
Cost: $100 to pre-register for all events or $135 at the door. Events include registration, Diabetes Action Network Luncheon on Friday, Monte Carlo Night, California Association of Blind Students Luncheon on Saturday, and the banquet on Saturday evening. To purchase your all inclusive registration ticket, go to
http://www.formstack.com/forms/?986187-OKrkn0JGXG

2013 Scholarships for Blind College Students
National Federation of the Blind of California scholarship applications are now available. The deadline is September 15, 2013.
If you are planning to attend a post-secondary institution or online college in the fall and you are legally blind, you may be eligible for financial assistance. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0, be a full time student, and show proof of legal blindness. Please help us to spread the word about this great opportunity. For more information, go to:
http://sixdots.org/resources/2012-scholarship-application-available/

Drawing for an iPad Mini!
You can purchase a $10 ticket now for an iPad mini Wi-Fi 16GB. Drawing will be held at the Annual Convention. Winner need not be present.  Buy tickets now!

Washington Seminar 2014 Applications are Being Accepted
The web site has been updated for the 2014 Washington Seminar info. The Washington Seminar is an annual event of the National Federation of the Blind to introduce the agenda of blind Americans–the priority issues requiring congressional attention over the coming year. The issues are selected from official positions of the Federation 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. Washington Seminar is under Events. The link to the form is
http://www.formstack.com/forms/?984710-4OifFY6TfK

Mary Willows, President
3934 Kern Court
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 462-8575
mwillows@sbcglobal.net