2023 - 11th Annual Treasure State Convention
- When: October 6-7, 2023
- Where - Hybrid: Ramada Inn, by Wyndham Helena, MT & Online via Zoom.
- 1714 11th Ave. Helena, MT 59601
If you still haven't registered, please visit the 2023 NFB of Montana Treasure State Convention Registration page.
2023 - Convention Agenda
Friday, October 6th
- 6:30-8:30 PM: Introductions
- Future of The NFB of Montana Panel: Rick White, Joy Breslauer, and Reggie Herbert
- Reading of Resolutions: Joy Breslauer, Resolutions Committee Chair
- Optional Social Time
Saturday, October 7th
- 9:00 AM-12:00 PM: Call to Order and Welcome: President Jim Marks
- Pledge of Allegiance: Donna Harris
- Pledge of the National Federation of the Blind: Robert Jaquiss
- Introduction of the NFB-MT Board of Directors: President Jim Marks, First Vice-President Joy Breslauer, Second Vice-President Sheila Leigland, Secretary Robert Jaquiss, Treasurer Reggie Herbert, and Board. Members Jim Aldrich, Bruce Breslauer, Linda Hurlock and Denise Moses
- National Report: Jesse Shirek, National Representative
- Minutes of 2022 Convention: Robert Jaquiss
- Treasurer Report: Reggie Herbert
- President Report: Jim Marks
- Resolutions: Joy Breslauer, Resolutions Committee Chair
- Elections: Samantha Chase, Nominations Committee Chair
- Appointment of Delegate and Alternate Delegate to 2023 Washington Seminar: Jim Marks
- Chapter and Committee Reports: Great Falls Chapter President Sheila Leigland, Treasure State Chapter President Joy Breslauer, Missoula Chapter President Samantha Chase, Helena Chapter President Jacob Krissovich, and Committee Reports by Committee Chairpersons as Time Allows
12:00-1:30 PM: Lunch on your Own.
Note that the Zoom conference line will remain open during lunch, but no content or monitoring will occur during the lunch hour. Conventioneers are welcome to chat with one another during this lunch break.
- 1:30-1:50 PM: Vendors' Presentation: Over Here Consulting and Leading Edge
- 1:50-2:00 PM: Be My AI Demonstration: Jacob Krissovich
- 2:00-2:30PM: Reflections on the Value of a Healthy Relationship between Blind Consumers and Vocational Rehabilitation: Dan Frye, Director of Employment and Professional Development Programs
- 2:30-2:50 PM: Blind and Low Vision Services Update: Darrel Hannum, Blind and Low Vision Bureau Chief
- 2:50-3:05 PM: Montana Talking Book Library Update: Marilyn Bennett, Regional Librarian Montana Talking Book Library
3:05-3:20 PM: Break
- 3:20-4:00 PM: Express Vote Presentation and Hands-On Experience: Ray Dagnall, Program Specialist Secretary of State office, and Lori Mommarts, ES&S
- 4:00-4:30 PM: Adventures in Advocacy: Jesse Shirek, National Representative
- 4:30-4:40 PM: Chat GPT Demonstration: George Kerscher
- 4:40-4:50 PM: Newsline Update: Samantha Chase, and Robert Jaquiss, Newsline Coordinators
- 4:50-5:00 PM: Spirit of the Stairs: President Jim Marks
5:00-6:30PM: Break
NFB Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.
Prizes, Attendance, and Voting
You must be registered for the convention in order to win door prizes, including the Grand Door Prize. You also must be in attendence, either via Zoom or in person to claim your door prizes.
Voting - In order to be eligible to vote, select the leadership, and set the policies of the National Federation of the Blind of Montana, you must be a current dues-paying member of this organization. Annual dues are due by January 1 of each year. If you have not already done so, please send your 2023 membership dues of $5.00 per annual membership per member (or $100.00 for lifetime membership per member) to the following address by September 30, 2023.
- National Federation of the Blind of Montana
- P.O. Box 9081
- Missoula, MT 59807
- You may also pay your dues online!
Questions may be directed to:
- President Jim Marks at president@nfbofmt.org
- Phone: (406) 438-1421
About the National Federation of the Blind of Montana
The National Federation of the Blind of Montana is a consumer civil rights organization in which the blind and interested sighted persons come together in monthly local chapter meetings and annual statewide conventions to improve the lives of blind people through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. The NFB of Montana works toward the removal of legal, economic, and social barriers to full participation by blind people in all aspects of community life.