Announcer [over music]: Welcome to the Nation's Blind Podcast, presented by the National Federation of the Blind, the transformative membership and advocacy organization of Blind Americans. Live the life you want.
Melissa Riccobono: Welcome to the Nation's Blind Podcast. I'm Melissa Riccobono, and I am here with two very talented individuals today. Individual one, co-host of mine, why don't you introduce yourself?
Anil Lewis: Individual One. I like my new name. This is Anil Lewis. Glad to be here.
Melissa Riccobono: Maybe that's not a great label, but Okay.
Anil Lewis: I'll take it. I'll take it. I'll get the jersey. Individual One, Anil Lewis, at your service.
Melissa Riccobono: And individual Two?
Danielle McCann: My name's Danielle McCann. I'm so happy to be here with everyone today.
Anil Lewis: Welcome back, Danielle.
Melissa Riccobono: Wow. Danielle McCann. It's been a long time. How are you?
Danielle McCann: I am wonderful. I am doing real good. Just getting excited for #NFB24.
Melissa Riccobono: Yay. For those who are not hashtag.
Anil Lewis: Yeah, yeah, you're talking about me.
Danielle McCann: So yeah, so we use hashtags on social media and so the hashtag for those who don't know, it's the pound sign or the number sign when you're writing it or typing it out. And it goes in front of a grouped either word or words or words in numbers. No punctuation. And so the one that we use for our conventions has been for a while now, it's been NFB and then the number, the last two digits of the year. So this year's #NFB24.
Melissa Riccobono: We're talking about national convention.
Danielle McCann: Yes.
Anil Lewis: National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind.
Danielle McCann: It's very national.
Anil Lewis: The largest gathering of blind people, people with disabilities in the world!
Melissa Riccobono: Yes, yes. And that is true. In fact, it's very funny, Elizabeth, our youngest is coming with us to convention this year. It's been a little while since she's been there. And I don't know, we were talking yesterday about something and all of a sudden she said, "Well, how many people will be at the convention?" And I said, well, over two thousand for sure. She's like-
Anil Lewis: Absolutely.
Melissa Riccobono: Wow. She just didn't realize it was that big. So it is. It is really that big. And we're back in Orlando, and so who knows, we might be pushing that record, which was in New Orleans in '97. Is that right?
Anil Lewis: I'll have to leave that to better brains than mine, but I'm looking forward to the energy around the convention is stellar. I mean, people are talking about it, the traffic on the internet and social media and the conversations. Oh, it's just so exhilarating. I'm ready to go right now.
Danielle McCann: Whoa, whoa, whoa. I wouldn't say I'm ready.
Melissa Riccobono: I don't know that I'm quite ready. Yeah.
Danielle McCann: Yeah. I haven't started packing yet or haven't decided which crochet hooks I'm bringing.
Anil Lewis: Oh, my goodness. Yeah. Okay.
Melissa Riccobono: I don't have a banquet dress yet. I'm very excited, but I really need a banquet dress before I go. I've been using ones that I've used in the past, for the past few years, and so it's time. Not that they're not lovely dresses, but it's just time to get a new banquet dress. And I don't have one yet, and I don't know exactly what I'm going to wear each day. Once I know what I'm going to wear each day, I breathe a sigh of relief and get that packed, and then I'm much more ready. But no, I'm not quite ready yet.
Danielle McCann: Brian and I went shopping recently and JC Penney's had winter clothes on sale, and so I found a dress on sale. It was half off and it came with a blazer, but the hotels are so cold that you could get away with a winter.
Melissa Riccobono: Definitely.
Danielle McCann: Just saying.
Anil Lewis: Okay, here, let me save our listeners from this QVC special. Now what you guys are talking about is important because people are going to be there and people are going to be seen. So you want to look your best. It's going to be a lot of time to engage and interact with everybody. A lot of fun activities to participate in. I mean, there's just no match to being present at an NFB National Convention, but we're here to talk about those individuals who may not, for whatever reason, be able to attend in person. What are they going to do?
Melissa Riccobono: Well, they are very lucky because they can be in their pajamas or whatever they'd like to wear, and they can still participate in parts of the convention with the convention virtual experience. And I have actually done this myself a couple of years ago. I needed to stay home for various reasons. I know there are certainly people who are ill who were maybe planning to go to the convention and all of a sudden couldn't at the last minute. That's actually what happened to me a couple of years ago. Happens to various people every year.
They're all looking forward to it and then all of a sudden they can't go. And then there are some that just can't go because of jobs or family obligations or this, that, or the other thing. And we'll all miss you if you can't be in person with us. But we really are looking forward to being able to bring slices of the convention to you in a virtual way. So all is certainly not lost. If you can't attend the convention in person. We really do want you to join us for the virtual convention experience.
Anil Lewis: Slices. I like slices.
Danielle McCann: I do too. Like slice of life.
Anil Lewis: I was thinking slice of pie.
Danielle McCann: Oh, but we have to fit into our banquet dresses, Anil.
Anil Lewis: Here we go. Here we go.
Melissa Riccobono: Well, I think we should turn it over to Danielle. She's our membership... What's your title? You're a membership coordinator. Is that your job?
Danielle McCann: Membership building princess coordinator. I don't know.
Anil Lewis: Excellent.
Melissa Riccobono: It's building princess coordinator with her royal dog by her side.
Danielle McCann: That's right.
Anil Lewis: Tell us more about this virtual convention experience.
Danielle McCann: So the virtual experience, the virtual convention experience. So I would just want to point out that this is not a hybrid convention, and this is not to take the place of being in person because a lot of times the power in our collective action is really felt in person. But like Melissa said, we understand that there are folks who can't make it to be with us in person. So what we have decided to do, or what we've been doing for the last three years now, is that we have been putting together a virtual convention experience.
And so if folks go to nfb.org/convention, if you go down to the virtual convention or virtual experience heading, you'll get all the details there. So you'll be able to register, there is a registration fee of ten dollars and you'll get access to the, there is one pre-convention virtual event that is exclusive to those who are attending virtual. And then there are going to be three exclusive experiences for those who have registered and who are going to be joining us from home during the convention on July 3rd, 4th and 5th. And so there really is going to be opportunity to participate and interact and engage, but that's the way to go. So nfb.org/convention and then look for the virtual experience heading.
Anil Lewis: Nice. And I think it's also important to state that we know there are tried and true Federationists that we talked about for whatever reason we may not be able to attend. But this is also an opportunity for people who have just come to hear about this wonderful organization called the National Federation of the Blind. And you really want to test the wheels on what a national convention would look and feel like. So give you an opportunity to test the water. It'll be well worth the time and expense to participate.
Danielle McCann: Absolutely. And I will have to just say, I have to give a shout-out to my new friends in Wyoming. So we did some affiliate building in Wyoming recently. And because it's such so close to the convention, they probably won't be able to make it. And so we really encouraged them to check out the convention via the virtual experience.
Melissa Riccobono: Yeah, definitely. And so we have special events and we're going to talk about those in a little bit, but we also have what you would tend to expect from a convention as well. So we do have the resolutions committee, correct. That's going to be offered this year?
Danielle McCann: Correct. You are correct. Yep.
Melissa Riccobono: And so that's great. And then the board meeting and then all of the general session. So the 6th of July morning session. Afternoon session. The 7th of July. Morning session. Afternoon session. The 8th of July. Morning session. Afternoon session, and then banquet.
And so there's a lot that you can participate in or learn from beyond those special events. And I believe that Anil and I and some others are going to be doing what we do. And I have to say it's one of my very favorite things to do all year long. Providing some pre-show banter for our listeners about a half an hour before the sessions start. Are we ready to do that again? Is that in the plan?
Danielle McCann: Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.
Anil Lewis: I think it's important though, before we skip right over what you just said. I think it's important to note that those are the heart, the key of why we come together as an organization. You mentioned the resolutions committee meeting. That's where the policies of the organization are made. And it's nice that members who are not able to attend are able to listen to the deliberation and the discussion around those policies. And the national board meeting, I mean, they are the responsible individuals that guide us between these conventions.
So all the things that we celebrate during that board meeting, scholarship and some of the other things, it is just wonderful. And then of course, the general plenary sessions, that's when we have individuals from key policy makers from across the country, key corporate representatives, just blind people who are doing new innovative things in this space. And we get our members to be exposed to that in a real way. I mean, that's really the essence and the core of why we come together. And the banquet speech, of course, that's the sermon. That's what we get to replenished and we get a word that carries us through the rest of the year. Well, I'm almost thinking maybe I'll just go virtually.
Danielle McCann: Whoa.
Melissa Riccobono: I don't know that we want you to do that necessarily.
Anil Lewis: No, that's not true. That's not true. I would never do that because being able to share space with my Federation family, there is no substitute for having the energy and the embrace and the conversations and the interactions. There's no virtual ability to create that experience.
Melissa Riccobono: No, there isn't. But we do do our very, very best when we do the pre-shows. We really do try to help people understand the energy, the feeling in the room, what's going on in the room or in the hallway, wherever we may be when we're recording the pre-show. We really do try to give people that understanding.
And Anil, you talked about all the great things that happen. You missed the presidential report, which is my very favorite thing of the convention. I would even say possibly, I don't know. It's sort of tied with the banquet speech, but it's right up there because that really helps us understand what we as an organization have been accomplishing throughout the year. And it just gives us even more of a glimpse into our president and the people that help us get the work done that we're getting done. And so that is always, the first day of general session right there in the afternoon.
I know some of you work, and so sometimes there's people that just can't for whatever reason get off of work every single time. And so they say, "Well, what should I try to get off for?" And the banquet goes without saying. I would also say, if you can that presidential report. Two o'clock Eastern on July 6th for an hour, hour and a half, shut your phones off. Don't do any work, just sit back and listen. That's a really incredible part of the convention.
Anil Lewis: I agree the presidential report is powerful, but it's part of the plenary session, which I did mention. And another part of the plenary session is the roll call of states, which is also exhilarating, hearing the delegates.
Melissa Riccobono: Oh, it's so fun.
Anil Lewis: And now there are things that they've done over the year and the upcoming conventions. So yeah, it's chock full.
Danielle McCann: And I would even go as far as saying that when you're listening to the presidential report, especially for those who are just dipping their toe in, for those who are like, "Ah, okay, I want to listen to see what this Federation is all about and where can I get involved?" So take notes. That's one thing that you have the freedom to do while you are home in your jammies eating popcorn mixed with Reese's Pieces.
But you have the opportunity to maybe take some notes or dictate into your phone or however you take your notes, but say, "Okay, he mentioned advocacy and policy. What is that?" Or he mentioned legislation, he mentioned Washington Seminar." Write down your questions and then you're able to follow up after the convention with your questions and get connected that way as well. So it's a great way to figure out what you would be interested in doing when you decide to join the organization.
Anil Lewis: But be ready because there's a lot of information in that presidential report. President Riccobono packs about five thousand pounds into that five pound bag because it's just an hour to... I mean, it's just so much. It's just so much. But I agree. It makes me feel so proud to be part of this organization when I hear all the things we've done in the presidential report. And that's also just a sample. There's no way he could talk about it all.
Danielle McCann: Yeah, that's a great point.
Melissa Riccobono: Definitely. So we didn't really talk about, so if you're on the virtual experience, you want to be familiar with Zoom because that's where you can get into these meetings. Correct? We're using the Zoom platform still?
Danielle McCann: Yes.
Melissa Riccobono: For our virtual. Okay. So we'll have those IDs. I'm guessing you'll get emails if you register for the virtual convention, you'll get reminders about what's happening and you'll get the ID. I know we do have an NFB24 app and there's IDs also in that app. And so that might be another way to connect. You can also with some of these, not the pre... Well, maybe the pre-shows. Let's say for the normal convention things, the general sessions, the resolutions committee, the board meeting, the banquet, you can also tune in on YouTube.
So if you like to actually see the people that are talking and that type of thing, we do provide video and you can join in on YouTube. You can also join in by asking your Echo device, Amazon device to open Nation's Blind. So those are all the ways that you can listen. And there are some things that are happening even before the convention gets started, right, Danielle?
Danielle McCann: Absolutely. We've got three pre-convention events happening this year. So there's one going to be on June 24. And again, if you do register for the virtual experience, you will get this information emailed to you as far as joining. But there's one on June 24, which is kind of a preview on how to engage with those in person at convention. Then there's going to be the exhibitor and sponsor previews happening on the 26 and 27 of June at 8:00 PM And those I believe are open to everyone.
Melissa Riccobono: Yes, they are. I've actually seen, I'm not registered for the virtual, but I am registered for the full convention, and I did see emails come across with that information. And so if you want to know more about our sponsors, what they're doing, if you want to know more about the companies that will be in the exhibit hall, those are great meetings to join 8:00 PM Eastern, and you don't have to be registered for the virtual experience to get on those. So that would be a great thing to do. So you can kind of plan your exhibit hall strategy because there's so much in the exhibit hall that-
Danielle McCann: Exactly.
Melissa Riccobono: Sometimes you do need to plan that strategy.
Danielle McCann: Exactly. I already know. I've already told Brian, "Okay, we need to divide and conquer. I need Iowa Scissors, I need this, I need that." Make a plan.
Melissa Riccobono: Yeah, definitely. Well, that's a whole other thing. So not only are there sponsors and people in the exhibit hall from companies that sell, but state affiliates also sell different things like Iowa Scissors. I can preview that the NFB of Maryland will be having little pen shaped toolkits and also luggage tags that look like Maryland crabs. So look for people that's not always just in the exhibit hall, but there's always state affiliates that sell candy bars and M&Ms and scissors and bags and all sorts of really cool stuff both in the exhibit hall and during the convention. And so there you go.
So we've talked a lot about the convention. There's a lot going on at the convention, as we've said, and one of the things that we have not talked about is our Give 25. So we're going to take a really quick break so we can talk about Give 25 and you can understand what that is and how you can participate, whether you're going to be at convention or not. And then we'll come back and we'll talk more about the actual convention exclusives. You are listening to the Nation's Blind Podcast.
Promo Announcer [over music: Make a Difference with the National Federation of the Blind's Dream Big, Give 25 dollar drive. Each year, thousands of Federation members and friends contribute to support blind people, but we still need your help for our programs in 2024 and beyond. When you give 25 dollars or more between May 16 and July 6, you are entered into the Dream Big, Give 25 dollar drive drawing. Each 25 dollar contribution is a chance to win.
Why Dream Big? Because blindness doesn't hold you back. You could win prizes like roundtrip transportation for two to the 2025 NFB National Convention, hotel accommodations, registration, banquet tickets, or 2,000 dollars cash. Thanks to our partners. You could also win a Monarch, a dynamic tactile device. New this year, friends and family can make donations in your honor, and you'll get extra entries. The drive supports funds like the Kenneth Jernigan Fund and the White Cane Fund, and you can choose one when you donate.
To enter, visit nfb.org/Give25Donate, call 410-659-9314, extension 2430, or send a check to National Federation of the Blind and mention Give 25 and the fund in the memo. The winner will be announced July 8, 2024. Thank you for your generosity.
Melissa Riccobono: All right, we're back. So we're going to have an exclusive on June 24, Danielle, and then we're having other exclusives too. Did you say? June 24 first of all, that's about how people can participate with the convention, is that right?
Danielle McCann: Yeah, so the exclusive happening, and I'm not going to give too much away because then I mean we want people to anticipate.
Melissa Riccobono: Absolutely.
Anil Lewis: Oh, come on Danielle, just tell Melissa and I We won't tell anybody. Come on.
Melissa Riccobono: No, there's nobody. I mean, yeah, it's just us.
Danielle McCann: No, I may not.
Melissa Riccobono: Ain't nobody here but us chickens.
Danielle McCann: No, I may not.
Melissa Riccobono: Oh, okay.
Danielle McCann: No, sorry. It's exclusive. You guys are going to be in person. So this is exclusive, man.
Melissa Riccobono: Oh, that's true. That's true. Okay. All right.
Danielle McCann: But yeah, so this one is just going to be on how to engage. We have FOMO, right? So do y'all know what FOMO is?
Anil Lewis: No.
Melissa Riccobono: I do. But maybe Individual One doesn't.
Danielle McCann: Okay. So Individual One, for you. FOMO is fear of missing Out. And so while I'm sure folks don't have a literal fear of missing out, I'm sure there's a little bit of like, "Oh man, I wish I was there." And so we're just going to talk about different ways that folks can engage from the comfort of their own homes with their snacks. And I'm just going to bring up different snacks the rest of the time, I think. So different ways to engage, whether it's with your delegates, with the social media, whether it's on the app. So we're going to give a preview of that on the 24th. And then do you want me to give you a sneak preview of the happenings during convention?
Anil Lewis: Certainly.
Melissa Riccobono: I think just a little teaser would be great. Yeah.
Danielle McCann: Okay, I can do that. So for July 3, we're doing a welcome for the Presidential Suite, which is always super cool to listen to. And we're going to have people popping in and out saying hello, greeting everyone that's listening from home.
Anil Lewis: Nice.
Danielle McCann: Yeah. Yeah.
Anil Lewis: I like that.
Danielle McCann: That one's going to be cool. I kind of hope I get to be there in the presidential suite, be in the room where it happens.
Anil Lewis: Yeah, where the snacks are.
Melissa Riccobono: Yeah, M&Ms. Yeah.
Danielle McCann: You figured out my game, Anil. I'm just going to follow the snacks around convention, but then July 4th we're going to actually do something new this year we are going to do a walk around kind of like roving reporter style, made famous by one Christopher S. Danielsen.
Anil Lewis: Christopher Danielsen, yes.
Danielle McCann: But we're going to have someone walk around the exhibit hall and greet folks in there at the different tables, especially at the affiliate tables. So just kind of giving the people who are listening a sense of A, how big and robust the amount of exhibitors is and also the cool stuff that they have going on.
So then to round it out on July 5, we're doing employment, talking about the job fair and some job readiness tips. And we're going to be talking with the lovely Nikki Jackson. And I was joking with her and I was like, "We don't have a Dan this year" because the last two years we've had a Dan, Dan O'Rourke and Dan Parker on the third day of the virtual stuff. So we don't have a Dan, but we have a Nikki and she's wonderful and she's going to talk to us about employment.
Melissa Riccobono: Nice. Oh, that's great.
Danielle McCann: So that's going to be the exclusive. And like I say, I'm not going to share too much more because we want this to be exclusive for those who are registered for the virtual stuff, but it's going to be a great, it's already shaping up to be a great lineup and really looking forward to it.
Melissa Riccobono: So much fun. So much fun. Whatever I can do to help out, let me know. I love the virtual stuff, always happy to be a part of it. And also very happy to have new people involved. That's really exciting. And I love the idea of the exhibit hall and the employment and very, very cool.
Anil Lewis: Makes me wish I could be both in person and virtually. Maybe I should find a clone of myself.
Melissa Riccobono: You could split yourself in half maybe.
Anil Lewis: Well, I like the whole me, so maybe I could just clone myself and have two whole.
Melissa Riccobono: Okay, clone yourself. That's probably better.
Anil Lewis: But thanks for the suggestion.
Melissa Riccobono: I don't know though, Anil two whole yous, that might be a lot of Anil. Just saying.
Danielle McCann: Well, which one would we then call Individual One? It would just mess up the time space continuum.
Melissa Riccobono: It would be really very, very tough. What else do we need to say though, Danielle and Anil? What have we missed as we've meandered from tangent to tangent?
Anil Lewis: I do think that we have made it interesting enough for people who want to participate. And we did mention earlier, but Danielle, you may want to remind everybody if you're interested in this virtual experience, how do you sign up? How do you participate?
Danielle McCann: You would visit nfb.org/convention and you would go to the heading on the convention page that is called the Virtual Experience. And in that heading, there will be a link...Under that heading, sorry, there will be a link that will take you to the registration page. You register, you pay your ten bucks.
Anil Lewis: What a bargain. Wow.
Danielle McCann: Yeah, I mean, think of how many snacks. I'm just kidding. Totally kidding.
Anil Lewis: BYOS. Bring your own snacks.
Danielle McCann: Yeah, bring your own snacks. But yeah, no, ten bucks, that's all it is. And nowadays, that truly is a steal. And then you get the virtual content and you will get emails about it so that you'll be able to set your timers, make your pizza rolls ahead of time, whatever you need to do to go ahead and get ready to attend. And then that way, you're in the know.
Melissa Riccobono: So I would say a couple of things. First of all, the convention time is Eastern Time this year because that's where our convention is. We are on the East coast, so everything that we talk about and everything in the email and the emails will make it very clear, but it will be Eastern. So if we say 11:30 AM that's Eastern Time So if you're in California, you've got to do that conversion on your own. So just keep that in mind.
And sorry California and really sorry Alaska and Hawaii. I know that can be very tough, especially for the really early morning. The other thing is the 10 dollars. We have in the past offered the virtual experience for free, and we loved being able to do that. This year we have decided that it is essential for us to charge a little something because it does still cost us to have people that are the roving reporters, that host the Zoom meetings, that are back there making sure that everything is connecting the way that it should.
And so that's what the 10 dollars brings you. And of course it also just supports the National Federation of the Blind and the great work that we do. And so make sure that you do pay that 10 dollars, know that it's going to a wonderful cause.
Anil Lewis: And take the time to make an additional donation too. I love that we add that to our registration. So if you can help us with more than the 10 dollar registration, add a little extra to that registration amount.
Melissa Riccobono: It will definitely go to a good cause. We're not just using this as a fundraiser. This really does help us pay for what happens at the convention. And so even while you're at home, you can still help us with the convention and its costs. So we really do appreciate you registering. And of course the reason to register is so that you get all the content that we just talked about that's exclusive to those that are registered.
Danielle McCann: I'd like to just jump into acknowledge and thank ahead of time the captioners and the interpreters that are going to be helping us with these sessions. We really couldn't do this work and provide as much access as we do without them. And I know for example, the interpreters have actually been preparing since February for convention. And so just really grateful for them giving their time and talents to our organization, to our convention.
Anil Lewis: And you're speaking of the Spanish language interpreters.
Danielle McCann: Spanish language interpreters, yes. And then also the closed captioners.
Melissa Riccobono: Yep, the captioners. And that is such a good, I'm so glad you mentioned both of those because that's right. We don't just offer these in English. We do have a way to tune in in Spanish as well. And then we also have the captioning. So if you're deaf-blind or for whatever reason, it's easier for you to engage with a transcript, even along with hearing the voices of those that are talking, you have that option too. So that is another really good point and the way that we try to provide access to as many people as we can.
Anil Lewis: Well, I'm still excited and I'm still ready to go right now. I'm ready to go right now.
Melissa Riccobono: I'm more ready now. Anil, thank you for getting me excited. I am more ready. And I guess if I had to just pull a dress out of my closet, I could probably find something to wear to the banquet, but don't tell President Riccobono, because I'd like to buy a dress, so.
Thank you so much, Danielle, for being with us. It's always great to talk to you and always exciting to know what's happening with the membership building because that's really what this is part of, right? This is a way to help keep our members who are already active members engaged, whether or not they can come to the convention in person. But this is really a way for people to check out the convention, to see what the National Federation of the Blind is all about. And so I really appreciate your work in making it fun, making it exciting, so that people are getting a good experience virtually. And maybe then that will just help people understand why the place to be in July is the National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind.
Anil Lewis: Absolutely.
Danielle McCann: Absolutely. Very well said. Whether you are dipping your toes in, you're swimming, or you're a mermaid, we welcome all of you. And so thank you for having me.
Anil Lewis: And be sure to bring your own snacks. So whether we see you in Orlando or whether you're participating virtually, we're looking forward to being with you and participating actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind through our National Convention. So until we see or speak to you again, just remember, you can live the life you want.
Melissa Riccobono: Blindness is not what holds you back.
Announcer [over music]: We'd love your feedback. Email [email protected] or call 410-659-9314, extension 2444.