20220604-1 Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) 20220604-1 Opening Ceremonies Welcome to the 69th Annual Convention of the FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (FCB).  We are FCB STRONG AND WE BELIEVE IN EMPOWERMENT!!! 69th Annual State Convention Opening Ceremony Empowerment, the path to power and progress: a necessary life journey that we each must take in our own unique way, stepping out in faith in the truth that we matter that leads us to the liberating assurance that sears into our very souls the absolute certainty that we matter and that we each have the ability to make a difference where we are using the knowledge and gifts that we each have, joining with others and adding our voices to theirs as we strive for true inclusion, recognition of diversity and joining the cause of equal opportunity for all. Presenters: Pam Shaw, Certified Life Coach, and  Joy Restoration Specialist Cheryl Cumings, Chair, ACB Multicultural Affairs Committee Cachet Wells, FCB Member, and ACB Board of Publications Kenneth Semien, Sr., Chair, Durward K. McDaniel Fund Committee, and/or Member, ACB Board of Directors Anthony Corona, Co-Chair FCB Governmental Affairs Committee, host of Sunday Edition on ACB Media. Participants learned from these individuals who have exemplified personal empowerment as they shared with us their own personal journeys to empowerment, what it means to them, how they each live the empowered life, and how and why it is necessary for each of us to gain this freeing state of mind and heart. FCB Electric Youth: Identifying, Engaging, and Retaining the Next Generation ** “The Future only belongs to the future itself, and the future is Electric Youth!” ~Debbie Gibson ** While we at FCB are strong in Leadership and in member-engagement, we still have room for growth- engaging more young members and getting them involved. This session was dedicated to strategies focused around engaging and retaining younger members. From our communities, High Schools, and Higher Education Institutions to specific-driven outreach we brainstormed how to capture the attention of the generations that will continue FCB long past us all. We heard from ACB Students and ACB Next Generation. They shared some of their strategies and how they can support our outreach efforts here in Florida. Gabriel Lopez Kafati has the experience and position to lead us through College and High School outreach. Anthony Corona and Terry Suarez talked about how CALM can support and mentor our newly found Electric Youth. ACB’s Cindy Hollis, Manager of Membership Engagement, talked about the importance of membership in the state and special interest affiliates. ** President Sheila Young talked about the importance of succession-planning and how the Leadership of FCB is ready to renew our efforts to embrace the younger members of our community who do not experience the benefits of being part of the FCB Family yet. FCB Technology Committee Program Participants were invited to join our FCB Technology Committee program during our upcoming state convention to explore and learn about participating in Clubhouse. This is a great place to join others virtually from wherever you may be, sharing a variety of topics: music, sports, exercise, and fitness, and so many, many more! Gather with community in virtual venues discussing current events, nutrition, and well-being. Form a discussion group focusing upon conversation with those interested in specific genre of music or literature. Drop into a virtual audio room as a listener to one of many fascinating conversations or start such a group of your own design and host yet another great group of people! Reach out to our community from your home or office, or from almost anywhere via mobile app. Meet with new friends as well as those you know. Endless possibilities expand our horizons! From the Clubhouse virtual hallway explore variety of conversations happening in many different audio rooms. Search a plethora of topics to find those of special interest for you including social justice, urban planning, and environmental science. Develop your personal profile as you wish. Be a listener in specific meetings or raise your hand to share thoughts with others… the choice is yours! Discussion groups may be open to all or available exclusively for invited guests.**

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