Present: Heather Field (president), Joe Shaw (vice president) Ryan Smith (treasurer), Keith Anderson (secretary), Nikki Lawless, and Tony Garcia. Apologies from Gayle Prillaman and Ruth Hollingsworth.

Call to order.

• Minutes from September 11th meeting were read and approved.

II Treasurer's Report:

• Ryan Smith says $381.13 is in the account. Has bank form completed for Ryan to be listed on the account, but needs Heather Fields' signature.
• Has list of paid members. Heather Field needs to email list of current members to Ryan Smith.
• Ryan moved and Domonique seconded to accept the treasurer's report. Accepted.

III Business arising out of minutes:

• Meet the Blind Month. 7:00am, October 19, Heather Field to do an interview with WAKM promoting NFB and what we do. 9:50am? In Franklin.
• Publicity Materials. Heather Field contacted Jerry Lazarus and ordered materials needed to complete more packets. Tony Garcia reviewed a packet and found it very helpful and educational. Dispels myths such as a “hierarchy of sight” which says that the more you can see the more competent you are. Rather, get to know the blind person first and see what they know. Tony found out about NFBMTC from our website (www.nfbmidtn.org). When PSA's (Public Service Announcements for radio, etc.) arrive from the NFB, Heather Field will send to Ryan and Joe to use when contacting radio stations.
• Partnering with Nashville Library. No response yet from administrator Pam Reese. Partners get free access to rooms and other perks. At this point, though, we pay $25 per meeting. Heather Field will continue trying to call her to set up a meeting. She has also spoken with Ruth Hemphill, librarian at TN Library for the Blind, who is prepared to advocate for us with Nashville Library when she ascertains with whom it would be most useful to talk. Heather is working with her. She has also undertaken to send out information for us.
• Student Development Committee. Domonique Lawless printed out letters to be sent out and contacted Ruth Hemphill regarding sending out more letters to addresses of potential student members. Ruth will put in newsletter as well. Domonique will continue to talk with John Harris (MTSU) regarding getting letters out. The Student Division meeting date has been moved from October to November. Joe Shaw is liasing with Tennessee School For The Blind to see how our chapter may be able to assist students by presenting speakers on various topics at the school.
• Officer's teli-conference scheduled for October 18, 2004 8PM.

IV President's Report:

• Blind gentleman from VA called NFBMTC. Mr. Farley called as result of getting a packet of ours. He will pay dues and be at the next meeting.
• Heather Field attended The Annual Unity Conference held at The Tennessee School For The Blind. She publicized our local chapter and the vital role that adult blind people play in demonstrating to children, parents and teachers the true capabilities of blind people.

As a direct result of this several teachers contacted her about having her meet with parents and blind students.

• Membership: Every person makes a difference. Who have you called? Our chapter is still young and though we are taking small steps right now, we are well on our way to being an effective chapter. We must be actively sharing the goals, philosophy and benefits of being a part of this wonderful organization with those we know who are blind or who are interested in issues that effect blind people.
• We need to be excited about what NFB means and does. To the Middle Tennessee area WE ARE the NFB and, therefore, what NFB does is what WE do, since we, this chapter, are all they see of the NFB.
• Question was raised about the recent convention for Orientation and Rehabilitation professionls held in Nashville. Why didn't we know about it and have representatives from the chapter attending? Heather answered that It was for staff of Rehabilitations Centers only.

V New Business:

Paying for having a room. How to Pay? Suggestions included:

Individuals pay a small amount each, the chapter pays the balance.

Motion made by Ryan Smith to pay next 3 months from chapter funds. Seconded by Domonique Lawless. Motion passed. He will send checks for October, November and December to Georgia Varble of the Nashville Public Library.

Tony Garcia discussed a fund-raising possibility through a project being undertaken by a class he is attending.

Discussion followed regarding how our chapter would use funds raised: Room rent, Building a Center for the blind here in TN, paying for materials for packets to get the word out about the NFB, who we are and what we are about. Concerns were raised about the large number of people who need Rehab services and are not getting the help they need. The suggestion was made that we should begin planning to present the case for more funds for Servvices For The Blind to the legislature. Heather explained the importance of preparing our case and that we must formulate concerns and give practical ways to solve them. Terry Smith could possibly be involved. We will Need to carefully formulate our proposal and include specific cases of blind people who have been dissatisfied with services.

• Also discussed TIPS – TN Infant Parent Services. Was working out of TSB, but now has been combined with the deaf and moved to Knoxville.

• Discussed planning the Christmas Party – who to invite and how it is an opportunity to reach out to blind people, those who work with them and to thank those who have assisted us during the year.

Discussion followed about how best to reach blind people? Suggestions included word of mouth which is by far the best method, Radio and TV Announcements, using stories in the newspapers with caution. The point was made that it is usually a process requiring personal change for blind individuals considering becoming part of the NFB and our work. This is because it involves learning about and understanding the NFB philosophy. Many people don't want to admit their blindness because of what that means in our society. Because of stereotypes about the incompetence of the blind many blind people don't want blind friends, but want acceptance from the sighted and get their validation as valuable members of society by associating with those who can see. They need time and exposure to those who are living out the NFB philosophy to come to that place where they see that it's respectable to be blind.

• Party: Domonique moved that the Christmas party be held on Friday December 10 th, at the home of Heather Field. Keith Anderson seconded the motion. Passed.
• It was agreed that we should havd door prizes.
• Joe Shaw shared about an activity for White Cane Safety Day held by a chapter in Florida. They chose a section of road (legal crossing) and took turns crossing the road with white canes. Two deputies were on either end of the road. In four h ours, they gave out six violations to people for not stopping! The president of the chapter in a discussion with Joe reminded him that it was always best practice to write one’s own press releases, and not let reporters write it themselves or it will be about the “poor” blind person.

Joe suggested that we might do something similar to highlight the law here in TN. Ideas included posters or signs with a picture of person with a cane or guide dog and putting the caption underneath, taken from the law. Tony Garcia will look online for TN law. Joe and Domonique volunteer to put up small posters/fliers.

• Fund Raising: Members were encouraged to bring ideas for annual events to our next meeting.

NFB Philosophy Discussion. Ms. Field presented two articles.

Article. Group plans Maine's housing for the blind. $4.7 million plan to be designed for blind/low income consumers.

Next meeting Saturday: November 13, 2004

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Keith Anderson recording secretary.