2010-04-21

Notice of our 2010 Annual General Meeting

You are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting for Blind Beginnings!

Our AGM will be held on Saturday May 29 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. The location of the meeting will be the party room of the town house complex on Mayview Circle (near Canada Way and Burris in Burnaby).

The event will begin with a family pot luck lunch; we ask all families to please bring a dish to share. The formal meeting will begin at 1:00 pm and volunteers will be present to assist with child-care during the meeting.

If you plan to attend please RSVP by May 20 with the number of people and whether you are coming for the lunch, the meeting, or both.

Only members of Blind Beginnings are able to vote at the AGM. You can renew your annual membership or become a member on our website at www.blindbeginnings.ca Your membership allows you to vote at our AGM, participate in all Blind Beginnings programs throughout the year, and be covered under our insurance during your participation in our programs. Only members of Blind Beginnings can sit on the Board of Directors of the organization. Membership is $10 for an individual, $15 for a professional, and $25 for a family. If you aren’t sure whether your membership is due, please contact the office at: 604-434-7243.

We are currently looking to expand our Board of Directors. If you would like to join the Board we invite you to submit a letter of interest stating your relationship or interest in Blind Beginnings as well as what skills and qualifications you feel you would contribute. We are seeking individuals who are committed to our vision of a world in which blind and visually impaired children/youth will reach their full potential. Expertise in fund development, marketing, human resources, accounting, or event planning would also be an asset. We would also like to expand the youth representation on our Board and encourage youth and young adults who are blind or visually impaired to submit a letter of interest. A minimum of 60 percent of the Board must be blind or visually impaired or a family member of a child or youth who is blind or visually impaired.

Our Board meets the first Thursday of each month from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at our Blind Beginnings office in New Westminster. Board members who live outside the lower mainland join the meetings via teleconference. Being a new organization our Board is a working Board and Board members are expected to contribute 3 to 5 hours per month in addition to attendance at the monthly meetings.

Our Nominations Committee will review all letters of interest and present a slate of nominees to be elected at the AGM. All letters of interest should be sent to shawn@blindbeginnings.ca no later than May 20, 2010. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 604-434-7243.

We look forward to seeing you on May 29!