Why be a Delegate for #NAD2020?

Delegates vote on a motion at #NAD2018.

BY GRAHAM FORSEY, DC (REGION I), TAR GILLMAN, TEXAS (REGION III), LISA M ROSE, FLORIDA (REGION III), AND JIMMY WILSON IV, ARIZONA (REGION IV)

We self-identify and stand out in many different ways; no one is like another. For most of us, one of our core identities is we’re Deaf. Some of us are able to join an organization that focuses on improving the lives of deaf people. A lot of us do want to be more involved but, we have our personal responsibilities and priorities to consider. While it’s true that we have our plates full – perhaps we don’t realize what the expectations are to be involved.

One hundred and forty years ago, a wise group of people made a life-time commitment to civil rights advocacy. We know this group today as the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). We still face discrimination in our society, and we see many flaws and shortcomings that can be improved! There are many ways to do our part – every action goes a long way. At the Biennial NAD Conference, we have an opportunity, as a delegate, to collaborate and develop ideas on how we can make deaf and hard of hearing people’s lives better in the United States. The Council of Representatives (COR) is a several-days long meeting that happens during the NAD Conference. Motions are discussed, priorities for the NAD are determined, and questions are raised for the NAD to respond to. The COR is our chance, as delegates, to focus the NAD’s efforts for the next two years.

Some of us have made differences in our local neighborhood, county, state or even the entire country. Some have given up many hours of their time to gather and lead people together to achieve a goal. For others, ideas are just waiting to be acted on. The next Biennial NAD Conference in Chicago,

“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” J.R.R. Tolkien, the creator of The Lord of the Rings.

June 30 to July 5, 2020, represents the perfect chance to collaborate over several days, sharing our experiences and ideas in one room.

It is an honor to be asked to be a delegate from your state to the Council of Representatives (COR) at the Biennial NAD Conference.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Delegates need to register with the NAD. Your organization will receive details from the NAD on how to do so.

2. Ask previous delegates from your organization what their experience was.

3. Make sure you study the delegates’ manual that you will receive from the NAD before the conference, so you arrive in Chicago prepared. 4. When the NAD releases the priorities motions before the conference, review all priority motions with your members for their perspectives.

5. Do your research on each issue with the budget, training, impact, length of time and solution that the NAD and/or stakeholders accomplish;

6. Pay attention to the agenda and don’t miss important key discussions. If you have a question, you can ask when appropriate.

7. Get to know who else is in your region during the caucus in case you need support votes on an issue that concerns you and your state. Learn what their strategies are so that you can apply them at home.

8. It’s recommended that you share daily updates with your organization, however each organization varies in what they expect out of their delegates.

Graham Forsey originally moved to the U.S. from Canada in 2010 to study at RIT. With his experience in many organizations and roles over the years, he was elected President of the DC Association of the Deaf in May 2019.

Delegate Tar Gillman shares a comment during the Council of Representatives at #NAD2018.

9. Delegates represent the organization’s issues, not their own. Consider what your organization’s issues are and tie that in with the NAD’s priorities. Keep in mind that your organization selected you to be their delegate, this means they trust you to carry out their position on issues.

No matter where you are or your role in this country, you have the power to change our future. Join us at #NAD2020!

Tar Gillman is a Native Michigander. He is now residing in Texas. Tar has been serving in nonprofit organizations and is currently the Vice President of the Texas Association of the Deaf.

Lisa M Rose was the President of the Florida Association of the Deaf.

James Wilson, IV lives in Tucson, Arizona and is embracing his desert roots after graduating from Gallaudet University in May 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Communication Studies. James is currently a cremationist at a funeral home. He has recently completed a season as head coach at Arizona School for the Deaf and the Blind’s High School Girls’ Volleyball team. James currently serves as President of the Arizona Association of the Deaf, Inc.

Delegates should share their activities with the public, check out the Texas Association of the Deaf (TAD) to get an idea: Day 1 txad.org/post/national-association-of-the-deaf-nad-2018-conference Day 2 txad.org/post/nad-2018-conference-day-2 Day 3 txad.org/post/nad-2018-conference-day-3 Day 4 txad.org/post/nad-2018-conference-day-4