Vermont Association of the Deaf

English text: 

(Environment information) 

white male wearing glasses with white beard wearing dark grey long sleeve sweatshirt, sitting in front of a solid blue backdrop. 

(message)

Hello Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people of Vermont.  I am David Krueger, president of Vermont Association of the Deaf (VtAD).  I want to share with you about an upcoming event on Sunday, February 11, 2024.  VtAD is hosting a Superbowl Party and also will conduct VtAD Board Elections.

This event will be at the Vermont State University at Randolph campus.  If you remember the DBHI+ events from the last few years, it is the same location — off exit 4 from highway 89.  The address is 124 Admin Drive, Randolph Center, VT 05061.  The VtAD event is in Conant building, room 102.  Conant building is next to the gym.

The VtAD Board Elections start at 4p.  If you show up before the elections start, you will have a chance to participate in raffles totaling $200.  I want to stress that it is really important that 40 or more VtAD members show up for the election to meet quorum requirements for qualified elections.  Valid membership for the election apply to those who paid for membership in 2022 and 2023.

The Superbowl Party starts after the elections are done.  Conant 102 has a 40 foot screen for the superbowl action and auditorium seating.  VtAD will provide some food.  Potluck is welcomed.  Drinks/beverages are BYOB.

Admission for non-members is $5 (this means if you are a member, admission is free for you).  RSVP is required — send email to VtAD Secretary (email: vtad.secretary@gmail.com).

This will be an exciting event and we look forward to seeing you there!

FLYER INFO:

SCAN QR TO REGISTER- or Enter the link-
https://forms.gle/YhXjRykYqDyit9Ck7

Please feel join us and watch our meeting. Please ensure to close your screen until when we are done with meeting and feel free to share your thoughts, opinion, and etc.

Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85783446849?pwd=b0k1bjhVMWJ3T0psSXZwTDdDUWZ2dz09

ID 85783446849

See you all there! 🙂

VT State University – Randolph Campus – Conant Building 4 PM (next to Gym)

Wanted to give everyone an update on what happened with Election last Saturday. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough people to go. Bylaws requires 3/4 members be there. We have 70 active members. Election requires in state voters only so we need approximately 45 members to be there to vote and we didn’t have that many people there who can vote.

We decided to postpone it to Feb 11th Sunday. that is Super bowl Sunday. We ll host that event at VT state University, Randolph campus, formerly known as VT Technical College in Randolph.

It will be at the VT State University Conant Building next door to the Gym. Its easy to get there and near the highway. We will have the Election and then the Super Bowl event there showing at a huge screen with theater seats. We ll provide chicken wings or Subways. Bring your own drinks and we will socialize and watch the game after the election for the 2024-2026 year. Look forward to seeing all of you there.

Presentation at VTAD event Jan 6, 2024 at Old Barre Town Hall 1-4 pm

Biography:

I’m Afro-Latino, a biochemist, and an activist. My 10+ years of experience in team leadership at different organizations took place from community to employers. My leadership model was cultivated with the support of my multi-intersectional groups throughout a series of small discussions and dialogue. I worked part time as a teaching assistant at two different Deaf schools. After that teaching experience, I currently enroll in the Animal Bioscience program for Master of Science at University of Vermont. I formerly trained in Mental Health First Aid for Adults. 

Presentation Summary:

Systematic oppression weakens the self-belonging space in leadership development. Therefore, the innovative leadership has struggles. The climate of fear within the institutions and businesses is increasing quickly.  Capitalistic culture heavily relies on an authoritarian system. The community leaders and employees immediately become divisive in the capitalistic culture. A principle of interconnectedness recognizes the internal framework that exists where human care and inclusive perspectives are present. A dignity-self-belonging structure in the institutions brings in checks and balances of power, and the ability to get support from the public. Prosperity, equity, and information access can be achieved once public trust is restored. 

Transcript:

Hello I am Elena Shapiro, Ex Officio for VTAD. Ex Offico – means former President supporting existing board. I am here to explain about the event this Saturday Jan 6 1-4. Purpose of the meeting is hear a presentation about Restorative Justice and for election of new officers.

This event will be at the Old Barre Hall same place where DVAS soup kitchen was held recently and in the past years. After the election we will have ASL hang out. Hope you will stay for the social afterwards.

I will talk about the election process and expand more about the different Board roles.

First who can run and how does it work. Any one can nominate. Can let us know ahead of time or you can show up that day and nominate someone. You can nominate yourself. There is no restrictions with nominations. Two run, you must be present in person to run for office. You can join the zoom meeting and observe but you must be present in person to run for office.

Who can vote for officers – those members who have been members in the last two years. That membership expires this saturday. To get in the cost for current members is free. For those who are not members, you can pay for membership and it will take effect after the election for two years. Cost is $20 for VT residents. $15 for Seniors and $40 for those living out of state. You can pay cash, check, cashapp or venmo.

For this saturday, the board election, Officer roles are explained here.

President is responsible for everything outside. Legislative issues, Particpate in monthly meetings with Vancro Advisory committee, Deaf Blind HH Task force committe, NAD Region 1 meeting, FEMA Meeting, VTAD Monthly board meeting as well as attend Deaf Blind HH ++ annual event, Brattleboro Deaf Club events and much more. Attend the NAD BiAnnual National conference and town hall meetings.

Vice President – Support President and sub committes as needed. Oversees Legislative agenda and VTAD events. Respond to Emails, and phone calls if needed. Follow up to clarify with questions and referenes.

Secretary – Note taking for all VTAD meetings, Respond to all phone calls and emails. Request sponsorships and write thank you letters for donations. Secretary is also responsible to post on Website, and social media.

Treasurer – Attend all events and responsible for all admissions. If treasurer cant attend, someone else on the board can do so. File Annual taxes and state documents to ensure State Non Profit and 501c3 status. Pay for all Yolanda Henry Community Funds to Vancro. Maintain budget. We oversee VTAD budget, Vancro YHCF budget and Deaf Blind interpreting budget.

Member at large (MAL) is out in the community sharing information with members. Bringing information back to the board for any concerns. Mal supports us at events and represents us in the community. MAL is appointed by board members.

I look forward to seeing everyone this Saturday from 1-4 at the Old Barre Town Hall.