Vermont Association of the Deaf

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.

English text: 

(Environment information) 

white male wearing glasses with white beard wearing white/blue/brown plaid long sleeve shirt, sitting in front of solid blue backdrop. 

(message)

Hello Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, Coda, and hearing people of Vermont.  I am David Krueger, president of Vermont Association of the Deaf (VtAD).  I, on behalf of VtAD, am announcing the VtAD mini-conference event.  

This event will be at the Old Labor Hall in Barre  (address: 46 Granite Street, Barre) on Saturday January 6, 2024 from 1p – 4p.  This is the same location for the annual DVAS soup festival.  

The mini-conference will have two headliners: a presentation on “Restorative Justice” by Franly Ulerio-Nunez and VtAD board election for President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Member-at-Large.  

The admission cost is free for VtAD members and $5 for non-members (with the option to pay for VtAD membership), paid at the door. 

Hope to see you there!  

English text: 

(Environment information) 

white male wearing glasses with white beard wearing white/blue/brown plaid long sleeve shirt, sitting in front of solid blue backdrop. 

(message)

Hello Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, Coda, and hearing people of Vermont.  I am David Krueger, president of Vermont Association of the Deaf (VtAD).  I, on behalf of VtAD, am announcing the VtAD mini-conference event.  

This event will be at the Old Labor Hall in Barre  (address: 46 Granite Street, Barre) on Saturday January 6, 2024 from 1p – 4p.  This is the same location for the annual DVAS soup festival.  

The mini-conference will have two headliners: a presentation on “Restorative Justice” by Franly Ulerio-Nunez and VtAD board election for President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Member-at-Large.  

The admission cost is free for VtAD members and $5 for non-members (with the option to pay for VtAD membership), paid at the door. 

Hope to see you there!  

(Environment information) 

white male wearing glasses with white beard wearing light blue winter cap, brown plaid long sleeve shirt and black pants, standing in front of metal fencing and ground covered by pavers with wood pilings and a body of water in the background.

(message)

Hello Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, Coda, and hearing people of Vermont.  I am David Krueger, president of Vermont Association of the Deaf (VtAD).  I, on behalf of VtAD, am announcing the Annual VtAD Polar Bear Swim fundraiser.  

This fundraiser event will be at Oakledge Beach in Burlington, Vermont at 11am on Monday January 1, 2024.  

The goal of the fundraiser is to raise money for community interpreting costs for DeafBlind people.  

The cost for each individual polar bear swimmer is $10.  

The general plan is to meet at Oakledge Beach just before 11am and once the group is ready, we all will go to the waterfront and go swimming.  It is up to you to swim or just wade in where water level is above your knees for a dip in the water.  You can go into the water once or as many times as you want.

The plan is simple!  Come join us!  YES, LET’S GO!!