Workshop Descriptions

Transformative Justice: You, Community, System – Time to Change it All! (Erin Esposito) – Redbird B

This workshop will give participants an overview of transformative justice and discuss ways this framework can help our communities heal from conflicts and violence.

Make an Impact with Social Media (Donald Moore & Corey Axelrod) – Fell B

During this interactive workshop, the presenters will share best practices for organizations to maximize their social media reach, whether they are using Facebook or Twitter to share their organization’s story or advocate for the rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. The presenters will discuss the use of various strategies and approaches to appeal to Deaf and hearing audiences, including parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and legislators.

The Power of You in the Community (Jenny Buechner) – Fell C

“I am just one person, what I do makes no difference in this world!” “I’ll just do it my way.” “I’ll just complain with my friends.” Regardless of our approaches, we are always fighting for something, every day. We don’t realize that our own actions have an effect on our community as a whole. Each one of us has the power to make a difference, to join hands and strive for a better tomorrow. “But, how can I?” You’re an advocate, an ally, and you can make a difference. In this workshop we will ask many questions to help us better understand how we can make a difference, as a person, and as a community. We will look into what it means to be an advocate, ally, and leader. We will identify the different styles of leadership, and different tactics for advocacy. We will put into practice on what we can do, to make a difference together.

Understanding and Navigating the Politics and Legislative Process (Katy Schmidt and Jason Altmann) – Fell B

This workshop will focus on developing a better understanding of the legislative process. Participants will learn how the Deaf community can work through their state associations in order to mobilize communities for greater legislative success.

Deaf Power: Making Your Legislator Work for You (Katy Schmidt and Jason Altmann) – Fell B

During this workshop, the presenters will discuss collaboration and the use of various strategies, including how to make your legislators work for you in order to maximize strengths and to achieve more successful legislative outcomes. This is an opportunity that will allow participants to engage in an interactive discussion focusing on what needs to happen to make your legislative agenda in your own state successful.

Empowering Yourself By Understanding Yourself as a Pathway for Change (Linsay Darnall, Jr.) – Fell C

This workshop will give individuals tools to identify their strengths and weaknesses and utilize that skills into building relationships to encourage changes within themselves and to the community.