The Election Committee of the NAD Board of Directors put forth five questions to all candidates for board officer and regional representative positions. Scroll down to view candidate answers to these five questions:
President
2012-2014
Sheri Ann Farinha, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
We face a crisis concerning the need for language and educational reform. I am a strong coalition builder of varying constituencies to create new solutions.
With my political and legislative advocacy skills, I bring to NAD the knowledge and hands-on training for state associations and other allies to build our national team of experts not only on language and education, but other aspects of our lives.
Being a President is like being a rallying coach.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
I have spent 30 years in non-profit community organizations serving Deaf people, the last 19 years as CEO. Every day I see the injustice experienced by deaf people resulting from lack of equal access or lack of quality education.
I am a passionate and effective advocate for system change. Proof of my expertise and dedication is in my many years of service with local and national coalitions to improving education and to ensuring telecommunication/911 access. See her website for more information: www.sheriannfarinha.com [3]
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
For the world to see Deaf individuals as a cultural and linguistic minority, we need legislative STRATEGIES about language acquisition for Deaf children and their families along with essential ASL education reforms.
To do that, we must STRENGTHEN Heart & Soul of the NAD: State Associations and ENGAGE our diverse members on key issues.
We must have a national think tank for E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E to join!
Educate, advocate, educate, advocate ‘til we see Equality for ALL.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
I have provided numerous trainings on diversity, specifically how to eliminate racism & audism. I feel it is imperative to lead by example to:
End the Silence. Demonstrate commitment to values of diversity, accountability, and transparency.
Ensure dialogues at all levels especially when the intersection of oppression surfaces amongst those who are not only Deaf, but Deaf of color, women, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, seniors.
Engage NAD/SAs to have training on Diversity and inclusion.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
#1 goal: A National Deaf Political Action Campaign (PAC)
#2 goal: A National Think Tank (where EVERYONE can participate)
When a crisis -- or an issue -- surfaces, we must ensure there are ways to roundtable the discussions openly through social media and related technologies. Transparency is key. A sense of involvement and engagement is critical to drawing new supporters to NAD.
Yes, We Can, and We Will!
Sheri's Facebook Page
S [4]heri's Twitter Feed
S [5]heri's Website [6]
President
2012-2014
Chris Wagner, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
I am passionate about NAD, its mission and core values, and achievement of its Vision 2020 strategic goals. As President, I seek to continue the change process to ensure that NAD becomes more open, welcoming and interactive. I truly believe that the power lies within all of us to collectively create a stronger and more powerful NAD so that we – together – can effectively influence stakeholders and decision makers on key issues important to us all.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
Deep understanding of NAD – Fulton III Committee Member (2004-06; recommendations led to NAD Vision 2020 strategic plan), Board Vice President, Governance Chair and Finance/Budget Member (2008-12). Worked with state associations on legislative, leadership and governance issues.
Extensive nonprofit management, school board and legislative experience – Florida Association of the Deaf President, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind Board Chair, among others in Florida. Led efforts to create state commission serving deaf and hard of hearing.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
We must strengthen our relationships with organizations and start acting like a collective movement, Instead of functioning as separate silos. The NAD must change to model a culture of shared purpose and effective collective action. We must stop pretending that all of the answers rest on the NAD board or headquarters. Instead everyone will become part of the movement that we – together – organize, facilitate and nurture together as ONE community.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
We must change how we welcome, interact with and involve individuals and groups with diverse backgrounds, experiences, interests and perspectives. The NAD must step up its efforts to transform and strengthen relationships through open, honest and respectful dialogue toward mutually beneficial goals. By creating a culture that nurtures cooperative relationships, we can build stronger, more relevant and powerful NAD that is supported by individual and collective activism on the local, state and national levels.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
Social media is not about technology – it is about people, relationships, and shared interests. Communication is a two-way street; the NAD must listen to effectively engage and learn from members and non-members alike - this way NAD can be more relevant and responsive toward collective activism efforts. Board and committee members must also make use of social media to promote dialogue on significant issues that impact the NAD and the American deaf community.
Chris' Twitter Feed [7]
Chris' Facebook [8]
Chris' Website [9]
Vice President
2012-2014
Melissa Draganac-Hawk, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
I am passionate about supporting NAD and its programs to enhance the Deaf experience. I am particularly interested in the vice-presidency as I have had extensive experience working with various groups of people, both socially and professionally, in addition to being involved in developing leadership programs for diverse groups. The vice-presidency will allow me to apply these relationships to further the NAD mission to an assortment of internal and external groups.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
When a Deaf baby is born, parents receive a congratulatory letter and trial membership. NAD is a household name for its works to protect the civil, human and linguistic rights. Every Deaf child grows up in a fully accessible environment with knowledge and dignity in ASL and Deaf culture. The NAD Vision 2020 Strategic Plan is fully executed. NAD is noted as a K Street organization and is sought in general elections and activism.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
Diversity and youth have been the primary foci of my duties with the NAD board. I co-chair the Diversity Strategy Team (DST) and have served on the Youth Strategy Team (YST) the past four years. Serving as Vice-President, I would continue to support the process being developed by DST to work collaboratively with state associations, affiliates and individual members to maximize representation and participation of people of color, age groups, genders, education and socio-economic levels.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
Social networking is an instantaneous communication channel and increasingly an important component of Deaf community. Social networking has the advantage of engagement in near real time and this furthers the scope of inclusion for the NAD. However, NAD must remember social networking and other technological advancements alone are not the answer as a degree of comfort with English and technology are required. Non-whites are rapidly becoming important segments of the U.S. population and NAD must continue to reach out to every group.
Vice President
2012-2014
David O. Reynolds, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
I've been thinking about serving on NAD Board for a long time, because I want to help serve the Deaf People n make the difference in NAD n our people. I hope to provide n support NAD with my Leadership skills n experiences. I have been politically active for most of my life as an activist fighting for Social Justice especially in the area of Deaf Education, ASL as a language right, n Bilingualism. My personality n leadership style, I believe, are knowing how to find people with different skills, empowering n delegate many others to work as a Team. Being an inspiring leader with passion, a pioneer, n communicator, with integrity n openness, i hope to bring NAD through newer challenges of changes. My Vision as a leader, I believe NAD Board n the overall Deaf Community will need to address this more than ever. Deaf Education, Deaf Schools, ASL as a Human Language Right, n Deaf Culture are at a National Crisis (international crisis) more than ever since the dark age of 1880's. The time is now, we must be assertive, proactive, bolder, n stronger to preserve our future. I want to be there to help lead NAD n our People.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
My background, experiences, n qualifications will bring a clear focus n strength to NAD Board which includes working at Gallaudet, MSSD, n Indiana Deaf School (ISD) for over 25 years of Deaf Education. Working with Legislators to pass some bills such as ASL Language Right, Bilingualism, protecting the Deaf School, working with IAD, President of Parents Organization, being one of the Leaders n Founder of Bilingual/ Bicultural Education, being on NAD Education Section Committee n on the Media Committee of NAD, Board member of Deaf Bilingual Coalition(DBC), took Leadership Training courses, Asst Supt n Team Member of Supt Cabinet at ISD.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
I have been involved with Deaf Education, committees, n organizations so many years that i want to contribute n make NAD stronger as the true national organization that advocates Deaf Educational issues much more. ASL as Human Language Right for all Deaf/Hard of Hearing People, Bilingualism in Deaf Education, n Protecting/Promoting /Validating the importance of Deaf Schools, n our Culture are all my areas of interest. My dream also includes making some changes for NAD to make it accessible, transparent, attractive, n exciting for ALL kinds of Deaf People. The effectiveness n efficiency of leading, working with teams in running meetings that will attract n bring more interest n involvement from delegates n the Deaf People everywhere.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
Promoting diversity n bringing youth are a must. Working with Deaf People from different areas, interests, backgrounds, different age groups including the Youth, different educational experiences, n different cultures, I do believe that I have a very strong connection, sensitivity, n understanding of how we can bring them to NAD. We can be more transparent, improving the system of how the meetings are run, membership fees changes, the general language usage, the attitude n effort of reaching out can make NAD empowering n exciting for all.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
The use of Social Media is a must. We need to incorporate the younger generations, empower them by letting them to find ways to make NAD accessible, friendly, n attractive to all. Being an activist, politician, actor, n filmmaker, I know the importance n power of Social Media. NAD needs to work with more Deaf filmmakers, many are eager to fight with us n make NAD exciting again. NAD is the oldest living organization in USA since 1880 so, let's bring back the Vim back to NAD with more exciting changes.
Secretary
2012-2014
Sean Gerlis, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
I will continue my passion as an advocate, in serving National Association of the Deaf (NAD) where I can continue to promote deaf and hard of hearing individuals’ civil, human and linguistic rights across America. As a Secretary of NAD, I believe I am uniquely qualified for this position; using my skills to engage in communications between NAD and the communities NAD serves.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
I served in the following NAD Board capacities during the past four years:
I also served on the state level:
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
My focus has been and continues to be on working toward Vision 2020, every deaf and hard of hearing person’s right to express themselves in American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Additionally, NAD’s governance structure allowing and incorporating values and community views will be built upon input from everyone. Strategies include implementing diversity best practices, optimizing position and policy statements’ effectiveness and impact on state associations, organizational affiliates and individuals and Vision 2020 goals.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
I would begin with promoting inclusiveness by embrace diversity and youth as core values along with our primary focus on ASL such as:
1) Enable diverse social interaction and creating safe places where individuals and groups can seek out others with like interests and needs;
2) Tackle discrimination issues, integrate many different types of uses (elements) that bring people together;
3) Develop a plan to engage in educational and cultural activities that celebrate diverse cultures.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
Social networking has become an integrated tool in our daily communication as we become more connected by using the Internet. I believe in order to draw new supporters to NAD through social media we must promote every available social media channels and be accessible to everyone. Every one should be able to interact with NAD on a two-way street communication basis. Also, I’m very comfortable in using social media tools.
Sean's Website [10]
Secretary
2012-2014
Kirsten Poston, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
As Secretary, I seek to emphasize transparency, integrity, collaboration and engagement. Our members and the community must be kept regularly informed of NAD board and policy decisions through clear, concise, timely and complete meeting minutes. Passion, positivism, and perseverance is my vision for NAD. I am committed to sharing the wealth of NAD knowledge and experience to empower others as well as bringing the same from members and the public to strengthen NAD efforts.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
Also…
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
My vision for the NAD is to bring our community together to advocate for our rights through diversity and inclusion. I believe in teamwork and collaboration. The Vision 2020 Strategic Plan is our roadmap. We must engage individual and affiliate membership and align all stakeholders to shape the NAD and its future. This includes saving our deaf schools, ensuring deaf babies have access to ASL, jobs for deaf youth, and much more.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
It is important for the NAD to develop diversity and youth action plans by working with all state associations and organizational affiliates, with diverse member based organizations – this would lead to strengthening of our collective advocacy networks. The NAD must also use social media to defeat the –isms that so long have divided our membership, and we must also reach out to underserved individuals and groups, plus seek opportunities for greater volunteerism within the NAD.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
The NAD needs to recruit volunteers and interns for its social media team, so that it can regularly develop blogs, vlogs, and survey polls. This would enable the NAD to see where the community stands on specific issues and initiatives. I believe in transparency and empowerment. The NAD belongs to the community it serves. The NAD can inspire a strong movement through social media, engage in community building and advocacy efforts for powerful results.
Region One Representative
2012-2016
Steve Lovi, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
There is still much work that needs to be done in bringing together NAD and State Associations (SA’s) for the betterment of a more unified national organization. As a Region I representative, would like to work on a plan in restoring joint efforts to secure new members and supporters while retaining existing members between both NAD and SA’s.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
During the last 20 plus years, have been involved with several Deaf and hearing boards and organizations, either as a member, advisor or officer which has given significant insight into how non-profit organizations are run. As a Region I state delegate (08 & ’10) and a NLTC delegate (’09 & ’11), have gained an increased appreciation of the successes and challenges that NAD has encountered during the past several years.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
A responsive organization that is well respected for its’ advocacy, transparency and innovation in creating a more Deaf aware and politically connected network across the country for its’ members and the community at large including lawmakers and government entities.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
Specify that each of the two appointed NAD board members include a representative of the youth community and the diversity community. Both members would advise the board in developing proactive strategies consistent with the two respective communities. This could also include specific youth and diversity presentation tracks at the NLTC and National Conferences as well as activities with the State Associations in the promotion and recruitment of diverse members.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
It is critical that NAD update its’ current web site to provide more detailed information including the various committee and subcommittee members, progress reports and contact information as a means of being more transparent and accessible to the larger community. This in turn will help create a more interactive social dialogue between NAD and its’ members who rely on such information to be readily available alongside Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets.
Region One Representative
2012-2016
Alfred Sonnenstrahl
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
After serving deaf communities in various capacities, I believe I am in an excellent position to assist the NAD in effectively achieving its objectives. I have a long and consistent history of advocacy that have resulted in positive gains. My motivation to continue advocacy in areas that will benefit the deaf and hard of hearing community remains strong. I want to support the NAD in its quest to remain a strong, viable and effective organization.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
Officer/board member of four state associations since 1964. Charter member of and ongoing representative to DHHCAN (conglomerate of multiple national consumer organizations engaged in advocacy). Administrator of the 1981 NAD 504 Technical Assistance Program (trained approximately 500 individuals nationally about Section 504 rights). As executive director of TDI, worked with Congress in developing relevant components of the ADA, assisting the FCC and DOJ in creating the Disability Rights Office and 911 accessibility guidelines, respectively.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
I support the NAD Vision statement. I want the NAD to be the deaf community's leading national advocacy center, one that incorporates community views, implements diversity best practices, and optimizes the effectiveness of position and policy statements. I know the NAD will be a strong and effective advocacy nonprofit organization, with members strongly committed to positive self-representation for policy and best practices in all avenues of society, including early intervention, education, vocational rehabiliation, socialization and aging.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
Encourage close collaboration with organizational affiliates representing diversity for various policy and practice initiatives and facilitate shared membership opportunities. To train future NAD leaders and members, promote youth programs that reflect a cooperative effort to include youth from diverse organizations such as Junior NAD, AGBAD, ASC, ASDC, HLAA, IDC, NBDA and NCHDHH.. I would emphasize the common issues that draw all these diverse youth together.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
More deaf individuals are accessing social media. I would do regular commentary on various NAD policy and practice issues in tought-provoking ways using Facebook, Twitter, and blogs that could spark interest in becoming more involved in NAD. I would emphasize how these issues directly impact the lives of those receiving the messages and how their efforts might result to positive social action if they get involved. It would make them valued as potential supporters.
Region II Representative
2012-2016
Mike Berger, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
After four years as a NAD Board member, I am still passionate about NAD and I would like to continue the same passion by serving for the second term as the Region II Representative. I strongly am in favor of keeping open communicate between State Associations and the NAD Board as well as the NAD Headquarters. I will ensure that every State Association and the deaf/hard of hearing communities know and understand that NAD is there to serve you and advocate your civil, human, and linguistic rights
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
I have significant board experience including serving as the NAD Region II Board Member I also served as the President and the Vice President of the Illinois Association of the Deaf (IAD). I have also been involved in various other organizations such as the Board of Deaf Way IL-II, the advisory council pf the Illinois School for the Deaf(ISD), and the ISD Superintendent Search Committee. I have served the NAD Liaison for the State Association & Affiliate Committee, Youth Strategic Team, Membership Committe, and State Association Committee.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
My vision is that the NAD needs to continue working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community in every way to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights. In addition, I intend to see that the NAD resources be made more available to all of us. Transparency is another area I plan to focus on. In addition, I will see that the NAD continues to implement the Vision 2020 Strategic Plan and to share with all State Associations, Affiliated Organizations and Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
NAD does promote diversity and youth to increase the number of the memberships. My plan is to find different ways on how NAD can help diversity and youth at local levels. I would like to see more workshop opportunities for all state associations and affiliates
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
Today, Social networking is growing rapidly for our deaf community and new supporters. Knowing how important the social networking is, I would like to increase more connection with various groups, non members, etc. through the use of facebook, twitter, blog, vlog, etc. Social networking is a great tool for open communication and hearing any current issues/concerns.
Region IV Representative
2012-2016
David O. Reynolds, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
I've been thinking about serving on NAD Board for a long time, because I want to help serve the Deaf People n make the difference in NAD n our people. I hope to provide n support NAD with my Leadership skills n experiences. I have been politically active for most of my life as an activist fighting for Social Justice especially in the area of Deaf Education, ASL as a language right, n Bilingualism. My personality n leadership style, I believe, are knowing how to find people with different skills, empowering n delegate many others to work as a Team. Being an inspiring leader with passion, a pioneer, n communicator, with integrity n openness, i hope to bring NAD through newer challenges of changes. My Vision as a leader, I believe NAD Board n the overall Deaf Community will need to address this more than ever. Deaf Education, Deaf Schools, ASL as a Human Language Right, n Deaf Culture are at a National Crisis (international crisis) more than ever since the dark age of 1880's. The time is now, we must be assertive, proactive, bolder, n stronger to preserve our future. I want to be there to help lead NAD n our People.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
My background, experiences, n qualifications will bring a clear focus n strength to NAD Board which includes working at Gallaudet, MSSD, n Indiana Deaf School (ISD) for over 25 years of Deaf Education. Working with Legislators to pass some bills such as ASL Language Right, Bilingualism, protecting the Deaf School, working with IAD, President of Parents Organization, being one of the Leaders n Founder of Bilingual/ Bicultural Education, being on NAD Education Section Committee n on the Media Committee of NAD, Board member of Deaf Bilingual Coalition(DBC), took Leadership Training courses, Asst Supt n Team Member of Supt Cabinet at ISD.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
I have been involved with Deaf Education, committees, n organizations so many years that i want to contribute n make NAD stronger as the true national organization that advocates Deaf Educational issues much more. ASL as Human Language Right for all Deaf/Hard of Hearing People, Bilingualism in Deaf Education, n Protecting/Promoting /Validating the importance of Deaf Schools, n our Culture are all my areas of interest. My dream also includes making some changes for NAD to make it accessible, transparent, attractive, n exciting for ALL kinds of Deaf People. The effectiveness n efficiency of leading, working with teams in running meetings that will attract n bring more interest n involvement from delegates n the Deaf People everywhere.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
Promoting diversity n bringing youth are a must. Working with Deaf People from different areas, interests, backgrounds, different age groups including the Youth, different educational experiences, n different cultures, I do believe that I have a very strong connection, sensitivity, n understanding of how we can bring them to NAD. We can be more transparent, improving the system of how the meetings are run, membership fees changes, the general language usage, the attitude n effort of reaching out can make NAD empowering n exciting for all.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
The use of Social Media is a must. We need to incorporate the younger generations, empower them by letting them to find ways to make NAD accessible, friendly, n attractive to all. Being an activist, politician, actor, n filmmaker, I know the importance n power of Social Media. NAD needs to work with more Deaf filmmakers, many are eager to fight with us n make NAD exciting again. NAD is the oldest living organization in USA since 1880 so, let's bring back the Vim back to NAD with more exciting changes.
Links:
[1] http://www.instagram.com
[2] http://www.nad.org/louisville/socialphotos
[3] http://www.sheriannfarinha.com
[4] https://www.facebook.com/groups/303047126455009/
[5] https://twitter.com/#%21/NADVOTESheri
[6] http://www.sheriannfarinha.com/
[7] https://twitter.com/#!/NADWagner
[8] http://www.facebook.com/voteNADwagner
[9] http://wagner4nad.org/welcome
[10] http://www.seangerlis.com/nad
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