Planning a coup d’état against NAD?
Are the “activist leaders” planning a coup d’état against National Association of the Deaf during the 2010 conference in Philadelphia?
Read on…
Mr. John Egbert left a comment on RLMDeaf’s blog expressing his wish to have activism leaders to be elected at NAD conference. Mr. Egbert wishes to see these leaders to operate NAD as an activism organization for the betterment of the Deaf community in the future.
http://robertmason.blogspot.com/2009/07/hey-barry-sewell-on-issue-of-deafless.html
This is what Mr. Egbert wrote:
“The year of 2010 will be big with plans to wake up the society of how organizations such as AGBell that are “legally” trying to “destroy” American Sign Language and Deaf culture. Please have faith with DBC, AFA and NAD.NAD is slowly changing to be more of an activism type of organization after many of you are complaining of how Deaf people are being treated of their concerns with language and education in the past 100 years in the Deaf culture reality. Please support NAD. Come to Philadelphia for the NAD convention and elect activism leaders to operate NAD as an activism organization for the betterment of the Deaf community in the future.”
Also, Mr. Egbert wrote another comment which he left on his own blog, called AGBell.info dated October 7, 2009 criticizing NAD’s and two bloggers’ (including me) involvement with online captioning issue with Netflix.
I am not trying to destroy NAD in any way except to pull NAD out of the foxhole and be brave to fight. I have high respect for NAD but sadly, no warriors at this time. Maybe at Philadelphia will change to what it used to be during George Veditz era.
Look at these phrases which Mr. Egbert wrote:
“No warriors at this time”,
“Will change to what it used to be…”,
“elect activism leaders to operate NAD as an activism organization for the betterment of the Deaf community in the future.”
That sounds like a coup d’état.
Origin:1640–50;
French: lit., stroke concerning the state
Synonyms: overthrow, rebellion, revolution, uprising.
Coup d’état means the sudden overthrow of a government/organization by a usually small group of persons or in previously in positions of authority.
Let us look at National Association of the Deaf. On their website, it explains about their history. It says,
Established in 1880, the NAD was shaped by deaf leaders who believed in the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to have its interests represented at the national level. These beliefs remain true to this day, with American Sign Language as a core value.
Additionally, NAD is committed to do advocacy work as mentioned on the website.
The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more – improving the lives of millions of deaf and hard of hearing Americans.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is a Section 501(c)(3) organization and it comes with their board of directors including President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and eight (8) Regional Board Members. They can be elected by ballot at the biennial national conference, especially Regional Board Members can be elected by ballot by delegates of their respective regions.
Section 501(c) is a provision of the United States Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)), listing 26 types of non-profit organizations exempt from some federal income taxes.
Section 501(c)(3) specifically are for Religious, Educational, Charitable, Scientific, Literary, Testing for Public Safety, to Foster National or International Amateur Sports Competition, or Prevention of Cruelty to Children or Animals Organizations.
501(c)(3) has their own limitations, and they are:
- Section 501(c)(3) organizations are subject to limits or absolute prohibitions on engaging in political activities.
- Section 501(c)(3) are prohibited from conducting political campaign activities to intervene in elections to public office.
- Section 501(c)(3) organizations, public charities (but not private foundations) are permitted to conduct a limited amount of lobbying to influence legislation.
Let us look closely at NAD’s mission, vision and value statements. It is my understanding that NAD is committed in advocacy.
NAD’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve the rights and quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States of America. The vision is that every deaf and hard of hearing individual can and will participate fully in all aspects of society and life – without barriers. On NAD’s website, it explains its own core values and their statement on diversity in English and ASL. Please visit : http://www.nad.org/about-us
Now, let us focus on two words, activism and advocacy. How these words differ from each other? What are the similarities? Let’s examine here.
Activism is defined in Merriam-Webster dictionary, and it is a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue. The link to this definition here.
Advocacy is defined in the same dictionary, and it is the act or process of advocating or supporting a cause or proposal. The link is here.
That is a big difference between these two words.
I found a great website that clearly describes the differences between advocacy and activism. (University of Michigan – Dearborn focusing on Volunteer Services and Community Involvement. http://www.umd.umich.edu/290701/)
Advocacy: Organized activism related to a particular set of issues.
Activism: Intentional action to bring about social or political change.
Advocacy is the act of arguing on behalf of a particular issue, idea or person. Individuals, organizations, businesses, and governments (for example at the level of the United Nations) can engage in advocacy. Advocating for an idea can include a wide range of subjects as broad as social justice. For example, someone can engage in advocacy, which can include writing letters to the editor, contacting political representatives, organizing community meetings, distributing public education materials, participating in a public protest, or other means to communicate one’s views for the purpose public policy and social change.
That’s what NAD has been doing. What more do you think these activism leaders would want from NAD?
Why would Mr. Egbert want NAD to become an activism type of organization to make sure the society to wake up how organizations such as AGBell that are “legally” trying to “destroy” American Sign Language and Deaf culture?
Now, do you think Mr. Egbert is giving us a hint that the activism leaders are planning take over NAD and then change NAD to become an activist organization? Will they want NAD to become more confrontational against other organizations oppressing Deaf people? Hmm….
To learn more about activism: http://www.protest.net/activists_handbook/index.html
Perhaps….
Do you think Mr. Egbert would like to have NAD to become a Section 501(c)(4) organization?
Section 501(c)(4) exemptions are given to civic leagues and other organizations operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare, or local associations of employees the membership of which is limited to a designated company or persons in a particular municipality or neighborhood and the net earnings of which are devoted exclusively to charitable, educational, or recreational purposes.
Characteristics that set these organizations apart from 501(c)(3) organizations include an unlimited ability to lobby for legislation and the ability to participate in political campaigns and elections.
Probably so.
The bottom line of this blog is that I encourage you to join NAD because NAD represents YOU.
Best,
Amy Cohen Efron
October 8th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Amy,
What have NAD done for us over 40 years? Not much! NAD is so skinny and weak, time to pump NAD more muscle.
October 8th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
AGBell can be used as an effective model of advocacy, and it is a Section 501(c)(3) organization, like NAD. The difference between them is size and funding, in which NAD is at a disadvantage.
It is MEMBERS who make the the organization goals and bylaws, and if enough think like Egbert does, the organization could well change to a more activist orientation. That will be interesting.
Thanks, Amy, for a very clear discussion of the difference between advocacy and activism. I’m sure there will be people who favor activism, but the way discussion has been going in cyberspace agreement is not likely and any changes proposed may not pass.
However, many people do want more action and a change to stronger emphasis within NAD, so it would benefit NAD to listen carefully to the Deaf community at large.
October 8th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Amy,
I appreciate your comments greatly. Education and awareness is sorely need in our communities to understand what political activism means on a collective basis. There are three different levels of advocacy efforts, on an individual basis (one to one), group advocacy and policy advocacy. Various strategies and tactics to be deployed at all levels of negiotations are often overwhelming, creating barriers for those who rely on interpreters for communication purposes. A double whammy effect and it DOES NOT pay to whine to each other, especially our leaders who are trying to move forward by creating awareness among policy makers, the mainstream America on what it takes to understand that DEAF people are COOOOOL! We are wasting our time bickering among ourselves. Values of a group or one individual forcing over the collective thinking is not the way to go. NAD and state associations have over 130 years of institutional history, so rich that your eyes will pop out! By attending state association conferences, you will see traditions, honors and values are deeply embraced and deep rooted. I am very proud to be associated with a wonderful group of leaders, unsung heroes who silently do thankless work, advocating until their last breath. I just attended a memorial service where this man is truly a unsung hero, making a difference in many hundreds and hundreds of individuals’ lives in our communities. This is the kind of value, humility and a willingess to help at any cost we should be doing instead of critizing each other. Afterwards, we all said to each other, we need more people like him. He is us, you and NAD! Leaders come and go, what remains is the PASSION!
Local, state and national leaders are very diverse in viewpoints regarding their belief and value systems. Yet, we managed to get this far with what we have for our people, getting what is rightfully ours to begin with, just to be a human being.
Thank you for your comments
October 8th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I think that NAD does a lot that people don’t know about. They cannot solve all of the problems of the deaf world, although they do their damndest to try. They have a very small staff, and when deaf people don’t join, or quit because NAD did some tiny thing in which they felt slighted in some way, it weakens NAD even more. If every deaf person joined NAD, they could be a truly powerful organization and with additional funds do even more. NAD has been involved in every major initiative that impacts deaf people’s lives, from legislation touching on employment, education, telecommunications, captioning — you name it. Deaf people need to put up or shut up already.
October 8th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Amy, I don’t get your point. You seem to be implying that John is organizing some kind of clandestine activity, but that is contradicted by the fact that he wrote all those things on those public blogs.
You seem to be trying to create some kind of scandal where no scandal exists. There’s nothing improper about what John wrote. The long-time executive director is resigning. Naturally, there will be some changes occuring. There’re a lot of changes happening right now.
Frankly, I would be surprised if NO ONE wrote words similar to what John wrote. If no one wrote that way, then you would have a story, but I don’t think you have a story as it is to report.
October 8th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Amy,
There is no coup plans with NAD.
Please take a look at one the NAD Board member’s vlog,
http://www.deafvideo.tv/61101
We want to work together for Deaf babies to start the education of the brain for cognitive development skills with visual language at start.
I have no plans to be any officer position in NAD and will not wear any military uniforms at the NAD conference in Philadelphia like your cartoon trying to get the people scared.
I CARE about what has happened since 1880 Milan to thousands of Deaf people like me that did not have my natural visual language and appropriation education and my parents admitted that they were mislead about oral only method philosophy language and education for me.
Please view Sean’s Vlog… http://www.deafvideo.tv/61101
Thank you for your time to read this
John Egbert
October 8th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
NAD needs to show more meat in its goals and activism.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:29 am
I felt good when I read Scoggins’ note. Then my stomach turned upset from BR’s note. His full name is Brian Riley, the famous troublemaker and famous secretary of DBC.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Amy,
I greatly admire John Ebgert’s efforts with the DBC which I profoundly AGREE with his comments on my RLMDEAF blog (completely forgot about this until now).
I am personally UNHAPPY with the NAD since I get REAL NOTHING from my NAD membership so far. I have not been notified about the unveiling of Helen Keller statue at the U.S. Captiol thru the NAD E-Alerts.
What a joke about my NAD membership and finanical donations!
I will be more than glad to help other deaf people to shake up the NAD leadership since I never get any e-alerts and announcements from the NAD on the day one.
I should give $$$ to the DBC in the first place!
RLM
October 9th, 2009 at 9:57 am
BR and Paul Kiel are totally right!
Not many people realize that Philadephia as the
first site of gay rights activism before the
legendary Stonewall riot! That was in the early
1960s!
So we could make the city of Brotherly Love to
launch the new kind of deaf leadership for
Deaf America and get things done!
RLM
October 9th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Good post, Amy. We all need to be activists, and if we all become a member of NAD, we’ll ensure NAD excels at its advocacy on behalf of the Deaf Community.
And Ms. Scoggins, thank you for your comment. I greatly appreciate it. Respect for diversity is a must, if we want to accomplish our goals in gaining equality.
October 9th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Bobbie Beth hasn’t been president of NAD very long, only three short years, and she’s done a great job since then. Things are moving in the right direction.
Amy’s post was improperly sensationist and misguided.
October 9th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
I meant: improperly sensationalist
October 10th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
It is easy for you to label my blog as improperly sensationalist, and no one would challenge Mr. Egbert’s warring words as improperly sensationalist too?
October 10th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
What kind of ‘right direction’ are you anticipating?
October 10th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Yes, we are always activists in our own way, and NAD does listen to our concerns. They have to pick battles very carefully that will make a greater impact in all three levels as Dr. Scoggins mentioned in her comment. We cannot afford to alienate anyone, then the organization will be weaker. It does not mean that we have to be ‘nice’ to each other, it is more of being respectful to each other.
October 10th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Thanks for the historical lesson about Philadelphia, and it is also an ideal place that we can declare we all are equal and we have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness! Hope I can see you there at Philly in 2010!
October 10th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
RLM, did you file a formal complaint to NAD that you have not received any email blasts, or materials from them? You have every right to decide how you want to give your money to an important cause that best suits to your ideals and beliefs.
October 10th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Hi Geo, I understand how you felt, and I appreciate you leaving a comment here. I realized one thing that we are living in a society where each person’s opinion do differ from each other, and it does not mean that person is a bad person or a good person.
October 10th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Show more meat in its goals and activism in what way, Paul?
October 10th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
John,
Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog, and I’m glad that you have no plans to run for any officer position, or wearing military uniform at the conference. It is your words/prose that can be open for interpretation. I admire the level of passion you have, and you have your own loyal followers who share the same passion as you have. I have the same passion too, and it is our disagreement in how to handle things which divides us. It’s okay with me. I moved on, and I look into the future. We can use history to teach us a lesson, and we move forward for exciting challenges ahead of us.
I want to work with you, and unfortunately, I don’t agree with you how to do it.
October 10th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Moi? I am looking into Mr. Egbert’s prose and it is open for interpretation. I offered my interpretation and I questioned it. I did not make conclusions here, I asked questions on my blog.
If there are activist leaders who wish to see changes in NAD, to become an activist organization. I merely pinpointed the differences between activism and advocacy. If the group of people are not happy with NAD, they can do something because NAD belongs to US once we are a member of this organization.
Ain’t democracy great?
October 10th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Hi Pam, thank you so much for leaving a comment on my blog. Yes, I agree with you that if every deaf person joined NAD, and it’ll become a very powerful one. I have personally seen so many accomplishments in past 20 years, and unfortunately the public do have a short attention span or short memory remembering them.
October 10th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Hi Bobbie Beth,
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving a comment here! I am in a full support what you said, especially I love how you emphasize about values of a group or one individual forcing over the collective thinking is not the way to go. Bingo!
October 10th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
NAD does listen and still needs more members, to make changes happen. Have you asked NAD how many dues paying members they have?
October 10th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
It takes members like us to pump NAD more muscle.
October 10th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I second Amy’s #21 comment. I can name one thing that leads to divisions in the Deaf Community. The matter of faulty reasoning, especially the ad hominem fallacy, which happens to be extremely popular on the v/blogs, sadly.
October 10th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Oh yes, very sad… and very tiresome too, Deaf Pundit.
October 10th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
[...] But seems that we just came up to a big bump on the journey with Amy Cohen Efron’s improperly sensationalist and misguided blog – http://www.deafeyeseeit.com/2009/10/08/planning-a-coup-detat-against-nad/ [...]
October 10th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Amy,
To answer your q’s whether I file the formal complaint with the NAD regarding the e-blasts, etc. I haven’t.
I will do this in few minutes. Thanks for the suggestion. I do suspect that some people at the NAD miffed at my past criticism of the NAD.
RLM
October 10th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Amy,
Y could see that I had a hard time to complete the request for e-blasts, etc.
Whenver I type two words correctly, but still tell me that all wrong. *stratch my head*
http://www.nad.org/civicrm/mailing/subscribe
RLM
October 10th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
I finally completed the e-blasts request after found out that I had to click on the NAD E-Zine (no instruction how to proceed).
http://www.nad.org/contact
October 11th, 2009 at 12:15 am
Amy,
You need to do a little more homework on these issues. Supporting ideas and ideals *is* something for which one can be an activist, without necessarily getting involved in direct lobbying.
Basically, the only difference between me and you is that you want to smile at the people you are disagreeing with and use the milque toast approach, and I want to look at them with a serious look and use strong language.
October 11th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Brian,
Describing the differences between us, is not a productive dialogue here.
I did my homework, and sometimes there are issues that may require lobbying. That’s something for an organization with section 501(c)(4) can do.
Amy
October 11th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Amy,
Do you have any interest in being part of operating NAD as an officer?
If so, then Brian’s describing the differences between the two of you is a very important dialogue so the Deaf community will know what kind of a leader you are.
Please don’t close the door on the Deaf community too fast.
Thank you
October 11th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
John,
I was elected as a conference delegate representing Georgia Association of the Deaf recent summer, and I am planning on going to the NAD conference this coming summer as a delegate.
I’m not interested to become an officer or board member of NAD at this time.
I never left the Deaf Community, John.
Amy
October 11th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Also, being involved in a dialogue discussing about the personal or individual differences has nothing to do with being a leader. If you want to use a litmus test on my capabilities as a leader by getting involved in this kind of dialogue. I am not interested.
As Dr. Scoggins commented earlier on my blog, “... it DOES NOT pay to whine to each other, especially our leaders who are trying to move forward by creating awareness among policy makers… We are wasting our time bickering among ourselves.”
Thank you.
October 11th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Amy,
Did you start the bickering among ourselves by saying that there maybe a coup and use my name as the empowerment blogger to get NAD to be stronger?
Empowerment and inspiring the community is not whining.
Let’s keep it simple…. It is Time to Change….we need more NAD members with stronger leaders.
October 12th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Oh? These words/comments are yours alone, and they were warring words, John. Open for interpretation, plain and simple. I wonder before I posted my blog, did you in any chance, to talk about my advocacy efforts against Netflix on your blog? Is that bickering too?
Look, let us agree to disagree, and move on in whatever we are doing that are good for the Deaf Community. Agreed?