Deaf Women United Becomes an NAD Affiliate

Deaf Women United, Inc. (DWU) is now an affiliate of National Organization of the Deaf (NAD). This news was greeted with cheers of approval by the audience during the opening ceremonies at the 44th Biennial NAD Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

DWU is a non-profit, national organization that was established in 1985 to promote the interests of Deaf, Deaf-Blind and hard of hearing women. It provides leadership, empowerment and networking opportunities as well as a system of support for the organization’s 450 members.

NAD President, Libby Pollard, states that she is excited about the new alliance. “I personally support the idea of organizational affiliates so that teamwork efforts can be accomplished between NAD and other organizations.”

MJ Bienvenu, the President of DWU, is optimistic about the potential benefits of being associated with one of the oldest organizations for the Deaf. “What I would like to see is a growth in membership and the removal of certain myths about us. We are an organization that recognizes the works of women, the rights of women, and an organization that fights oppression,” Bienvenu adds.

What will happen to the Deaf Women Section (DWS), which was developed in 1984 to provide similar networking and support opportunities to the NAD’s Deaf female members?

“NAD is growing into a large organization and there is no need for DWS to exist since we already have a national organization, namely DWU, to focus on the needs of Deaf Women,” states Pollard. However, she adds that while she will encourage the board of directors to dissolve the DWS category, such action cannot take place without the approval of the members.

DWU will receive the same benefits as other affiliates, including discounts on the exhibition booths during the NAD conferences and a subscription to the NAD Broadcaster. DWU can also send a delegate and an alternate delegate to the Council of Representation meeting during the NAD Conferences.

One thing that Pollard and Bienvenu both wish to clarify is the issue about membership dues. “All members of DWU do not need to be members of NAD. We (NAD) do not wish to interfere with the business of any affiliate,” states Pollard.

Membership fees for DWU members vary between $5 and $25.

The benefits of DWU include a quarterly newsletter and an opportunity for women to connect with one another during the 7th biennial DWU Conference in San Diego, California on June 20-24, 1999.

For more information about Deaf Women United, Inc., write to: DWU, Inc., P.O. Box 92028, Washington, DC 20090.