[Video description can be found below. If you use a screen reader and need to access the English or Spanish caption file transcript, go to "More..." and click on "Transcript"]

Find out what the NAD Board did in New Mexico during their quarterly board meeting, watch what Melissa and Alicia said during the Women’s March, and learn why it is important to build relationships with your Representatives and Senators. This video update also includes a report from Meena Mann, Appointed Board Member, evaluating where the NAD stands with achieving its Vision 2020 plan.

VIDEO DESCRIPTION AND TRANSCRIPT: Melissa Draganac-Hawk stands in front of an off-white wall with a piece of artwork behind. A small white NAD logo appears on bottom right corner.

MELISSA: Hi! I'm Melissa. It's hard to believe it is the end of January already. It's been a busy month for the NAD Board and I have three things to share with you in this video update. First, two weeks ago, the NAD Board members met in New Mexico for our quarterly in-person Board meeting. So many wonderful people in New Mexico were involved in making this a successful visit and were great hosts by ensuring transportation coverage, home-made meals, and more. It was such a warm welcome for us. It was nice to meet such gracious people and get to know them. Before I share what we did in New Mexico, I'd like to thank the following organizations who helped made this visit a success: New Mexico School for the Deaf, New Mexico Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, New Mexico Association of the Deaf, New Mexico Hispanic Council of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, New Mexico Registry of Interpreters, New Mexico Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Deaf Culture Center of New Mexico. The visit started on Thursday, January 12th, when the NAD Board visited the New Mexico School for the Deaf for the day. We were able to meet students, staff, and parents. Two parents shared their inspiring story about their experience as hearing parents of a deaf child. Friday, January 13th, we worked all day evaluating the NAD's organizational structure. Then on Saturday, January 14th, we were fortunate to have guest presenter Mark Ramirez to give training about social justice and intersectionality. The training prompted good discussions among the board members. Later that day, we were joined by members of the New Mexico deaf and hard of hearing community for the Town Hall. We thank the many people who came and those who shared their concerns and issues. Again, we thank the deaf and hard of hearing community in New Mexico for hosting us! Second, last week was the Women's March. I was invited to attend a sister march in Philadelphia to share a few comments. However, I wasn't the only NAD representative who shared a few comments for the Women's March as another board member also shared a few comments in Minnesota. Several board members also participated in the march. The Women's March movement is important, and the reasons are available for you to see in video clips of comments from Alicia and myself. Third and finally, I want to recognize that there are changes happening in America. This is a critical time for the deaf community, as individuals, affiliates, and state associations, to build relationships with our legislators. It can be as simple as introducing yourself in person and sharing any concerns that affect you as a deaf person. Building a relationship is important ahead of any legislative issue. When the time comes to advocate about a bill, it is easier to reach out to your legislator and share your comments because of your already established trust and relationship. Legislators do like meeting their constituents; even if they are busy, they will find the time to meet with you. I encourage you to start discussing now and building a relationship with them. Thank you.

Meena Mann stands in front of a light blue wall.

MEENA: Hello! My name is Meena Mann and I am one of the NAD Appointed Board members. I focus on organizational development, both internally and externally, which includes Headquarter operations and the Board’s functions. For the past several months, we have been busy evaluating where the NAD stands with achieving its Vision 2020 plan. We need to determine if the NAD is on track. That is the main purpose behind my appointment on the Board, to analyze the NAD as an organization and its structure. That is my report for now, thank you.

Video fades to a soft white background with several different font types showing "NAD" very quickly. Copyright video ends with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) logo centered. Blue text below the logo appears, "A production of the National Association of the Deaf (copyright) 2017 All Rights Reserved".