International Relations with the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section
Deaf Youth USA supports the work of the World Federation of Deaf Youth Section and one of our aims is to be a Youth Ordinary Member of the WFDYS. Being a “YOM” means we represent all Deaf Youth in America in the WFDYS Youth General Assembly and on any international level. Being affiliated with the WFDYS means that we uphold the same views as the WFDYS, in human rights, linguistic rights, and civil rights for all Deaf Youth in USA. In a nutshell, it also means we will send delegates, participants, and leaders to all international camps hosted by the WFDYS. It also means DYUSA will send delegates to the WFDYS Youth General Assembly to bring motions, vote, and represent DYUSA on an international level.
Important note: Right now, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has the right to select and send representatives to any WFD camps. It is because the NAD is affiliated with the WFD. DYUSA looks forward in working with the NAD to advertise the camps, help with the nominations of names for selection, and continue to process our organizational status to become a YOM of the WFDYS to have direct access.
This is why the role of DYUSA is a necessity; to ensure information is being shared, from the local level to the international level. Each level is crucial. The local level is the foundation, the people, the strength, and where the grassroots movement occurs. It’s where many events of different kinds can be hosted, it’s where members meet, network, and develop their experience. The national level brings the local level together, through our national camps, to feel the pulse of deaf youth nationwide. It’s where and when DYUSA shapes itself as an organization, with a nine-member board, oversees political issues that affect us, and bring information from both international and local levels. This is also when DYUSA selects representatives to go out internationally to WFD camps and the Youth General Assembly. The selected representatives will gather information, send out our opinions, and then share it with the rest of the members of DYUSA. This is how we will know about international camps, events, festivals, and especially about other Deaf Youth organizations in other countries, and so on.
There are three types of camps, occurring every four years. For instance, the last youth camp was in 2007, and will take place again in 2011. The Jr. Youth Camp took place in 2009 and will take place in 2013.
Youth Camp
For 18 – 30 years old; takes place before a WFD World Congress. The next Youth Camp will be in South Africa in 2011. The last one took place in Segovia, Spain, with over 120 delegates from 40 nations.
Jr. Youth Camp
For 13-17 years old; with leaders between the ages of 21-30. The most recent camp took place in Al, Norway, with 85 participants (both campers and leaders) from 22 nations.
Children Camp
For 10-12 years old; with leaders between the ages of 21-30. The next camp will be in Venezuela in August 2010. Applications will be open for children and leaders.
Expected responsibilities of selected delegates and leaders:
If you meet the requirements, you are welcome to apply. If you are selected, you will be asked to help participate in fundraising efforts to pay for the necessary costs (such as airfare, transportation, and registration fees). You will be asked to make reports back on the camp for DYUSA website, for the board, and for any other relevant publicity material. It may also include giving presentations and/or workshops on your experience at the camp (preferably at the next DYUSA camp).
For further information on World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section: www.wfdys.org