On July 2008, after several months of dedication and planning by a voluntary committee spearheaded by Melissa Malzkuhn, Deaf Youth USA was born in New Orleans, Louisiana after sixty campers ranging in ages of 18 to 33 met and paved the way for their future. DYUSA upholds the mission as following:
Deaf Youth USA is committed to social justice through media and activism.
Why do we need DYUSA? There is no other organization to represent deaf people between the ages of 18-30, unlike many other countries in Europe and Asia.
Approximately 47,000 deaf people in that age group is underrepresented in politics and activism in America. The pending application towards obtaining the nonprofit status 501(c)3 will make DYUSA a movin’ and shakin’ deaf organization representing a base of young, socially-networked, and upwards-mobile deaf people in colleges, local areas, and professions. Instead of sitting back and twiddling thumbs about injustice in this country, DYUSA is actively raising awareness and funds in order to achieve social justice for all. Many of our members are very involved with their local associations and organizations. When deaf youth across the country act on causes and dedicate themselves toward the common good, they are representing DYUSA. Our generation is increasingly technology-able and we are harnessing the power of social media to make a difference along with grassroots-style campaigns.
DYUSA’s biggest success has so far been the peer-to-peer community organizing and training provided through our annual “Camp” - instead of renting out convention centers and hotels for conferences, we host a grassroots-style conference at the campgrounds. At the DYUSA Camp, young deaf people are able to meet, connect, and simulate each other to do greater work for the community!
The ideas, enthusiasm, and excitement isn’t limited to what has been stated above. DYUSA has many goals and a specific agenda towards a bigger picture of eventually creating alliances with many other organizations and businesses. To abbreviate what DYUSA is all about:
For Deaf Youth, By Deaf Youth, About Deaf Youth!