Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
Tell me about this Deaf Colorado website?
DeafColorado.org intends to provide a central hub of information for the Colorado’s Deaf community. Our focus is primarily sharing Deaf Calendar/Events, News, Resources, and (coming soon) Listing to enable the community to find resources, connections, as well as develop their own networks.
Pending interest, we will explore becoming a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which will entail its own set of requirements. If you are interested in becoming involved, please continue reading how to become a 501(c)(3) below
What kind of information can I find here?
You can read Colorado Deaf-related news, find out about Deaf and ASL-accessible events, explore resources for Deaf, and network through Deaf Business listings. Stay tuned for more as we continue to grow!
Can I submit my information/event/listing?
Yes! We accept anything that is related to d/Deaf and Colorado. If you’d like to submit something, please use the submit form (under Resources), contact us, or add to your press release list.
Can I advertise on this website?
This is yet to be determined. Please contact us or check back with us again later.
Who started this website?
Several Deaf individuals, groups, and advocacy organizations have long been discussing a need for a central source of information to bring the community together. Local organizations like CASLCS, ASL With Julie, Deaf Colorado Springs Social, and The Independence Center. We’re proud to have the Deaf Blue Cats team of deaf web developers and designers building this website. Do you want to support this website also? Come join us, Deaf Colorado needs you!
Is there a Deaf Professional Happy Hour, or DPHH here?
If you are from other places with a strong DPHH tradition and are searching for one here, we’re sorry but as far as we are aware, most Colorado towns don’t have this established. (Please contact us if we’re mistaken.)
We do however highly recommend DNO (Deaf Night Out) as well as Deaf Colorado Socials for other Deaf social events.
DNO v. DNL, is there a Deaf Night Out in Colorado?
YES! While Denver hosts their Deaf Night Out events on the first Friday every month, in Colorado Springs, we hold DNO every second Friday of the month.
Find DNO information via the following Facebook pages: Deaf Colorado Social and Denver Night Life.
Is Deaf Colorado a formalized organization?
Not yet. To become recognized as a nonprofit organization Deaf Colorado needs board memebers and a 501(c)(3) status. Read more about the process of becoming a 501(c)(3).
How can I be a part of Deaf Colorado?
Participate in discussions. Come to Events. Consider join the Deaf Colorado Board. Read the links under More Info in the sidebar and join the conversation.
What is Deaf Awareness Week or Weekend?
We’re SO excited and we have SO much information about this new to-be-yearly event. Check out our about Deaf Awareness Week page with its own set of questions and answers.
More about Becoming a 501(c)(3)
Pending interest, DeafColorado.org will explore becoming a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which will entail its own set of requirements. If you are interested in becoming involved, please continue reading.
What is 501(c)(3)?
Section 501(c)(3) is a specific tax category for nonprofit organizations. When an organization gets approved for 501(c)(3), the IRS exempts these organizations from federal income tax.
Donations to the 501(c)(3) organizations are tax deductible for donors.
How does Deaf Colorado become a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
If there are sufficient demands and reasons that will benefit Deaf Colorado as a 501(c)(3) organization, we will apply for it. If we decide to proceed with the application, there are a few things we need to do before starting the application process:
(The following is subject to change.)
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- First and most important, we need a minimum of four volunteers to serve on the Deaf Colorado’s Board. This includes the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. As we grow, we may add more positions such as committee chairs.
- We will need a certain amount of money to pay for the 501(c)(3) application, hire a professional CPA to help with the accounting and filing taxes properly, cover the costs of website operations, printing costs, and so on. In order to achieve these, we will need sponsors, donors, and/or set up fundraising events.
- (More to be listed.)
What are the Board’s responsibilities?
The Board will plan and coordinate a yearly Deaf Awareness Week event, host fundraisers for a variety of purposes, promote Deaf Colorado, network with other organizations and businesses, collect and share information, and much more.
How can I join and serve on the Deaf Colorado nonprofit Board?
(The following are subject to change.)
Elections: Elections are to be held every two years. They will take place in early October and we will announce the elected members in January.
Qualifications: The board member must be deaf or fluent in ASL/deaf culture, has access to VP or Zoom, and is active and involved in the deaf community with a good standing. Familiarity with Robert’s Rules of Order is a plus.
Requirements: We will expect the board members to be active in meetings (either in person or online), show willingness to get physically, if able, involved with the community, do fundraising on an as-needed basis, and display eagerness to do networking and gather vital information to be shared on the website.
Benefits: You will gain respect and reputation from the Colorado deaf community, it will look good on your resume especially if you are looking for jobs, you will gain a lot of experience and/or share your experience with others, and you will gain a lot of friends and contacts through networking with others. This can be very beneficial to your business if you own one.
We do not discriminate against skin color, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, or age (minimum 18 years old). If you are interested in becoming a board member of Deaf Colorado but you’re not sure, we encourage you to contact us and ask questions or express your concerns. We’re available through email and VP.
Interested in joining the Deaf Colorado Board?
Is there a Colorado Deaf Club?
Who wants a Deaf Club?
I do. You too? Me too. Yeah, we too. Hey, all of us too!
Okay great. Fine, let’s discuss:
What will our Deaf Club look like?
Where will it be? How will it be run? What about funds? We need a community conversation about this!