Draft Bylaws

Section 1: Name. The official name of this organization is Deaf People of Color Connecting, legally abbreviated and recognized as DPOCC.
Section 2: Mission. The mission of DPOCC is to bring Deaf people of color together through social connection. We create spaces of reflection, representation, inclusivity, equity, and social empowerment.
Section 3: Core Purpose. DPOCC focuses on self-development, social change, self-advocacy, and awareness through resources and educational workshops. Our ultimate goal is to support our communities in addressing and overcoming oppressive forces and systemic barriers.

Article II: Membership and Operational Centering

Section 1: Leadership Framework. DPOCC is permanently structured as a POC Deaf-ledorganization. All primary decisions and strategic operations must remain under the control of BIPOC Deaf individuals.
Section 2: Community Eligibility. Core connection spaces and general membership within DPOCC are open to individuals who identify as part of the broader BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community and are:
- Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or DeafDisabled.
- Deaf children of color and CODAs (Kids of Color Connecting – KoCC).
- People of all genders.
Section 3: Language Justice. American Sign Language (ASL), Pro-Tactile ASL, and visual/tactile communication systems are the primary operational languages of DPOCC. All official materials, workshops, and gatherings must be structurally accessible.
Section 4: Allies and Community Partners. DPOCC is an inclusive and collaborative network. Hearing individuals, non-BIPOC individuals, and partner organizations are welcome to join as allies. Allies may participate in public social events, access educational resources, and offer organizational support, provided they respect the BIPOC Deaf-led mission and safe-space rules of the collective.

Article III: Core Leadership Team

Section 1: Structure. DPOCC is managed by a Core Leadership Team. This team includes a President (Community Facilitator), a Secretary (Operations/Records), and a Treasurer (Finance/Resources).
Section 2: Term Limits. Members of the Core Leadership Team shall serve a term of two (2) years. They may be re-selected if they maintain the confidence of the collective.
Section 3: Succession. New leaders are appointed by a majority vote of the current Core Leadership Team. The team will directly review recommendations, nominations, and talent from active community members.

Article IV: Operations and Programs

Section 1: Connection Events. The Core Leadership Team must organize regular social events to build a sense of belonging, reflection, and true community within DPOCC.
Section 2: Educational Workshops. DPOCC will host educational workshops focused on self-advocacy, self-awareness, confidence, and resource sharing.
Section 3: Youth Initiative. The Core Leadership Team must dedicate specific programming and space for the growth and empowerment of Kids of Color Connecting (KoCC).

Article V: Digital Governance and Safety

Section 1: Platform Moderation. Because this community connects online, the Core Leadership Team holds the authority to create and enforce rules for all official DPOCC social media groups, channels, and digital spaces.
Section 2: Privacy. Members must respect the privacy of the collective. Unauthorized sharing of internal DPOCC community discussions, media, or personal information outside of the group is strictly prohibited.

Article VI: Safe Space and Accountability

Section 1: Prohibited Behavior. To ensure members feel safe and seen, DPOCC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for racism, audism, ableism, or lateral violence.
Section 2: Removal Policy. The Core Leadership Team holds the final authority to pause, block, or permanently remove any individual from DPOCC digital platforms or physical events if their behavior harms the community.

Article VII: Amendments

Section 1: Updates. These bylaws can be updated or changed by a majority vote of the Core Leadership Team.
Section 2: Notice. Proposed changes must be shared clearly with the DPOCC community at least fourteen (14) days before they become official.

Public Notice to the Community

These bylaws are currently a working draft published for public viewing and transparency as we prepare for our official community launch. Because DPOCC is in its foundational stage, formal memberships are not yet active.

We have shared this framework publicly so our future members, community allies, and partners can see our structural blueprint from day one.

If you are interested in joining our network or have questions about our mission, please reach out to us directly through our official website contact page.

# Proposed Bylaws of the Deaf Entertainment Awards (DEA)

Founded: August 2, 2026
Status: Draft — For Board Review and Adoption

ARTICLE I — NAME

The name of the organization is Deaf Entertainment Awards (DEA).

ARTICLE II — PURPOSE

DEA is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes permitted under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable.

DEA exists to recognize and celebrate Deaf entertainers and individuals with entertainment-related talents and skills, including those who use their experience and abilities to inspire, support, and give back to their communities.

DEA may provide awards, events, education, professional development, advocacy, and community programs that support this purpose.

ARTICLE III — MISSION

DEA works to increase recognition, representation, accessibility, opportunities, advocacy, and community connection for people who contribute to entertainment and creative fields, including Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafPlus, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, Blind, and Low Vision individuals.

ARTICLE IV — VISION

DEA envisions a future where Deaf entertainers and individuals with entertainment-related talents and skills are recognized, respected, represented, and given meaningful opportunities.

DEA seeks to create an accessible and inclusive platform that values different experiences, abilities, backgrounds, and forms of creative expression.

DEA will focus first on building a strong national platform in the United States, with opportunities to grow internationally in the future.

ARTICLE V — CORE VALUES

DEA is guided by:

Recognition — Celebrate achievements and contributions.

Equity — Support fair opportunities and reduce barriers.

Representation — Create space for different voices and experiences.

Accessibility — Support communication and participation based on individual needs.

Respect — Treat everyone with dignity and fairness.

Community — Build connections and give back.

Integrity — Act honestly and responsibly.

Transparency — Communicate openly and remain accountable.

ARTICLE VI — BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Role

The Board of Directors provides guidance, oversight, and support for DEA.

Section 2. Responsibilities

The Board shall:

Support DEA’s mission and vision.
Provide financial oversight.
Review and approve the budget.
Review major organizational decisions and financial commitments.
Support DEA programs and events.
Help ensure DEA follows applicable laws and its governing documents.
Support the continued growth and stability of DEA.

Section 3. Voting

Each voting Board member shall have one vote.

Board members shall have an equal opportunity to participate in Board decisions.

ARTICLE VII — BOARD OFFICERS

DEA shall have the following Board Officers:

President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer

The Board may create additional positions when needed.

President

Helps lead Board meetings and supports the Board in carrying out its responsibilities.

Vice President

Supports the President and helps with Board responsibilities when needed.

Secretary

Maintains meeting minutes, official records, notices, and important organizational documents.

Treasurer

Helps oversee financial records, income, expenses, receipts, and financial reports for the Board.

ARTICLE VIII — FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Founder shall serve as the initial Executive Director of DEA.

The Executive Director leads the day-to-day operations of DEA and works with the Board and team to carry out DEA’s mission, vision, programs, events, partnerships, fundraising, communications, and organizational development.

The Founder and Executive Director role shall be respected as part of DEA’s leadership structure while working cooperatively with the Board.

If the Founder or Executive Director leaves the position, resigns, or is no longer able to serve, the Board may appoint an Interim Executive Director and establish a fair process for future leadership.

ARTICLE IX — VOLUNTEERS AND TEAM MEMBERS

DEA may have volunteers and team members who support DEA’s work.

Volunteer and team roles may include:

Award Assistants

Help with nominations, award preparation, communication, and event support.

MCs/Hosts

Help lead and guide DEA events and support a welcoming experience for guests.

Event Volunteers

Help with registration, guests, setup, accessibility, and other event needs.

Social Media/Communications Volunteers

Help create, post, organize, and share DEA information through social media and other approved communication platforms.

Other Volunteers

Support DEA with approved activities that help carry out its mission.

Everyone serving DEA is expected to treat others with respect, support DEA’s mission, and follow DEA’s policies and governing documents.

Leaving a Volunteer or Team Role

A volunteer or team member may leave their position at any time by providing notice to DEA.

Notice may be given by email, message, or another clear form of communication.

A reason for leaving is optional.

When leaving, the person shall return or transfer any DEA property, records, passwords, information, or account access in their possession.

Compensation

DEA Board members, Officers, and team members currently serve as volunteers.

In the future, DEA may provide reasonable compensation when financially able and legally permitted.

Compensation is not guaranteed and shall be handled through a fair and transparent process.

DEA may reimburse reasonable and approved expenses related to official DEA business.

ARTICLE X — AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

DEA may recognize individuals and organizations for achievements, contributions, leadership, creativity, service, career accomplishments, emerging work, accessibility, representation, and other areas that support DEA’s mission.

DEA may accept nominations from the public, organizations, or other approved sources.

DEA shall provide clear nomination guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Award selections shall be handled fairly and consistently.

Anyone involved in award decisions should disclose a conflict of interest and may step away from the decision when appropriate.

ARTICLE XI — ACCESSIBILITY, INCLUSION, AND EQUITY

DEA is committed to creating accessible and welcoming programs, events, meetings, communications, and nomination processes.

DEA recognizes that Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafPlus, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, Blind, and Low Vision experiences are not all the same.

DEA will make reasonable efforts to provide appropriate communication and accessibility support based on individual needs.

DEA is committed to fairness, inclusion, respect, and equal opportunity throughout its programs, leadership, awards, and activities.

ARTICLE XII — MEETINGS AND VOTING

Section 1. Meetings

The Board shall meet as needed to conduct DEA business.

Meetings may be held in person or through an accessible electronic platform.

Section 2. Meeting Procedures

Board meetings shall be conducted in a fair, respectful, and orderly manner.

DEA does not require formal parliamentary rules unless the Board later chooses to use them.

Section 3. Quorum

A majority of the voting Board members then serving shall constitute a quorum unless applicable law requires otherwise.

Section 4. Voting

Unless otherwise required by these Bylaws or applicable law, decisions shall be approved by a majority of Board members present and voting when a quorum is present.

Section 5. Minutes

Important Board decisions shall be recorded in meeting minutes.

ARTICLE XIII — FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT

DEA shall maintain accurate financial records.

DEA funds shall be used for approved organizational purposes.

The Board shall receive regular financial information and provide appropriate oversight of DEA finances.

ARTICLE XIV — BANKING AND FINANCIAL ACCESS

DEA bank accounts shall be maintained in the legal name of DEA.

The Founder & Executive Director, President, and Treasurer may have access to DEA banking and financial accounts for official DEA business.

Important financial transactions should involve at least two of these three individuals when practical.

Banking information, passwords, statements, and financial records shall be kept secure and remain with DEA.

When a person leaves their DEA position or no longer has financial responsibilities, their banking access shall be removed promptly.

ARTICLE XV — CONFLICT OF INTEREST

A conflict of interest may occur when a person’s personal, financial, family, or professional interests could affect a decision for DEA.

Anyone with a conflict shall disclose it and may step away from discussion or voting when appropriate.

DEA decisions shall be handled fairly and in the best interest of DEA.

ARTICLE XVI — DEA PROPERTY AND ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTS

DEA funds, records, passwords, business email accounts, website accounts, social media accounts, files, and other organizational accounts are for DEA business and shall remain with DEA.

These resources shall not be used for unauthorized personal purposes.

When a person leaves DEA or their role ends, DEA property, records, passwords, and account access in their possession must be returned or transferred to DEA promptly.

ARTICLE XVII — LEADERSHIP CHANGES

If a leadership position becomes vacant, the Board may fill the position according to these Bylaws and applicable law.

If a permanent replacement cannot be selected immediately, the Board may appoint an Interim Officer, Board member, or Executive Director.

Leadership changes shall be handled fairly and respectfully while supporting the continued work of DEA.

ARTICLE XVIII — RESPONSIBILITY AND PROTECTION

All Directors, Officers, the Executive Director, Award Assistants, MCs/Hosts, Event Volunteers, Social Media/Communications Volunteers, and other team members are expected to act honestly, responsibly, respectfully, and in the best interest of DEA.

DEA shall work to maintain a respectful and supportive environment for everyone serving DEA.

DEA may provide protection or reimbursement for individuals acting in good faith on behalf of DEA, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

ARTICLE XIX — AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended when necessary to support DEA’s mission, growth, and proper governance.

Proposed amendments shall be reviewed and approved according to applicable law and DEA’s governing documents.

ARTICLE XX — DISSOLUTION

If DEA is dissolved, its debts and legal obligations shall be paid first.

Any remaining charitable assets shall be distributed as required by applicable law and consistent with DEA’s charitable purpose.

No remaining assets shall be distributed for the personal benefit of Directors, Officers, the Founder, employees, volunteers, or other individuals except as permitted by law.

ARTICLE XXI — ADOPTION

These Proposed Bylaws shall become the official Bylaws of Deaf Entertainment Awards when properly approved and adopted.

Date Adopted: ______________________________

Founder & Executive Director: ______________________________

Signature: __________________________________

Date: ______________________________________

President: __________________________________

Signature: __________________________________

Date: ______________________________________

Secretary: __________________________________

Signature: __________________________________

Date: ______________________________________

Treasurer: __________________________________

Signature: __________________________________

Date: ______________________________________

### Public Notice to the Community

These bylaws are currently a working draft published for public viewing and transparency as we prepare for the official launch of the Deaf Entertainment Awards (DEA). Because this specialized arts and entertainment program is in its foundational staging phase, submission portals, nomination periods, and ticketing are not yet active.

We have shared this framework publicly so future creators, nominees, judges, and corporate sponsors can review our strict standards for artistic fairness and representation from day one.

*If you are an artist, digital creator, or sponsor looking to collaborate or stay updated on the inaugural DEA gala, please reach out to us through our official website contact page.*

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