Is SILENT WARRIOR WEEKEND worthwhile?
For the simplicity’s sake and for this section, the terms Deaf and deaf are used interchangeably throughout to indicate both deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Wherever it needs to be specific, the term, hard-of-hearing or abbreviate “HH” or “hh” is used in its place.
The answer is to this question is definitely “YES”!
Initially, the Deaf/HH NWTA committee was formed because we want deaf/hh men to have this opportunity to experience with resources that are not available at other regular trainings. It takes a small group of men consists of deaf/hh and hearing men to champion this “specialized” training.
Having a Deaf/HH NWTA now known as SILENT WARRIOR WEEKEND, serves and fills two important functions. First, it provides resources to meet the needs of deaf men that a regular NWTA does not have. Secondly, it fosters a safer environment than a usual NWTA for this target group and for a good reason. These two points have led to the following rationale in pursuit of conducting SWW annually:
It provides resources to meet the needs of deaf men that a regular NWTA does not have.
To name only a few, it provides a practical immersion in diversity/multiculturalism for the MKP community. In fact, the majority of hearing men does not know what it is like to be deaf, and by large, do not know ASL since English usually is not the first language for deaf men.
It gives hearing men an insight into communication/cultural etiquette (i.e. circle formation for meetings and group discussions) and an opportunity for them to experience how things are done a bit differently from a regular NWTA.
By providing interpreters in ASL to facilitate communication between deaf and hearing men to makes communication more efficient than other methods (i.e. writing method or lip reading) and it also supplies deaf men in staff capability for visibility, role model, and to fill in certain functions where interpreters are insufficient for visualization process.
To make this training happens; money has to be solicited from different sources to supplement financial assistance provided from any centers. In addition, air transportation is provided by using frequent flier miles donated, which exceeded 2006’s amount of 250,000. It is used to bring deaf men, interpreters and signers from all over the United States for first and second weekends.
Behind this generosity, is that on average, Deaf individuals earn and have significantly less income than hearing people. One of the biggest obstacles to a deaf man attending is not being able to afford it.
It fosters a safer environment than a usual NWTA for this target group and for a good reason.
Having a SILENT WARRIOR WEEKEND counters a predominantly hearing setting---and surprisingly a predominantly straight setting too, which is a boon. It is no accident that those staff men, both deaf and hearing whose are largely sought after for both weekends---which they reflected the demographic of initiates very well.
It is no secret in the Deaf community at large, that the Deaf people was abused in many forms such as verbally, mentally, sexually, spiritually, or/and physically by hearing people who were entrusted with them in their care. This problem was furthered compounded from some of the Deaf people themselves in the wounding cycle too. The majority of deaf brothers had experienced different forms of abuse.
It came out during the carpet work on both weekends---especially the second weekend. In the light of what transpired during that weekend, it is imperative that SILENT WARRIOR WEEKEND continues to retain hearing men both as initiates and staffers among deaf men as a part of the healing process which is vital for all men.
In closing, since MKP does not mention specifically “specialization” but it states that it empowers men to fulfill their potential, that it is inclusive and affirms cultural differences, as well as other differences.
SILENT WARRIOR WEEKEND embraces the concept of integrating all men in the group, rather than separating either deaf men or hearing men. The emphasis is placed more on communication through ASL. This is not a weekend about deaf men. It is a weekend that embraces deaf men.
Deaf brothers have shared their testimonials from both weekends---is behind the real reason why the committee continues this endeavor. Is it worthwhile?
Definitely yes!
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