Council de Manos

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Mesilla Park, NM
Council de Manos

www.councildemanos.org We also want to collaborate with like-minded individuals, their families, trilingual interpreters, organizations and agencies.

The NCHDHH board members discussed the organization name and developed the following rationale:

“Hispano” does not define our organization‘s mission in welcoming all Latinx* Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Deaf Disabled, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (LDDBDDHHLD) communities. We are committed to the inclusion of all members from different subgroups by recognizing and celebrating the similarities and differ

ences among all. Rationale for name change from NCHDHH to Council de Manos:
The board reached out to the community to collect ideas, suggestions and feedback on a name change that more accurately reflected the organization’s mission and vision. As a result, the board has agreed to rename NCHDHH to Council de Manos, which is more appropriate in a number of ways.

1) The name is a combination of both English and Spanish.

2) “Council” is a word often used in indigenous communities, and is a way of culturally honoring our indigenous ancestors.

3) “Manos” means hands in Spanish, and clearly represents the significance of our hands not only in the LDDBDDHHLD communities, but also in Latin American countries and communities.

4) We recognize ASL-English bilingualism. However, ASL is not the only sign language used in the United States, especially among LDDBDDHHLD communities using multiple languages. Mission: The mission of Council de Manos is to end injustice. Injustice is found everywhere. Council de Manos is committed to supporting LDDBDDHHLD individuals who are discriminated against or oppressed in any way. We also strive to increase awareness and educate LDDBDDHHLD communities on how to be part of the social justice movement. Vision: Our vision is for the people we serve to achieve self-fulfillment. Council de Manos encourages members to create their own meaning(s) of self-fulfillment by understanding their heritage, and in turn, creating a community expressing their journey that will last for future generations. Tagline: Know Your Story. Council de Manos recognizes that the stories of LDDBDDHHLD individuals are woven through many generations and the collection of personal stories needs to be shared and preserved.

02/01/2026

DHS wrongfully arrested Anthony Paredes, a 18 year old Deaf student at Ramon Cortines HS. His court date is in April, he needs deaf-centered legal support to drop all charges. Please help us bring this to the attention of deaf/disabled legal organizations for support.

01/31/2026

Educators vs. I C E Rally!
Justice For Anthony NOW

TODAY — SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 - 12:30PM
LAUSD HEADQUARTERS
333 S. BEAUDRY, LOS ANGELES, CA 90017

ASL interpreters will be provided.

18 year old deaf senior at Ramon Cortines HS who was arrested by DHS. Join us in standing up for our community and to demand I C E OUT OF LA!

01/28/2026

This is a CALL to nationwide and local deaf organizations to step in! We are past the point of making public statement, past the point of saying something or saying nothing. We need to DO something.
——————
Transcript:
Deaf legal organizations, provide pro bono legal support.
Deaf therapists, provide free and accessible counseling.
Deaf social work and advocacy organizations, train staff to know resources and support for immigrant communities.
Deaf educational organizations, learn how you can protect our Deaf students.

ALL organizations, share your actions so people know they can come to your organization for support. Brown & Black people and anyone who live in fear, who experienced detainment themselves or their loved ones, need you.

This is not new, only more visible. Over history, systems harm Brown and Black immigrant communities. Now, they also target US citizens and white people who disagree with the government. More people are starting to see the ways power and authority are abused in this country.

We the people have power in our numbers. Collective participation, community connection, and civic action remain essential tools in pressuring the government for accountability and change. Connect. Pressure. Resist.

End of transcript.

Council de Manos is a volunteer led organization, Latine 2slgbtqia+ Deaf organization. We empower youth and community through education and cultural embracement. Our community work includes youth leadership retreats, workshops and panels, conferences, and media relations.

The more we have the community’s support, all the better.

12/26/2025

The Council de Manos Board wishes everyone a Feliz Navidad/Merry Christmas, and Happy Holiday, with family, friends, and loved ones.

09/09/2025

East Coasters!

GET READY — Youth Líderes Retreat at Camp Isola Bella is happening September 24-28!

This is an amazing opportunity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Latine Youth (ages 13-17) to come together for an unforgettable experience filled with:

Leadership development
Cultural and identity exploration
Self advocacy training
Team building adventures
Pre employment skills workshops

Your registration covers lodging, meals, workshops, and all activities. Everything you need for an empowering and fun weekend! Don't miss out! Scan QR code to register.

For more info, reach out to:
[email protected]
[email protected]

09/08/2025

We are thrilled to celebrate our Board Member, JoJo Lopez! Gallaudet University is spotlighting JoJo for his dedication and leadership, especially in New Mexico. 🙌🏽💫

Raised in Riverside, CA, and proud of his Mexican heritage from Sinaloa, Zacatecas, and Guadalajara, JoJo’s identity and roots shaped his passion for advocacy and community building.

For the past 15 years, JoJo served as an Early Intervention Specialist at New Mexico School for the Deaf. He supports families across southern New Mexico with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. He guides new parents and teaches them sign language to foster stronger family bonds and language access from the very beginning.

JoJo also contributes to several organizations: Council de Manos, Mano a Mano, Raines del Rio Grande, and NAD. He credits his upbringing and strong family values for fueling his lifelong commitment to advocacy, and recognizes the profound influence Gallaudet has had on his growth.

We are honored to have JoJo’s leadership and heart on our Board and are proud to see his contributions recognized at the national level.

Full article can be read here:
https://shorturl.at/3gBti

06/01/2025

Happy Pride Month, Manos!

We celebrate and honor our Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened LGBTQIA+ comunidad. Your existence is powerful, your voice in sign is beautiful, and your presence is a gift. May we continue building spaces where all our identities are embraced with pride, dignity, and love.

✊🏽✨ As Council de Manos, we are committed to uplifting intersectional voices and fighting for equity, justice, and inclusion—today and every day.

___________________

¡Feliz Mes del Orgullo, Manos!

Celebramos y honramos a nuestra comunidad LGBTQIA+ Sorda, Sordociega, Sorda con Discapacidad, con Pérdida Auditiva y Sorda Tardía. Tu existencia es poderosa, tu voz en señas es hermosa, y tu presencia es un regalo. Que sigamos construyendo espacios donde todas nuestras identidades sean abrazadas con orgullo, dignidad y amor.

✊🏽✨ Como Council de Manos, estamos comprometidxs a elevar voces interseccionales y luchar por la equidad, la justicia y la inclusión — hoy y siempre.

01/02/2025

Council De Manos wishes you and everyone a year filled with love, peace, health, and happiness.

May your New Year be extraordinary!
____________________
Council De Manos les desea a todos un año lleno de amor, paz, salud y felicidad.

¡Que su Año Nuevo sea extraordinario!

__________________________________
Image Description: The image is a festive New Year greeting card for 2025. It has the text "HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025" in a stylized font on a teal-colored background. The design includes decorative elements like fireworks, party banners, and sparklers, creating a celebratory atmosphere. At the bottom is a logo for "Council de MANOS," featuring a red handprint and text.

12/25/2024

Council De Manos wishes everyone a Feliz Navidad, Merry Christmas, and a Happy Holiday. Stay healthy and safe.

Image Description: A festive Christmas-themed image with a navy-blue background, featuring green pine garlands decorated with ornaments, ribbons, and candy canes. Golden stars, Christmas trees, and gift icons hang from the garland, while snowflakes and sparkles scatter across the scene. The center displays "Feliz Navidad" in glowing white and yellow text, with the "Council de Manos" logo below. The design radiates holiday cheer and warmth.

10/26/2024

We started our Youth Líderes Retreat at Camp Isola Bella and it is a blast! We welcomed 23 Deaf Latine youth from 7 schools, along with 8 dedicated chaperones, coming together for a weekend full of food, fun, and powerful self-discovery. Our “Who Am I?” activity had everyone drawing their self-identity, proudly expressing who they are and their unique stories. The room buzzed with Latine Deaf Pride as students shared their artwork, celebrating their culture, strengths, and dreams. Last night ended with everyone chanting and clapping, “YLR rocks!” The energy was contagious, kicking off the retreat with passion and pride for an exciting weekend ahead!

Spanish Translation: Comenzamos nuestro Retiro de Jóvenes Líderes en Camp Isola Bella ¡y está siendo increíble! Recibimos a 23 jóvenes Latine sordos de 7 escuelas, junto con 8 acompañantes dedicados, que se unieron para un fin de semana lleno de comida, diversión y un poderoso autodescubrimiento. Nuestra actividad “¿Quién soy yo?” hizo que todos dibujaran su identidad personal, expresando con orgullo quiénes son y sus historias únicas. La sala vibraba con orgullo Latine sordo mientras los estudiantes compartían sus obras, celebrando su cultura, fortalezas y sueños. La noche terminó con todos cantando y aplaudiendo: “¡YLR es lo máximo!” La energía fue contagiosa, ¡dando inicio al retiro con pasión y orgullo por el emocionante fin de semana que nos espera!

10/16/2024

Last weekend, Council de Manos Board member Hemi and volunteer/friend Nicole participated in the Trunk N Treat event in Newark, CA, where they set up La Ofrenda for Día de los Mu***os and to honor all departed souls, both human and pets. With Día de los Mu***os approaching, the ofrenda is a cherished tradition celebrated across many Latinx countries. Special thanks to
for hosting this wonderful event along with other several organizations and helping us bring our Latinx culture to life! We also want to thank DPAC director, Teresa Nodd for letting us decorate our cars at her site.

Spanish Translation: El fin de semana pasado, Hemi, miembro del Consejo de Manos, y Nicole, voluntaria y amiga, participaron en el evento Trunk N Treat en Newark, CA, donde montaron La Ofrenda para el Día de los Mu***os y para honrar a todas las almas fallecidas, tanto humanas como de mascotas. Con la llegada del Día de los Mu***os, la ofrenda es una tradición muy querida que se celebra en muchos países latinos. Un agradecimiento especial a por organizar este maravilloso evento junto con varias otras organizaciones y ayudarnos a dar vida a nuestra cultura latina. También quiero agradecer a Teresa Nodd, directora de DPAC, por permitirnos decorar nuestros autos en su sitio.

08/10/2024

ATTENTION -- Youth Lideres retreat for Latine Deaf Youth!!!

August 7, 2024

Dear School for the Deaf Administrators and staff,

We are excited to announce the Youth Líderes retreat, organized by Council de Manos, which will take place at the American School for the Deaf - Camp Isola Bella in Connecticut from October 24 to 27, 2024.

Council de Manos, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is dedicated to empowering the Latiné community. This retreat will feature transformative workshops on leadership, identity, culture, history, and self-advocacy specifically designed for the Latiné Deaf and hard of hearing community.

We encourage you to send 3 to 5 students, along with a Deaf Latiné staff member or chaperone. In addition, we will hold separate meetings and training sessions for Deaf Latiné staff and chaperones during the retreat weekend, providing valuable opportunities for professional development and networking.

The fee is $300.00 per participant, which covers the retreat but does not include travel expenses. Please make checks payable to Council de Manos.
For additional details, please refer to the attached application.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Thank you for supporting this meaningful opportunity for our community.

Warm regards,
Ivy Vélez & JoJo Lopez
Youth Líderes Program Coordinators
Council de Manos

Address

Mesilla Park, NM
88047

Website

http://www.councildemanos.org/

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