General Meetings (Meetings): 

These meetings are not mandatory, but attendance is vital to keeping up to date with club events and activities. Those who attend meetings are provided with pertinent information first so it is important to attend as many as possible. General meetings are also the only club events that are interpreted; this is to ensure that the information shared in the meeting (signed to members by club officers) is accessible to individuals of all skill levels. If you are unable to attend a meeting, and wish to catch up on all that was discussed please subscribe to our mailing list as the minutes of each meeting is sent out prior to the following Monday, or visit the meetings page to see the typed out minutes. If you have any questions please contact us at our email: aslclubatsacstate@gmail.com. 

Socials: 

Socials are an important part of the ASL Club and Deaf Culture. They allow people who know or are learning ASL to practice the language is a safe and welcoming environment. The ASL club hosts socials every other week in order to foster the signing community on campus and to encourage people to use the language. Although these events are not interpreted they are still accessible to beginning signers as conversations naturally match the fluency of the participants. If you are unsure of a sign do not be afraid to ask questions! We hope to see you at our socials as it is a great way to increase fluency by conversationally engaging in ASL. 

Special Events:

Special events are events that do not occur on a regular schedule and can range from themed events to attending interpreted shows on campus. For more information check out the upcoming events section or our Instagram @aslclub.at.sacstate. 

Nervous to attend an event? Below are some tips that can help make your experience more comfortable. 

1) Most of the people who attend club events are ASL students. You are not the only one who is still working on improving fluency, and everyone is here to learn. 

2) Mistakes are perfectly ok. Not only do mistakes help us learn, but they are expected of students. All of our events are designed to help people find ways to use and improve their knowledge of ASL, so mistakes are something that is perfectly normal and nothing to be afraid of. 

3) Bring a friend. It is so much easier to enter a new environment, when you know that a familiar person is going to be there. They don't even need to know ASL, their presence will help you feel much more comfortable, but remember that socials are accessible spaces so all communication needs to be visual (ASL, written, typing on your phone). 

4) Take small steps. It can be a lot of pressure to go to an event where you are expected to converse in a language that you are still learning. This is a common fear, but not one that should inhibit your ability to attend events. One way to decrease this pressure is by acclimating yourself to the new experience in small doses. If you are afraid you signing skill are not good enough (an unjustified claim), just come and observe. Simply watching others use ASL will increase your receptive skills and make you more familiar with the event, which boosts confidence. 

5) Be yourself and remember to have fun. If something becomes too much, do not be afraid to leave early or take a break. Club events are designed to enhance the lives of members not create stress.