DPHH is Deaf Professional Happy Hour. If you still don't get what DPHH, go to previous entry to find out what it means.

Let me tell you the history of DPHH: Five years ago, the people of the Deaf from Washington, D.C. realized that there are no deaf clubs in their location, so the alumnus of NTID/RIT and employers decide to establish their new activities for Deaf social network, and DPHH is born. Five years forward today, DPHH has become word-of-mouth and grown across the cities such as Houston, Pittsburgh, Sioux Falls, Northwest States, Oklahoma and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Now, some of their locations decide to change their name to DHH instead DPHH. DPHH is Deaf Professional Happy Hour, and DHH is Deaf Happy Hour. A month ago, I got forwarded email from Long and Brian which they discussed the differences between DHH and DPHH, and how they work:

Long to Brian: I appreciate your questions/suggestions in regards to DPHH. Unfortunately, we as the DPHH committee volunteers to maintain DPHH.NET philosophies. DPHH.NET is in the process of creating new sections of employment opportunities and articles related to deaf professionals. Our goal is to allow everyone network and further their opportunities among deaf and hearing community.

Dallas DPHH has their reason for changing its name. Their decision was made by new host/coordinator who I believe does not understand the core meaning of DPHH. However, Dallas will maintain the very same ideal of hosting different bars by exploring variety of places all over the city. In addition, excluding the term professional loses its integrity to recognize that deaf professionals are out there to advance their careers.

As for negative remarks - it's not feasible for us to satisfy everyone, they are entitled to their own opinion and we're not going to change it without any probable cause. If you feel strongly about the name change and including children, perhaps you should contact the local deaf club such as Houston Association for the Deaf, get a babysitter to cover for both of you, or establish your own club where you can include family.

Last of all, your profanity simply lacks maturity which isn't necessary by any means. In the near future, please refrain any foul language or you will no longer deserve my attention.

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Brian to Long:
Just a few input and questions as well. Dallas DPHH changed to DHH I suggest you all to change too or another name. I have been hearing nothing but negative remarks lately. Also MUST to have bar?? Carlotta and I miss socializing with our friends but can't since we have a baby now however if it was at a more friendly place that would draw more people with children? Or are you all prerogatives drinking and getting shit faced?

First of all, deaf professional the word itself is almost invalid because to my knowledge professionals don't have to always drink to establish a professional exposure. The intent of establishing DPHH was to expose the deaf culture, people etc to the city of Houston so they can be more aware with who we, deaf people are. So far from the websites in the past only showed me people getting drunk, getting out of control or whatsoever. I just laugh at the word professional you and I can agree that not even 1/8 of attendants are professionals including myself... unless u have a different point of perspective. I am speaking out and trying to make it friendlier for those who desire socialization whatever their conflicts are. I don't think deaf people can afford to be cliquey since after all, it’s a small world we live in. I'm sorry that the DPHH committee isn't willing to hear their peers out and make it a great thing for all ages. After all we could have a grand ol picnic and then retire to a favorite bar for those who love to drink and so forth. Just like July of fourth what happened to that?

Lastly, the committee was kind of hand picked and without government. There isn't much I could do but suggest you and the committee to reconsider this only because this deaf world we live in is small world.

You also speak of employment opportunities.... At a bar?? Hmm just help with me out that I don't get it....

I apologize for using the word shit faced but as in DPHH nights there are profanities worse than that but again I apologize.

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Long to Brian:
Let's look at the term professional (n). According to the dictionary, it states:
1. A person following a profession, especially a learned profession.
2. One who earns a living in a given or implied occupation.
3. A skilled practitioner; an expert.

That sums up the concept of professional... Does it mean you have to have college degree or whatever it is to become professional? No, it can be something that a person excels in their line of work for years. Nothing more, nothing less.

Ask yourself, have you had the chance to meet every single person and learn about their occupation? If you did, then I could surely use your help to increase my network among deaf community. I know I haven't and I certainly will try my best without judging anyone. Assumption about who they are or what they do is a dangerous act that ought to be set aside.

Statistically, we get about an average of 100 - 125 people each month. Based on my experience, approximately 25% of these people are professional and the rest is unknown since I have not met everyone, in college or whatever it may be. That's 1 in 4 chances you'll meet professional people. How cool is that? Granted, exposing deaf culture to hearing society is one of few reasons, but the sole purpose of professionalism is to encourage higher learning education and better career by sharing/networking one another despite of anyone's background.

As for alcohol, we are all adults... Alcohol plays small role when attracting people where everyone can enjoy and relax. It's a matter of choice. Even I know people who come to DPHH and socialize without drinking. Using bars is a great method to attract and show around Houston that people have yet to discover. Inspire of anyone's drunkenness, it's their responsibility to take care of themselves. We provide a place and time where adults can mingle, hence not exactly for families. What happens after that is beyond our control. In the end, we are all mature to make our own decision. Restriction is not something that people respond well.

July 4th.. I don't recall anything about it. July 4th didn't even fall on 2nd Saturday of 2004. Perhaps you're thinking of something else. In any case, if you want to have gathering like you mentioned, then so be it. Use our DPHH to network with everyone who has families and assemble your own crowd. Then you and your friends can work together with baby sitter situation if you wish to attend DPHH. Opportunities knock; just have to know where to look for it.

Our committee is based on volunteers. We took the time, money and effort to establish this event on our own. There are no rules of order since we aren't organization. Consider us as a host/hostess to bring the community together. If you are not happy with the way we organize DPHH then you can perhaps recommend someone that will contribute in accordance to DPHH guidelines. It isn't dictatorship. Those who want to help are welcome.

I appreciate your input in regards to name and location, but it isn't enough to justify the changes you speak of. Consistency is one of the key factors in maintaining a successful event. Certain changes will create confusion and takes a lot of our time to make the adjustment if not done correctly. So I asked myself and the committee, is it worth taking the word professional out when DPHH had already taken its recognition all over the United States along few reason I mentioned?

In my opinion and most of Pittsburgh committee, we agreed that we should stick with "P": DPHH - Pittsburgh. What if we use DHH? It could be called PDHH, Pittsburgh DHH or Pittsburgh Deaf Happy Hour. What do you think of it?

I have googled DPHH and DHH, and interesting, the search terms of DPHH ranks top in Google first page. DHH is nowhere to be found in first and second pages, and it could take more time to search this search term of DHH in Google pages. Just remind that DHH is too new in few months.

Want to discuss about this above? Go to forums in DPHH.com.