I coordinated a "Signer's Social" at a local, privately-owned coffee shop in Colonial Beach, Virginia, because there was not a Starbucks in my town. We had a great turn-out initially, but it dwindled and I moved to TN.
I have been hesitant to start one here because I don't yet feel accepted by the local Deaf community (I am hearing) and I have thought it would be better received/attended if a local Deaf person were the coordinator.
But, in 2007 (?), I met with the manager of the Starbucks in Hixson by Northgate Mall. She was open to the idea. I was VERY new to the area and told her I wanted to get some statistics about the number of people in the area who sign. She and I agreed we would talk about it more when I got my numbers together. I wasn't able to find the statistics I wanted. And, I wasn't sure where all to advertise. Since I also had not met a local Deaf community member willing to be the supporter/starter, and because I was struggling with classes and life in general, I put it on the back burner.
I just completed school this past December. Now I am trying to prepare for NAD-RID interpreter certification testing and hope to find a job back in the VA/DC area. So, I am still hesitant to commit to being the coordinator. But, I would love to see one started and to help in some way get it started.
Feel free to contact me:
Kris@HeadrickFamily.Net