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“Navigating the Tides of Change”

Here in Georgetown, multicolored leaves are appearing around us as the start of fall has reached the Washington, D.C. area. The historic Volta Bureau headquarters is located just a stone’s throw away from Georgetown University, where students are starting a new semester, and we have welcomed back Madalynn Williams, our work-study intern from nearby George Washington University. It is inspiring to see so many students around the neighborhood as they hurry to their next class, eager to learn more to prepare for their careers.

Dear AG Bell Community

Here in Georgetown, multicolored leaves are appearing around us as the start of fall has reached the Washington, D.C. area. The historic Volta Bureau headquarters is located just a stone’s throw away from Georgetown University, where students are starting a new semester, and we have welcomed back Madalynn Williams, our work-study intern from nearby George Washington University. It is inspiring to see so many students around the neighborhood as they hurry to their next class, eager to learn more to prepare for their careers.

Throughout the years, many students who are deaf and hard of hearing have achieved great heights and successes – thanks to the scholarships provided to them through AG Bell’s scholarship program. Many have gone on to great careers in business, technology, and even medicine. However, at this moment, this valuable program is at risk.

You may have recently received a letter from me in your email or in the mail. I was surprised at the immediate reaction from many people who are worried that the program may disappear. Along with some worthwhile suggestions, we received a few donations. Especially touching for us was that some donors decided to make their birthdays extra special this year by dedicating their own Facebook fundraiser to the organization that has meant so much to them. On behalf of AG Bell, I thank you so much for thinking of us on your special day. Here are just two:

Betsy Farrar started a Facebook fundraiser for AG Bell as part of her birthday celebration with her family. We thanked her for thinking of AG Bell on her birthday, and she responded, "No need to thank me, my family should be thanking you!"

Venkat Jayavardhan Kumar Kanithi told us, “AG Bell has helped us gain lot of information and meet parents of children who are deaf through your organization’s meetings.” Venkat’s playful toddler son has bilateral hearing loss and just underwent his second cochlear implant surgery.

We are lucky to live in a time when we can use digital media to easily give back to the causes we love.AG Bell is happy to commend Venkat and Betsy for extending their celebrations to include children who are learning to listen and speak. There are many resources to guide you if you choose to mark an upcoming special occasion, such as Facebook or other digital media. Of course, you can also give to AG Bell through our website.

As you celebrate your special occasions by giving back through social media, I hope to hear from you. I will be sure to recognize you in my weekly columns, as well as on a special page soon to be launched on our website.

Until next time,