Building Bridges
The former Prime Minister of Norway, Kjell Bondevik, once said, “Knowledge of other people’s beliefs and ways of thinking must be used to build bridges, not to create conflicts.” Recently, the new advocacy committee and our board executive committee built a new bridge, and I’m excited to say that even though more change is on the horizon, it feels good.
When the agency changed its name last fall, the intent was to find a name that would reflect all the groups we serve – Deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, hearing, and family members of the above. Our choice of words with the new name created some conflict. But, the board, executive committee, and I asked questions, learned, and gained some understanding over the last few months.
Of course the intent of the new name was not to create conflict. Agencies that grow and change and take chances will have struggles (which we did) and we’ll continue to have challenges as long as we’re not standing still. We’re working hard to provide fantastic programs and services. If you work hard, you can’t be afraid to make mistakes. Or, as Big Bird puts it, “Don’t be afraid to lay an egg.”
I hope the bridges we build in the future will be a testament not only to the amazing programs and services of the last 80 years, but also the phenomenal staff, volunteers, patrons, and friends who work tirelessly and passionately on behalf of this agency to help build them.
Our new name is certainly symbolic to me. (see News!) It’s a symbol of the struggles we’ve recently overcome, but more importantly, it’s a symbol of the infinite, fabulous, future of this amazing place and where we might go from here.
Come see us soon.
– Sallie
What’s so Amazing!
Eric Workman, Hearing Bridges’ Vice President & Director of Programs, is a guest blogger this week.
A new year means new uncertainties. When will the economy improve? When will the job market hit the upswing? When will the snow melt in Washington? One thing that is certain is that we are very busy at Hearing Bridges. Our programs are booming with activities and success stories. I assure you that we are continuingly seeking growth and improvement, and it seems our work is paying off.
The interpreting program is one example. Even in this economy we recorded more interpreting hours this year than in January of 2009! – a major milestone!
As the Director of Programs, many times when I sit and wonder, I look with amazement at the great people involved in fulfilling the mission of this agency.
I am amazed at our phenomenal interpreting community in Nashville. Our interpreters are responsible for information passed along from one language to another, and ensure everything translates not only linguistically but also culturally. They arrive on time and hold to the highest professional standards. That’s the reason we’re able to continue working with so many businesses time after time.
To reach the final product, requires a lot of “behind the scenes” work. Our office manager and interpreter scheduler, Debbie Shirley, continues to provide spectacular service to businesses and individuals who depend on us for communication facilitation. Debbie works around the clock to meet all the requests for our services. I am honored to have such great and dedicated staff focused on the mission of this agency.
Finally, I am amazed at Nashville and middle Tennessee. I have heard stories of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals who are struggling to find a family physician because of the communication barrier. Middle Tennessee has really stepped up to the plate to allow full access to our constituents.
The common theme throughout the interpreting program is “amazing.” The interpreting program and those involved are truly amazing. I hope all of you reading this have an opportunity to experience the fine service we provide through this program.
– J. Eric Workman
Vice President & Director of Programs
Working on It
My favorite Christmas gift was a small, not very fancy, but adorable digital camera. I thought the staff would be thrilled if I stopped bugging them to take pictures and, instead, took some myself. Yesterday, we were honored with a Bowtie Award (read the news!) and my new camera and I took great pictures to put on the website. Late yesterday afternoon, I went downstairs to visit the Youth Center and of course, took my new camera. In route, I dropped it, and it broke.
I think the camera doctor can retrieve the pictures, but I was upset when I thought about all the time I spent last month learning the features, buttons, bells and whistles.
After our name change last fall, many folks told me they didn’t know we were changing the name. Some of our older methods of communication (newsletter, old website, flyers, etc.) are clearly “broken” like my camera. At our recent Lunch Chat we gathered some great information and are in the process of improving the way we provide information to you and ask for input. We hope to have a different type of written newsletter and an electronic version out soon. And, a new advocacy committee formed from the November town hall meeting!
I can learn to operate another camera. The important thing is that I still have the pictures. We can learn, and will, new ways to provide you with news and information. The important thing is that we continue to communicate with you - our Deaf, hard of hearing, clients, friends, volunteers, and donors – and make it easy for you to find information. We’re working on it!
Come see us soon.
– Sallie
New Year’s Resolution!
While I enjoyed the rest, I’m really happy to be back at work after the holiday.
I always find the changes, or resolutions, folks want to make in the new year very interesting. One of our twenty-something, former Youth Center graduates told me he wants to focus completely on his career this year. A retiree and one of our regulars told me he wants to take better care of himself during 2010. (As did a staff member or two!) Those renewed commitments didn’t surprise me since the 20s seem to be the time when people focus on career, and somewhere along the 40s or 50s is when folks decide its time to focus on themselves.
In addition to individual resolutions, we’re making an agency resolution. In 2010, we resolve to learn how to communicate better with you, D/deaf and hard of hearing individuals, and find better ways of providing you with information. The programs and services here – after school program, Living Well, interpreter & transcription services, just to name a few – all need your input and support and we want you know what’s happening here and feel like you are a part of it. We want to make sure you have opportunities to give us ideas and feedback about everything we do.
Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 20, and join Eric and me at noon for the first monthly “lunch chat.” This month’s topic will be communication. We want to know how we can improve and this is the first step. See you soon and Happy New Year!
– Sallie
Welcome 2010
This time each year, when folks feel festive and generous, most community organizations make their annual plea for donations and support. It’s difficult to read the papers and blogs or watch the news and not spot a plea from a nonprofit.
In years past, fund raising trends will tell you that the individual donor steps in to meet the increased need, even in tough economic times. This year seems a bit different to me. Our state’s unemployment rate remains high, as does the demand for emergency food and shelter services. As those needs increase, so does the need for services provided by other nonprofit and community groups. In a year like 2009, I’m not sure agencies like Hearing Bridges knew what to expect but the unexpected.
Yes, 2009 was a difficult year for most of us. But, we still have great things ahead of us, people who need our services and programs, volunteers who want to serve, and a mission to fulfill. And, we’re looking ahead with enthusiasm and optimism. Please help us with your gift or volunteer! I’m eager to welcome 2010.
Happy New Year!
– Sallie