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