We are about to start a new chapter for Quota. It is one that embodies our spirit, our cause and the lives of others. We can do this.

Over the next month or so, we’ll be launching a new approach to our mission. One that is created by what we do, why we do it and the outcome we want. It includes other people who may not have the same dedicated passion as we do about the deaf and hard of hearing, but they are looking for some new knowledge, experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Many of you have ‘grown up’ with Quota. Some of the people you have admired have left our Club and those mentors are still available to you now as friends you see at social events. But the spark continues in all of us to move forward to let the next generation know that we have so much more to give. You have kindled the fire for so many years and now it’s time for us to build a new fire.

Several other deaf/hard of hearing associations have recently folded. But we’re not. We’re going to collect people with the skills, time and energy to assist in our mission. We’re going to tap into new populations with new mind sets to help us reach the community we serve. We’re going to invite them to lifelong learning.

With volunteers as our partners, we can teach, mentor, enlighten, encourage and learn from each other. Not in a formal manner, like a classroom, but in groups and teams with a problem to solve. Each one of us has something to share, teach and inspire. Each one of us uses our talents and skills every single day. Let’s share what we know.

One of the biggest reasons people don’t want to volunteer is that they feel like they don’t get to use their skills. By golly, we have a place for them on our team!

Every day I learn something new. Something about a Club member, something about the deaf community, something I need to improve about myself.
That’s what keeps me going for more.