CSR – “Buzzword” or Essential Piece of the Puzzle?

It does seem the words "greening," "sustainability" and "corporate social responsibility" (CSR) have become a bit over-used. People can be heard using these terms simply as buzzwords to try and sound like they care, but there typically isn't much depth to what they are saying. It’s tough to pinpoint what the solution is to that because what's at the heart of it all is SO important, but it is worth exploring. Perhaps digging a bit deeper to consider how the organizations we are associated with can do more should be examined. 

Those of you who belong to professional or social organizations typically attend their annual meetings or conferences. Many of these organizations have their own Foundations through which they provide their members with scholarships and education to advance their careers. But what about also providing members and attendees with the opportunity to do more? Those gathered in large numbers for meetings, conferences, and conventions have a tremendous chance to also help the local communities where these events are being held or a charity that might not be supported otherwise. There is great value in meeting face-to-face and supporting communities and charities in the process is another way to show that value.

Consider suggesting to the boards and planners of these annual meetings and conferences that they select a different charity to support each year. If they give their membership a chance to vote on which they will support each year, it will give them even more exposure of the efforts to make a positive impact on the communities in which they are meeting. It could be as little as $5-10 per registration or even just getting one extra sponsor for your golf tournament or opening/closing parties. Providing a charity sponsor-level exposure will also help with their visibility, which does not have a price tag, but still provides great value to that organization.

If we all continue to be creative about our social responsibility, more and more organizations that greatly need support will also be helped! Let's keep what's important in perspective.

- Megan Powers, VOC Director of Development & Communications

Our Mission, A Mom's Gratitude and a Helped Kid!

Our first post in this new blog comes from a thankful Mother in southern California. We were so touched by her gratitude that we asked her if we could share the letter. Part of the Vision of Children's mission is to improve the lives of visually impaired individuals and their families - we would say, based on this letter, we have done that for the Byzak family! Pictured above is Mom Amanda and Adam who is enjoying how his handheld magnifier helps him read.

We look forward to input from more and more Family Network Members and our researchers as we grow this blog as a resource for all who are touched by blindness and low vision.
<3 VOC

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Dear Vision of Children Foundation, 

Earlier this school year, my five-year-old son, Adam, received an electronic magnifier, donated on your behalf. It has proven to be an invaluable tool in his learning. 

Adam was born with albinism resulting in extremely low vision and is considered legally blind. Despite this, he has found ways to function successfully in his environment. However, now that we have started school, he has new challenges and    more demands on his vision that he did not have before. 

The electronic magnifier has helped him overcome those challenges in so many ways. One of the most important benefits is that he is able to sit with his classmates rather than have to sit separately from them while he uses a large CCTV in the corner of the room. This has reduced his barriers to building friendships--one of our major hurdles right now.

At night, we use the magnifier in the bed when we read books so that he can see the details of the pictures better or, if I am having him read, to see the small print. This makes many more books available to us that were not useful to us before. 

Also, the light in the room can be dim and he can still read because of the built in light on the magnifier. This has given him a wider range of comfortable settings for reading. When he was using the regular handheld magnifier we had to use it with bright light in the room which meant we always had to sit at the kitchen table. The electronic magnifier has made reading a more natural and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

We have also brought the magnifier with us during hikes and other outings because he is able to see so many things in greater detail. I have been able to take pictures of bugs   and patterns on leaves and zoom in on them so that he could see them better. 

Thank you so much for helping our son gain access to the world around him. We are a family on a single income. It would have been a major financial challenge to us to be able to buy this magnifier on our own. Thank you for helping us meet his needs and the needs of our family at the same time.

Sincerely,

Amanda Byzak