As a student, whenever I hear the word “donation,” I feel torn. How can I, a student with no income, afford to donate? Especially when I barely have anything in my bank account? And will my relatively small donation even make a difference? To be clear, the meager amount in my bank account doesn’t mean I don’t want to give. I feel stuck between what my heart wants to do and my financial reality. And I know that I am not the only person who has felt this conflict and wondered if it even mattered.
When I learned about the ASHFoundation’s Amplifying Voices Campaign, I was glad to learn there was an initiative to help people make the most of their small donations. Many students and early career professionals can’t afford to donate in large sums, but this campaign allows them to create donation groups, or “Giving Crews.” Throughout May, Giving Crews can donate increments of $10, $20, or $25 to add up to $100. This campaign demonstrates that it’s not about how much you’re donating but more about how all contributions have an impact.
In honor of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Centennial year, I am encouraging everyone to donate to the ASHFoundation Amplifying Voices Campaign, even if it’s an amount you think is too small. These $10, $20, and $25 contributions all go toward programs that advance the ASHFoundation’s mission. Each donation provides the opportunity to support innovative research methods proposed by professionals and students who are making a difference within the communication sciences and disorders (CSD) field. Appreciating all the hard work that goes into research and scholarship builds the CSD community. Exploring forward thinking is the goal, and together we all can help.
As someone pursuing a career in CSD and as the Vice President for Northeast Student State Officers on the National NSSLHA Executive Council, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have support. The ASHFoundation doesn’t just fund research and scholarships -- they fund passions and dreams. By supporting people like those I see every day at school, real change can be made. This is what the ASHFoundation is all about.
Together, we can build the future of CSD by supporting a cause that supports us. Whether you’re donating $25, $10, or $5 as part of your Giving Crew, know that it all makes a difference. I encourage you to amplify your voice. Your decision to contribute matters. Your donation matters. You matter. Join your friends and make an impact on the future of communication sciences—together, we can make some noise!
Aliyah Hodges, a graduate student at Buffalo State University, is the Vice President for Northeast, Student State Officers on the National NSSLHA Executive Council, and the NSSLHA representative on the ASHFoundation Board of Trustees.