http://www.nfd.org.nz

Back in 2013, There was an inaugural event in New Zealand called the Silent Leadership Challenge. It is to return on August 1, 2014. This event is also available in Australia and has been established to help simulate deafness and demonstrate the struggles that the community goes through.

The challenges for 2014’s event: – One-to-one meeting

– Team meeting

– Social get-together

– Watching TV at home

Ear protectors are happily provided by The Foundation as well as key information about the four challenges, fundraising tips, and everything else participants need to take part. (The National Foundation for the Deaf)

This project is spearheaded by the National Foundation for the Deaf and calls upon all leaders throughout the country to get on board and participate in the day. This also includes media and other people in position of influence. The CEO of The National Foundation for the Deaf, Louise Carroll is also participating in the challenge.

Silent Leadership Challenge has the goal of increasing awareness of deafness and to focus on “noise induced hearing loss” prevention. 2013 event raised over $50,000 and this year seems to have the potential to raise even more money.

“With the help and generosity of New Zealanders around the country, we can make a world of difference”

One of last year’s participants said,

“I often missed pieces of conversation and had to decide whether to ask for a comment to be repeated or to let it go. Interaction was a lot more difficult and I and others did tend to avoid some 1:1 conversations.” Mark Brown, Chief Executive, Life Unlimited

The community in America is missing out by not pushing something like this to happen here to bring awareness to leaders. Not focusing on the loss aspect but the gain that the world is missing out on. Cultural exposure needs to occur, how much of this event is focused on the negative aspect rather than the positive aspect?

Written by Mary Pat Withem