We all have stories to tell. Big or small, significant or trivial, individual or far-reaching. Our stories capture the magic in our lives. Here at The Arc of Northern Virginia, know that the most effective way to win hearts and minds, to influence policy-makers, and to motivate supporters, is to share the real-life stories of the people we serve. YOU inspire us every day! And we’re inviting you to share your best stories — and photos! — with the community.
Ever since we launched “A Life Like Yours”, we have been working to show our community that people should not be defined by a disability. We all can and deserve to be seen as whole, complete individuals, with ABILITIES to succeed in the world we live in. Certainly life with a disability has its challenges, for both the individual and for caregivers, but the disability is not the whole story. In fact, YOUR story is whatever YOU decide it is.
So we’re giving you the chance to share. Not everyone feels the need to do so, and that’s fine. But for those of you who are willing to speak out, to share, and to show the community at large that we are ALL worthy, this portal is way to start. Simply fill out the form below, and be sure to include photos.
We’ll be curating the stories, and formatting them to be shared publicly; perhaps in our ReSources newsletter, maybe as part of one of our workshops and webinars, possibly on social media, or even from the speaker’s podium at one of our fundraising events. In all cases, we’ll speak with you about how we want to share your story, and honor any wishes or special requests you may have.
Not a storyteller? Don’t worry! Tell your story in your own words, and our expert editor will help with editing if your story is chosen. To help get your thinking cap on, see our story suggestions below.
• Tell us about your passion. How did you discover it?
• Your first time out on your own
• Tell us what your best friend means to you
• A funny story you have been dying to share. Don’t hold back!
• Something you are grateful for
• Something that happened to you that taught you something you hadn’t known about yourself.
• Parenting moments: What are your greatest joys about being a parent? What are your struggles?
• What’s the craziest thing you ever did for love? (PG-rated!)
• Story told about a sibling
• The best family vacation ever!
• A special charity event…or volunteer experience that warmed your heart
• Any other story you can think of!
• Your favorite holiday tradition
• Something you learned from a parent or grandparent that you’ve passed on to your kids
• Memorable school/camp experience that you or your kids have had
• Give us an example of when you followed your heart/intuition
• Tell us about a bucket-list item you’ve checked off
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Arc of Northern Virginia relies on private support from individuals, corporations, organizations, and foundations to fund our efforts. Your generous donations help make it possible for us to provide programs, services, and advocacy so that people with IDD can live “A Life Like Yours.”
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