President's Letter, March 2009

Special thanks are due to Linkages members for their generosity in the 2008 annual appeal. Linkages members have typically been very supportive of the organization and in spite of the economy this year was no exception. Not surprisingly, many not for profits are reporting serious challenges in fundraising in this difficult economic environment. On behalf of the Board of Linkages, I extend sincere thanks to all who contributed.
 

 
 
Your support will enable Linkages to realize several important projects and activities this year. Many activities will focus on the 1150th anniversary of the founding of Novgorod in 2009. We are planning public programs that will highlight the unique history and cultural treasures of Novgorod as the oldest Russian city. Linkages will be partnering with Image City Gallery this summer to mount a special exhibit of the work of Novgorodians photographers. A group of child welfare professionals will be traveling to Novgorod in June to offer seminars on evidence-based practices in working with troubled families to our Russian colleagues. The Partnership for Children will also realize a long term goal of sponsoring a social work student exchange: a group of students from the Greater Rochester Collaborative MSW program will take part in the June trip to Novgorod. The hope is that in the future GRC will welcome psychology students from Novgorod State University to visit and perhaps even take part in its graduate program.
 
Other plans are also in the works. Linkage is confirming the schedule of activities for the official anniversary celebration in Novgorod in September so that the details of a Linkages trip to Russia can be finalized. Board member, Shae Hanford, is heading up a committee to plan the trip. The leaders and citizens of Novgorod are rightfully proud of the long history of the city and are inviting friends to come to Russia this year to join in what promises to be a meaningful and joyous celebration. As it was put in a recent communication I received from Novgorod: “In 2009 Velikiy Novgorod marks the 1150th anniversary. This is believed to become a large-scale spiritual and political event of national and international significance.” Several members have already expressed interest in the trip. I hope that we can be represented by a sizable delegation in Novgorod this year on the occasion of this unique birthday.