Are you looking to give back to your community? The month of November is known for sparking feelings of gratitude and reminding us to help those in need. As the year comes to an end, we reflect on our friendships, family, stability, careers, community, and so much more.

November marks American Diabetes Awareness Month. Though it is a time to cheer on those who are battling this epidemic, it is not meant to be a month of celebration. The main objective of American Diabetes Month is drawing attention to the 38 million Americans that live with this chronic disease, and to encourage people to join the fight against Diabetes through support, advocacy and education.

With our world constantly evolving, the importance of fostering cultural competency in parenting methods has become increasingly more apparent. The moral skillset of embracing diverse perspectives, traditions, and values has been shown to be necessary in setting children up for success both inside and outside of the classroom, as well as in their future careers. Though many schools utilize culturally responsive teaching and integrate cultural competency into their curricula, it is important to begin this teaching in your own home.

Meet Megan, a dedicated volunteer at the UR Community Cares Tech Center (http://www.urcommunitycares.org). Megan’s path to becoming a volunteer wasn’t easy—she struggles with her speech at times, which made the idea of teaching technology to others seem daunting at first. However, Megan’s story is one of courage, growth, and the power of community.

Mrs. Nguyen, a warm and spirited older adult, had always relied on her landline for calls and handwritten letters for communication. However, as time passed, she began to feel increasingly disconnected from the digital world that seemed to be moving at lightning speed. Determined to stay connected with her grandchildren and manage her daily tasks more easily, she decided to take a step out of her comfort zone and learn how to use her smartphone.