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Why I Give to TIRF > Diane Larsen-Freeman

Why I Give to TIRF

Diane Larsen-Freeman

At the 2005 TESOL Convention in San Antonio, TIRF held a breakfast to honor its donors -- in particular, former TIRF Board member and founding donor, Joan Morley. The breakfast was supported by Alta Books and a grant from the Spencer Foundation. Our guest speaker, Dr. Diane E. Larsen-Freeman, has kindly allowed us to post her remarks.

Why do I give to TIRF? Well, since I direct the English Language Institute at the University of Michigan, I thought that it would be appropriate to answer this question by using a multiple-choice format, just as you might find on one of our Michigan tests.

Why do I give to TIRF?

A. Because two of my best friends called me up to practice their fund-raising approach, and I didn’t have the heart to tell them it needed work.

B. Because I have never before in my life been asked to speak for only 5 minutes, as I was for this morning’s TIRF event.

C. Because another dear friend has given so generously over the years to TIRF, our honoree on this occasion, Joan Morley.

D. All of the above

Do you want to guess the correct option?

Yes.

The answer is D, all of the above.

Let me review all the options and explain why D is the correct answer.

Option A is correct because two of the TIRF Board members, who shall remain anonymous, did call me up and ask me to make a donation. While their approach may have needed work, their enthusiasm and their commitment shone through, and they were very persuasive…so I signed up.

Option B is correct because it is true that I have never been asked to speak for only 5 minutes. However, what was more noteworthy than that was after I agreed to speak, my e-mail in-box lit up with expressions of gratitude from many of the illustrious members of the TIRF Board. From this fact, it was clear to me that the two committed individuals mentioned in Option A are joined by equally enthusiastic and dedicated colleagues on the TIRF Board, an observation that also inspired me to make a contribution.

While on the theme of gratitude, there is another reason I want to offer for my donation. Although I have not benefited directly from a TIRF grant, I know that I have been privileged by my connection with TESOL. I can’t imagine another field where I would be able to indulge my diverse interests in language, learning, and teaching, cultivate an attitude of inquiry, contribute in some very small way to international/intercultural understanding and social justice, and, oh yes, earn a living to boot. TESOL has given me that. And so, my contribution to TIRF is less about giving than giving back.

Option C is correct because Joan Morley has been my friend for decades, and because all that time, I have felt her generous spirit. It seemed that I would be honoring Joan’s spirit of generosity by doing my part. If TIRF finds a few more Joan Morleys or many more Diane Larsen-Freemans, it will be able to sustain its good work for many years to come.

Option D is correct because there are so many good reasons to give to TIRF. TIRF encourages TESOL researchers to do good work and to make a difference in the world as the findings from their research inform and enrich the learning and teaching of English around the world. And that is reason enough for me!