Cleft Connect Chat
Operation Smile’s global support community for students born with a cleft condition and their families.
A Global Community
Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat is a global community of students born with cleft conditions who meet virtually every month to talk about their experiences, share advice and support each other.
Guided by adult facilitators, many of whom were also born with a cleft condition, each session offers a safe, supportive space to connect, share experiences and build community. Facilitators often prepare a game or presentation to spark conversation around a theme chosen for each Chat, helping create meaningful and inclusive dialogue.
Every July, members of the Cleft Connect community come together in person at our International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC). Below, they’re pictured at ISLC 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Our next Chat is Sunday, Feb. 23!
Mark your calendars for our next Chat, 8-9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 23. The following Chat dates are March 23, April 27, May 18 and June 1. Please register below to receive the Zoom link to our Chat.
What is Cleft Connect?
In a nutshell, Operation Smile’s Cleft Connect Chat is a monthly virtual gathering for students who were born with cleft conditions around the world.
Here’s what you can expect from Cleft Connect.
Join Student Programs
From starting a club to hosting a service project, Operation Smile empowers young people of all ages to help our patients.
The Power of Connection
The inspiration for Cleft Connect Chat came from a panel conversation hosted by student volunteers born with a cleft during Operation Smile’s 2017 International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC).
Before 500 conference participants, these students shared their stories and helped everyone learn how to be an even better advocate for Operation Smile’s patients.
The Cleft Connect Panel, as it’s now known, has become a fixture at every ISLC since.
Being with Operation Smile has helped me find my voice.
— Emilee, a founding member of Cleft Connect
Connect with Us
Brigette Clifford
Staff Lead
[email protected]
Ethan Richlak
Student Lead
[email protected]