The Alexander Graham Bell Association works globally to ensure that people who are deaf and hard of hearing can hear and talk. We want all families to be informed and supported, professionals to be appropriately qualified to teach and help children with hearing loss, public policy leaders to effectively address the needs of people with hearing loss, and communities to be empowered to help their neighbors with hearing loss succeed.
AG Bell engages with volunteers to help spread Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) across the world through various types of work. AG Bell Youth Program Volunteer opportunities include:
AG Bell 2027 LOFT Counselor Commitment
- LOFT Counselors are expected to arrive on July 26th at the hotel by 5pm ET and depart after 12pm on August 1st.
- LOFT Dates: July 27th-July 31st, 2027.
Required Counselor Virtual Meeting Dates leading up to LOFT:
-
All Counselors- March 23 @ 8-9pm EST (1 hr. meeting)
i. Welcome, Intros, LOFTee Application Review process
Lead/Co-Lead Counselors Only – April 27 @ 7-9pm EST (2 hr. meeting/15 mins break in the middle)
i. Welcome, Review LOFT activities master list, finalize activities for each group
All Counselors- May 18 @ 7-9pm EST- (2 hr. meeting/15 mins break in the middle)
i. Welcome, Icebreaker, 16 personalities, Create Team agreements
All Counselors- June 15 @ 7-9pm EST (2 hr. meeting/15 mins break in the middle)
i. Final Announcements, Today’s Teen Presentation, Activities and LOFT schedule
All Counselors- July 13 @ 7-9pm EST- LOFT Q&A info session/Meet up (2 hr. meeting)
i. Parents and Teens meet counselors, meet each other, Q&A
Counselor Job Description
Program Overview
LOFT is a five-day (four-night) program designed for participants to develop skills in individual leadership, teamwork, understanding group dynamics and communication, public speaking, and self-advocacy. The program provides a supportive and structured environment in which participants increase their self-confidence and their understanding of their own strengths and abilities through activities designed to challenge them to work outside of their comfort zone. Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) or Speech to Text Transcription will be provided during classroom sessions. LOFT counselors are AG Bell members who are adults living with hearing loss.
Participants are high school students who are living with hearing loss who have completed at least one year of high school. AG Bell is pleased to be working towards welcoming teens to the 2027 LOFT program in Washington, D.C. Planning is underway for one, in-person session this summer. Attendees will be split into a freshman-sophomore group and a junior-senior group. One program group has the capacity to serve up to 20 teens and is a great opportunity for high school and college-bound teens interested in a leadership experience away from home with their peers.
Counselor Qualifications:
▪ At least 21 years of age and in Junior/Senior year of college, and/or has a college degree or equivalent experience.
▪ Must be deaf or hard of hearing and use listening and spoken language as your primary mode of communication.
▪ Ability and desire to work with teens.
▪ Ability to interact effectively and responsibly in a supportive manner with teens of all backgrounds.
▪ Experience with the needs and interests of deaf or hard of hearing teens.
▪ Be able and willing to accept and perform leadership roles as a LOFT facilitator.
▪ Willing to undergo a criminal record background check.
Required Skills:
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Positive attitude.
- Passionate about the mission of the Alexander Graham Bell Association and the LOFT Program.
Preferred Skills:
- Past youth or camp experience whether through work or a degree program.
Responsibilities:
In Advance- preparing for the program (time required: 2-10 hours per month; more time may be needed during the six weeks prior to LOFT)
▪ Actively participate in ongoing planning, preparation and follow up for LOFT through the end of the LOFT session in which the counselor participates. This includes:
▪ Review and respond to emails in a timely and thoughtful manner.
▪ Participate in email discussions and video conference calls (there may be up to 6 meetings before in-person LOFT).
During the program-
▪ Prepare and lead education and life skills groups in an interactive setting.
▪ Provide assistance with airport pickups and drop-offs.
▪ Supervise participants through the entire LOFT program.
▪ Assist with bedchecks every night.
▪ Work with and take direction related to assignments from LOFT Lead Facilitator.
▪ Set a positive role model for participants at all times during LOFT.
▪ Assist with all LOFT classes, programs and activities, being on-time, present, and prepared for all assigned activities.
▪ Perform other duties as assigned by the LOFT Lead Facilitator and AG Bell Staff.
▪ Assist with any clean ups on and off-site.
Remuneration:
At the conclusion of the LOFT 2027 program, AG Bell will provide an honorarium payment as well as cover counselor travel (pre-approved air travel, parking, and hotel) to and from LOFT up to $600.
Incentives for participating in this volunteer opportunity include the opportunity for swag as well as the chance to work with experienced leaders who will provide guidance and support throughout the program.
Please complete this form if you have an interest in becoming a Volunteer for AG Bell's Youth Programming: