Volunteer British Sign Language Interpreter - 1 hour per month | Flamingo Chicks - #1801626

Are you trained in BSL? Flamingo Chicks is looking for a volunteer to provide BSL interpreter skills to disabled children for just one hour per month during an online class for our Agents of Change.

What difference will you make?

The Agents of Change are an elected body of 40 disabled and non-disabled young people aged 4-18 who represent their peers, lead our organisation and campaign for a fair future for disabled children. We want to remove all barriers to ensure that anyone and everyone can be part of our AOC group, and participate in a full and meaningful way, so we would love to welcome a BSL volunteer to these sessions. Our AOC’s have performed and spoken on some of the biggest platforms in the world! From No.10 Downing Street and the House of Commons to the United Nations in New York, this impressive group of young people are determined to break down barriers and make their mark on the world. Flamingo Chicks aims to challenge ideas about what disabled children and adults can do, inspire and grow our audience, and help us build a more inclusive society. As a BSL Interpreter volunteer you'll play a vital role in amplifying not only our Flamingo Chicks' message and expanding our reach, but also amplifying the voice of the children we support. Your interpretation skills will help to advocate for social change and ensure that all children's views and voices are heard, and that deeper connections and friendships are built between our AOCs.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone with a deep knowledge and understanding of BSL and someone who is confident using their skills in front of a group. You'll need the Ability to process spoken or signed language quickly, understand meaning, and express it in another language almost simultaneously. Excellent memory retention and ability to anticipate meaning and intent. Have an understanding of Deaf culture and identity Ability to navigate cultural nuances to ensure respectful and accurate interpretation. We're also looking for someone reliable, and enthusiastic about inclusive education and dance.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a volunteer with a thorough knowledge of British Sign Language, to join our Agents of Change (AOC) to provide Interpretation skills for the group on line. You'll need to be a confident communicator who feels at ease interpreting in front of a group. The Agents of Change (AOC) are an elected body of 40 disabled and non-disabled young people aged 4-18 who represent their peers, lead our organisation and campaign for a fair future for disabled children. The Agents of Change programme and its sessions are underpinned by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our change makers get together once a month online, meeting with incredible VIP guests, enjoying camaraderie, friendship and discussion as a group, and even enjoying therapeutic art and craft activities as part of their call. Our AOCs thrive on these regular development workshops as well as enjoying unique, special opportunities as a group. Underpinned by a core theme and featuring some outstanding VIP guests, AOC sessions aim to inspire our young advocates to further their leadership skills and realise their potential. The AOC’s also volunteer within their communities, undertaking accessibility audits and advising large companies on how to be more accessible. Recent audits include the Science Museum in London and Complete Control, the leading children’s digital agency. This volunteer opportunity requires a skilled individual, to help us better communicate with our AOCs and to attract more members to our group. What you’ll be doing Joining our monthly Agent of Change meetings online on zoom (sessions run once a month of a Tuesday evening, 5 - 5.45pm on zoom) Providing BSL Interpretation throughout the session to the group From time to time we also have opportunities to meet in person as a group eg for a one-off session or fundraising event (previous examples include a visit to Downing Street; a Fundraising Dance Relay; a trip to Disneyland, Paris; a visit to Good Morning Britain TV studios to advise presenters on best practice when interviewing disabled people). We would encourage our BSL volunteer to attend these activities too (usually 2 or 3 per year). This is a fantastic opportunity to join a strong community and help a meaningful cause. You'll be helping to make our sessions more inviting to young disabled people and encouraging a wider group of children to access and join our sessions.