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volunteers

volunteers image Volunteers &
Volunteers-to-be

You are part of a very important group with our organization, the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf (CCSD). Together with staff we support the infrastructure that enables the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE to stay open to the public and fulfill our mission. 

Our volunteers keep the doors open to the public, provide assistance in the giftshop, help to conserve and protect the collection, maintain the database, prepare items for exhibition, study, learn, research, provide public tours to adults and school children, encourage membership and raise funds in support of the Centre.

As a non-profit organization, we, CCSD, are dedicated to the support of the Centre. We are comprised of a large group of knowledgeable and experienced individuals, some of whom are Deaf artists, or specialists in linguistics, Deaf History, Deaf Studies and other related fields of expertise. The DEAF CULTURE CENTRE provides a place where such interests can be shared. The DEAF CULTURE CENTRE is one of a kind in Canada and internationally. As a volunteer, you are helping to support and preserve one of Canada’s true national treasures. We need your help, and we appreciate your efforts.
 
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE. It is the volunteers who provide the ongoing life force of this Centre. The Centre not only houses art, artifacts and treasures, but also showcases the people, ideas and achievements of today that create Canada’s future.

The DEAF CULTURE CENTRE gallery on the main floor is divided into three different exhibit sections: Art, Language and Place. Exhibits match the goals of school curricula in visual arts, media, language, social studies, history, geography and cultural studies.


Art Exhibit – we feature the art of Deaf artists as well as De’VIA (Deaf View Image Art) created by Deaf artists that incorporates the experience of Deaf people.

Language Exhibit – visitors learn about the history of signed languages around the world, how they evolved and enjoy the literature of our signed languages (interpretations and explanations are provided with exhibits). Visitors experience interactive exhibits that teach about the beauty and complexity of signed languages and in particular about ASL and LSQ.

Place Exhibit – visitors immerse themselves in the experience of the Deaf community. Through guided tours and exhibit artifacts visitors learn about the history of our Deaf schools, Deaf organizations internationally, Deaf clubs and where we find our “sense of place”.

Special Exhibits - every six months we feature different exciting areas of interest to intrigue new visitors and entice old visitors to come see us again! This is a great opportunity for you as a volunteer to continually expand your knowledge.


Our Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday. We are closed Mondays.

School tours are arranged by contacting info@deafculturecentre.ca.
Impromptu tours for individuals are provided to visitors for free. As a volunteer you can be involved as a docent or tour guide.


why volunteer

When you volunteer, you give part of yourself – your time, energy, skills, ideas and feelings. You give to your family and friends, to your neighbours, to your community. Sometimes, you are giving to people that you do not know, to people thousands of miles away – both Deaf and hearing, in creating a richer society.

Giving and receiving are some of the reasons why people volunteer. Their contributions to others and to their communities bring them feelings of self-fulfillment and the knowledge that they have made a difference.

Volunteering is also a way of saying thank you. It is a way of recognizing the countless others who, in big and small ways, have made life richer and better through donations of time and effort. But there is more to volunteering than giving. As a volunteer, you also reap personal benefits and enhance your personal growth.

As a volunteer, we…
• Increase social awareness
• Learn through meeting new people
• Enjoy better health
• Gain self-confidence
• Learn language
• Discover our strengths and talents
• Build a sense of independence
• Expand social circle
• Prepare for the workforce
• Contribute our energy to the Deaf community

By volunteering, we…
• Develop skills
• Learn and appreciate Deaf culture and our community more
• Gain work experience
• Explore career options
• Develop job finding networks
• Increase knowledge about Deaf Culture, Deaf View Image Art (De’VIA), the Deaf Community, Deaf History, American Sign Language (ASL) and lingue des Signes Quebecoise (LSQ) literature, Signed Languages around the world, and more …

That’s the thing about volunteering. We get as much out of it as we put into it! Often, you get a whole lot more. So, roll up your sleeves and get involved!

You will find volunteering a great experience. But it doesn’t stop now. By catching the volunteering bug, you will be giving yourself a lifetime of rewarding experiences, knowledge and connections to the community.

The DEAF CULTURE CENTRE provides opportunities and mentorship to Deaf and hearing youth. These students bring fresh spirit to the Centre! We also have many opportunities for Deaf and hearing older adults. These experienced individuals bring a wealth of background to enrich the Centre as we grow!

If you wish to volunteer, please contact us at info@deafculturecentre.ca and we can discuss how you can volunteer that would best suit your needs.

WE APPRECIATE EACH OF YOU!


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