[NFBF-L] Volunteer for NFB Youth Slam 2027

[Z'Leah Liburd]

Hello everyone,

I’m excited to share an opportunity to get involved with the *National
Federation of the Blind (NFB) Youth Slam 2027!* As the Youth Slam
Representative for Florida, I am helping recruit enthusiastic, dedicated
volunteers from across the state to support this incredible experience for
blind and low-vision high school students.

*What is NFB Youth Slam?*

NFB Youth Slam is a nationwide, weeklong residential program that brings
together blind and low-vision high school students ages 14–18 from across
the country. The 2027 program will take place *July 25–31, 2027, at Loyola
University Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland.* Students will stay in a
university residence hall and experience what it is like to live and learn
on a college campus.

Throughout the week, students explore their interests through specialized
tracks in areas such as science, technology, creative disciplines, and
career pathways. They also participate in hands-on workshops, leadership
development, recreational activities, social events, and opportunities to
strengthen their independence, problem-solving, and confidence.

Youth Slam is about much more than attending activities. It gives students
the opportunity to challenge themselves, discover new possibilities, build
friendships, connect with blind mentors, and learn firsthand that blindness
does not have to limit their opportunities or ambitions.

*We Need Florida Volunteers!*

I am looking for confident, capable, upbeat, energetic, and dependable
individuals who want to help make this experience meaningful for our
students.

Ideal volunteers should:

   -

   Have a positive attitude and demonstrate a willingness to work as part
   of a team.
   -

   Understand and support the philosophy of the National Federation of the
   Blind.
   -

   Enjoy working with high school students ages 14–18 and be comfortable
   encouraging them to learn, grow, and challenge themselves.
   -

   Be flexible, patient, calm under pressure, and ready to adapt when plans
   or activities change.
   -

   Be comfortable staying active and moving throughout the day, as Youth
   Slam involves a busy schedule with activities requiring different levels of
   physical energy.
   -

   Be committed to helping create a safe, supportive, inclusive, and
   empowering environment for every student.

You do not need to be an expert in blindness skills to volunteer. Training
will be provided, and volunteers from a variety of backgrounds are welcome.
What matters most is your attitude, commitment, flexibility, and
willingness to learn.

*Important Volunteer Information*

   -

   *Volunteer dates:* July 23–31, 2027. Volunteers must be available for
   the full period, including training, preparation, and student arrival and
   departure.
   -

   *Minimum age:* 18 years old.
   -

   *Cost:* There is no cost to volunteer. Travel, lodging, and meals are
   provided for accepted volunteers.
   -

   *Application period:* Applications open November 1, 2026, and close in
   January 2027.
   -

   *Screening:* All volunteers must complete the application and selection
   process, required background screening, and training before participating.

Volunteer responsibilities may include student supervision, assisting with
educational tracks and enrichment activities, supporting recreation and
evening events, helping with meals, and assisting with general program
logistics. This is an active, hands-on commitment, and volunteers must be
prepared to put the students' needs and safety first.

*How Do You Apply?*

The volunteer application opens November 1, 2026, and closes in January
2027. Interested individuals will need to complete the official application
and be selected through the volunteer review process. Additional
instructions and application information will be available through the NFB
Youth Slam website.

If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to me! I would love
to connect with individuals across Florida who are excited about supporting
the next generation of blind leaders.

Youth Slam is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of
young people while connecting with an incredible community of students,
mentors, and volunteers from across the country.

Please consider applying and sharing this opportunity with others who might
be interested. Let's help make sure Florida is well represented at Youth
Slam 2027!

Thank you,


-- 

Z’Leah Liburd (She/her)

National Federation of the Blind of Florida
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbf-l_nfbnet.org/attachments/20261022/866ee49d/attachment.htm>