Join Our Team
Get Involved at the Hands Up Conference
The Hands Up Conference is built on community, collaboration, and shared purpose. Whether you are supporting operations, providing language access, or presenting, each role plays a vital part in creating a meaningful and impactful experience.
Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) is required for all roles.
All participants are also invited to attend our Saturday evening entertainment event.
Ambassador Program
Ambassadors are essential to the overall success of the conference. This role is ideal for individuals who are dependable, adaptable, and passionate about supporting the Deaf and ASL community.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with registration, workshop support, and general conference operations
- Providing guidance and support to attendees throughout the event
- Maintaining a professional, positive, and team-oriented attitude
Time Commitment:
- Arrival required on Wednesday evening for training and orientation
- Participation through Sunday until approximately 3:00–4:00 PM for breakdown and cleanup
Ambassadors should be prepared for full, active days. While the hours are demanding, the experience is highly rewarding and offers valuable opportunities to build connections and gain hands-on experience.
Tasha Wordie
Ambassador Captain
Tasha learned ASL in college when she had the chance to take a language class and chose ASL as it had always intrigued her and communicating with her hands felt natural. She, inspired by her professor’s passion and guidance, was immediately hooked. She fell in love with the language and the culture and volunteered for as many Deaf events as possible. Through her job at a public library, Tasha has hosted dozens (probably hundreds at this point) of different types of community events.
She has hosted everything from weekly storytimes and craft programs for kids to book clubs, clothing swaps, and author signings for adults. Tasha is extremely passionate about helping connect members of the community with services, resources, and fun activities both as a volunteer at the Deaf Literacy Center and through her work at the public library. She has volunteered as an ambassador for the Hands Up Conference for the last two years and is so excited to be back as the Volunteer Coordinator this year.
Volunteer Interpreters (ASL / English)
Volunteer interpreters play a critical role in ensuring full access throughout the conference. We are proud to partner with TOP Interpreting, our official Interpreting Sponsor and Coordinator, to support high-quality interpreting services.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing a minimum of 6 hours of interpreting services
- Supporting workshops, sessions, and general communication access
- Collaborating with a coordinated team of interpreters
Qualifications:
We are seeking interpreters with skills in:
- ASL ↔ English
Benefits:
- Full conference registration provided at no cost
- Opportunity to work alongside an experienced and respected interpreting team
- Professional experience in a dynamic, community-centered environment
2026 Interpreting Coordinator Sponsor:
Contact TOP Sign Language Interpreting, LLC
interpreting@topsli.com
689-867-8377 (689-TOP-TERP)
or 689-867-8378
Saturday Evening Entertainment
All ambassadors, interpreters, and presenters are invited to attend our Saturday evening entertainment event. This is a dedicated time to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the community in a more relaxed setting.