We are seeking energetic, responsible, and self-driven individuals to join our unpaid internship/volunteer program. As an intern or volunteer, you will work in support of The Porter Voice Collective’s mission. The PVC was launched to promote and elevate the stories and voices of porters in Peru, Nepal and Tanzania. Through storytelling via interviews, filmmaking, photography, published articles, and all other means of content creation, we are elevating the roles and stories of porters on the mountain trails. Our mission is to promote a new set of best practices in the trekking tourism industry that is rooted in equity and inclusion. To do that, we need to harness the power of storytelling and the media to educate the masses about Workforce Equity.
This is an unpaid internship / volunteer opportunity but can be utilized as part of obtaining experience/skills or school credits. The internship or volunteer work can be done remotely. You can be located anywhere in the world. However, it is a plus to have someone who is based in one of the three trekking destinations that we focus on: Peru’s Cusco region, Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania and Nepal. We are seeking a commitment of at least three (3) months.
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM
This program is suitable for university/college students who need to satisfy school credits as part of their university work or anyone who wish to gain valuable knowledge and work experience in the adventure travel industry and/or support the mission of PVC. Working with PVC gives you an opportunity to expand your knowledge regarding the following topics in the adventure travel industry: human rights, indigenous rights, women’s rights/gender equity, labor rights, colonialism and its impact on current tourism operations, sustainability in travel and a focus on equity and inclusion as the new paradigm for achieving sustainability. On a practical level, you will gain skills in research and writing, interviewing, content creation, filmmaking, film editing, photography, storytelling, social media marketing, organizational skills, fundraising, public speaking, critical analysis of research data and more.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities of every intern/volunteer will vary depending on their interests and skills which are to be agreed upon before the commencement of the program. Below is a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities that may apply as an intern/volunteer with PVC.
- Support various PVC storytelling/grassroots campaign that promotes the human rights of porters/mountain expeditions workers.
- Promote the porters’ stories and voices via the PVC website, social media and all other media platforms.
- Interviewing porters and guides in the trekking industries of Nepal, Peru & Tanzania (in the field or remotely).
- Conducting research on specific topic of your choice that is relevant to PVC’s mission.
- Translation of interviews as needed (if you’re equipped with expertise on translation)
- Writing articles/stories based on interviews and research.
- Filmmaking and photography as part of creating content for The Porter Voice Collective website.
- Video and photography editing.
- Assist with any other content creation projects that may arise.
- Research and gather documentation on the conditions of the mountain trails for porters in Peru, Nepal and Tanzania.
- Assist in building allyship by identifying individuals or organizations in the U.S. and worldwide that support the mission of PVC.
- Assist in any fundraising efforts for PVC.
- Identify funding resources in support of PVC’s mission.
- Attend tourism-related events/gatherings
- Have the opportunity to present your field research to tourism professionals.
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be a student enrolled in a university program (for interns).
- Experience in video and photography editing experience is ideal.
- Must be proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel) and have working knowledge of the use of social media (i.e. Instagram, Facebook and Twitter).
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Must be culturally sensitive and have some experience working with diverse individuals.
- Previous travel experience is desirable, but not required.
- Interest in the trekking tourism industry is preferred.
- Experience working with indigenous communities is desirable but not required.
- Must be highly disciplined and can work independently with minimal supervision.
- Must be able to work remotely with decent access to internet.
- Must be able to maintain regular contact with PVC program manage.
- Energetic and eager to tackle work assignments and research.
- Background and interest in law, human rights, social work, journalism/creative writing, social medial marketing, fundraising/crowdfunding, grassroots campaigns, storytelling, sociology, history, archaeology, anthropology, gender studies, human ecology, ethnic studies and/or other relevant fields is a plus.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your resume and cover letter detailing your interest, goals, and relevant experience via email (theportervoice@gmail.com). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Send us an e-mail if you have any questions.