Campaigns Volunteer
To apply for the volunteering position below, please click here;
http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/What-is-Fairtrade/Work-for-us/Volunteer-with-us/Campaigns-Volunteer
You will need to email volunteering@fairtrade.org.uk with a completed Volunteer Application form by Tuesday, 15 August 2017.
CAMPAIGNS VOLUNTEER
The Fairtrade Foundation is a passionate and ambitious development organisation committed to tackling poverty and injustice through trade. We are best known as the independent, not-for-profit body behind the FAIRTRADE Mark, a product label assuring consumers that their purchase helps disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries secure a better deal. The FAIRTRADE Mark is the best known and most trusted ethical mark amongst UK consumers.
The Fairtrade Campaigns team
Fairtrade Campaigns work with educational establishments and communities to achieve Fairtrade status aiming at building commitment and support from across their local community. The goals include involving all sectors from the local authority to businesses, faith groups and educational establishments for the Communities movement or individual Universities and Schools for the Education movement. The aim is to increase availability of Fairtrade products and raise understanding and awareness of Fairtrade across the community. Many more communities are currently working towards making an application while established campaign groups continue to develop and innovate locally. The campaign in the UK has inspired other countries to start similar national Fairtrade campaigns: 18 different countries continue to watch what’s happening and learn from the grassroots movement in the UK.
Commitment: Ideally you would volunteer for 2-3 days per week in our London office for at least 6 months.
This arrangement is not intended to be legally binding or to create a contract.
Role description:
Fairtrade Campaigns volunteers play a vital role in supporting this dynamic and diverse movement and volunteering is a great opportunity to learn more about grassroots campaigning while gaining practical experience in report writing, supporter relations and working in a fast-moving office environment. It would suit a student, graduate or any individual with a passion for global justice and an interest in supporting communities across the UK in taking action.
Other projects including research and report writing, web development, social media, and attending events will also arise, and can be agreed with the Communities and Education Campaigns Officers, depending on your interests and the skill sets you wish to develop.
We are also currently preparing for our National Supporter Conference (October 2017) and the run-up to this time is an exciting opportunity to get involved with the inner workings of event organizing.
Previous volunteers have gone on to work for other NGOs, in the UK & overseas, self-employment, further study, and a variety of other sectors including Fairtrade organisations.
Tasks include:
- Assessing applications and renewal applications from local Fairtrade Town groups, Universities and Schools against the goals set by the Fairtrade Foundation
- Writing feedback reports based on application forms, detailing recommendations for improvement and/or the extent to which each goal has been achieved (supervised by the Communities Campaigns Officer and the Campaigns Coordinator)
- Drafting letters and corresponding with applicants to inform them of the Foundation’s decisions
- Assisting and answering enquiries from prospective/current campaigners regarding applications
- Writing copy for the website, to share best practice and campaign success of Fairtrade Towns, Universities and
- Schools through a ‘Case Studies’ online library
- Keeping the Fairtrade Towns groups, Universities and Schools database and filing system updated and complete, and updating the website as necessary
- Assisting with other research and creative projects relating to the Fairtrade Campaigns movement
- Possibility to attend national and local campaign events
- Regularly assisting in Supporter Service functions such as managing the main email inbox for the Fairtrade
- Foundation, ensuring emails are responded to promptly.
Skills required:
- Excellent organisational skills, ability to take the initiative
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
- Good IT skills: Primarily Microsoft Office package, though training will be given for more advanced features and programmes required.
- Self-motivated and pro-active approach to work, within a team setting
- Experience of/ interest in campaigns and/or community organisations an advantage
What will you have learned / achieved by the end of this assignment?
- Experience of working in a fast-growing, successful development organisation
- Advanced office, administration, database and campaigner support experience
- An understanding of the international Fairtrade system, and particularly the role of the UK movement.
- Understanding of grassroots, cross-community, campaign activities
- Specific skills development such as web management, copy writing, events support as determined by you
- A volunteering reference
What type of people volunteer at the Fairtrade Foundation?
Anyone who has an interest in Fairtrade! Volunteers have ranged from students to retired business people from 17 to 80 years of age.
What are the hours?
Flexible, but normally 10.30am-5.00pm Monday to Friday
Location
Unless otherwise stated, positions are based at the Fairtrade Foundation's offices in the Minories, Aldgate EC3N 1DY.
Do I get expenses?
We refund lunch up to £5 per day if volunteering four or more hours in that day or over the lunch period on production of receipts and refund travel expenses (preferably off peak) maximum £15 per day on production of a receipt or ticket.
We regret that we are unable to assist non-UK residents who are planning to volunteer during a short stay in the UK with visa applications, finding accommodation etc.
The Fairtrade Foundation is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
