Volunteer Opportunities

In the past year, PJT has evolved from a “mom-and-pop” run organization to a nonprofit business that tracks inventory and sales, has an online store, and paid staff. Despite these organizational changes, PJT realizes the importance of volunteers and that it cannot exist without the help of volunteers – they are essential to enabling PJT to continue to flourish and grow, and in turn support the economic development occurring through this Fair Trade endeavor.

It is through this lens, that a Volunteer Program for Partners for Just Trade has been developed.  Volunteers are invited to participate in the life of PJT on various levels from stockroom help to the selling of items to the public.  Job descriptions for each of the volunteer positions have been developed and all volunteers will work closely with PJT’s Executive Director and Office and Inventory Manager for specific training and oversight. 

The following job descriptions are listed below:

1. Stockroom Volunteer
2. Sales Volunteer
3. Sales Contactor Volunteer
4. Message Volunteer
5. Volunteer Photographer
   
6. Design Volunteer - Peru

If you don't see something you're interested in, contact us by phone (314) 773-7358 or at PJT@partnersforjusttrade.org and we can work to find a volunteer opportunity that fits your interests and our needs.



While the stockroom volunteers do not interact directly with the public, they are a fundamental part of PJT’s infrastructure. They will work closely with PJT’s Office and Inventory Manager to ensure that all orders are fulfilled and shipped out in a timely manner (within 2 business days of receiving the order). This position is in St. Louis.

Tasks

• Uses the internet to print online orders received, fulfills orders (including pulling and packaging), makes shipping labels, and sends e-mail with tracking information to customers.
• Communicates any issues related to the orders that arise to PJT’s Office and Inventory Manager who will contact the customer.
• Prices items as necessary.
• Helps with receipt of orders from Peru, including counting and inspecting new products.

Time Commitment

• The stockroom volunteer would ideally be able to dedicate one weekday afternoon from 1pm to 5pm working in the stockroom.

Desired Skills

• Attention to detail
• Ability to occasionally lift heavy items (up to 40 pounds sometimes)
• Comfort with using computers

Contact Marcia Conaghan at (314) 707-2831 or marcia@partnersforjusttrade.org for more information.



The sales volunteer facilitates sales growth and relays PJT’s core values to the public. While their support of PJT is mainly through selling, they also help to identify local sales opportunities. This volunteer should undergo a sales training with PJT to assure that PJT’s event sales procedure is followed.  This volunteer can work anywhere in the U.S. and almost always works with another trained sales volunteer and communicates regularly with PJT’s Office and Inventory Manager.

Tasks

• Sells at local and regional events.
• Tracks the code, color, and quantity of each item sold and submits this information along with money received from sales to PJT’s Office and Inventory Manager.
• Identify new sales opportunities.

Time Commitment

• As needed – often requires volunteering on weekends.

Desired Skills

• Attention to detail
• Ability to occasionally lift heavy items (up to 40 pounds sometimes)
• Outgoing personality
• Knowledge of artisan groups, products, and Fair Trade (this can be learned through trainings)

Contact Carrie Hawthorne at (314) 773-7358 or PJT@partnersforjusttrade.org for more information.



This volunteer is responsible for identifying prospective sales venues where PJT products would be appropriate.  They serve as the “eyes and ears” in to help PJT know where to make a sales pitch.

Tasks

• Visits prospective stores and identifies: types of products sold, appropriate buyer or manager’s contact information.
• Sends PJT visit information.

Time Commitment

• When available

Desired Skills

• Ability to evaluate a retail opportunity

Contact Carrie Hawthorne at (314) 773-7358 or PJT@partnersforjusttrade.org for more information.



The message volunteer helps PJT spread the important message of Fair Trade and the work PJT does. This volunteer is in close touch with the Executive Director and needs to stay updated on PJT’s work with Producer Partners, sales, and educational resources.

Tasks

• Learns about and is able to convey how PJT works with our Producer Partners, the principles of Fair Trade, the various kinds of PJT sales, and PJT’s education program.
• Investigates and arranges speaking engagements in the region.

Time Commitment

• As needed – often requires volunteering on weekends.

Desired Skills

• Articulate public speaker

Contact Carrie Hawthorne at (314) 773-7358 or PJT@partnersforjusttrade.org for more information.



Partners for Just Trade (PJT), a non-profit Fair Trade organization works closely with Bridge of Hope (BOH), a ngo located in Peru. With BOH we work with over 20 artisan groups located in Lima, Huancayo, and Huancavelica, Peru. The Design Volunteer would spend their time equally in each of these 3 cities working with artisans on product design and development and capacity building. This position provides an opportunity for people interested in design to explore Fair Trade and international development issues.

Summary
The artisan groups live in both urban locations (like the capital city, Lima) and very rural locations that are hard to reach (where in some cases electricity has only recently been installed). Regardless of where they are located, it is still difficult for artisans to have access to the trends and designs in the foreign market. The activities and trainings with the artisans groups will vary depending on each groups’ skill level.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work with artisan groups to develop products that are appealing to a wide variety of age and class groups
• Expand and refine artisan groups current skill base
• Look for new materials and or fabrics that artisans could work with
• Incorporate traditional Incan and/or Andean design and customs into products
• Teach artisans design basics
• Work on calculating a fair price for the new products that are developed

Qualifications

• Ability to speak Spanish
• Experience in creative projects and/or design
• Interest in or a desire to learn about Fair Trade and/or Peru

Date

• Departure date and length of volunteering depends upon the candidate

Please note: the volunteer is responsible for funding the trip.