ESC Volunteer Vacancies 2022
Campaigning & Movement
Communication & Social Media Campaigning
CATAPA
CATAPA is a movement which strives for a world in which the extraction of non-renewable resources is no longer necessary. The extraction of such materials always entails major social and environmental impacts and fuels conflict. In working towards global social and environmental justice, we focus on mining issues (ecological disasters, human rights violations, etc.). In Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru and Colombia we work together with grassroots movements and support local communities who are threatened by large-scale mining projects.
Our main activities are:
- Campaigning on the impact of mining and sustainable production of electronics in Flanders.
- Supporting partners and local communities in Latin America that are threatened by large-scale mining projects.
- Creating a movement around sustainable production and consumption of metals.
- Networking, research & stimulating alternatives.
CATAPA is dependent on the work of volunteers – the Catapistas.
Two main campaigns
The Right to Say No – Mining activities cause devastating environmental impacts and human rights violations across the globe. CATAPA is campaigning on the Right to Say No. Communities opposing extractive projects face severe repression and human rights violations. A just transition requires local communities having the decisive say over extractive projects within their territories.
CTRL ALT DEL – Stop Planned Obsolescence – Our current linear model of consumption and production is a driving cause of the climate crisis. In this “throwaway” model, electronic products are designed to make repair difficult or unfeasible with limited life spans. This is planned obsolescence. The infinite supply of electronics is at odds with planetary boundaries. We cannot continue extracting more and more metals and minerals. Through our Ctrl Alt Delete: Stop Planned Obsolescence campaign we are advocating for strict regulations to ensure electronic products are eco-designed, repairable, and made to last.
Our main campaigning activities are:
- Raising awareness of the broader public: (social media) campaigns, educational activities, public actions, …;
- Searching and supporting solutions & alternatives;
- Collaboration & networking with other organisations that focus on mining issues, Degrowth and Circular Economy;
- Advocating for an end to planned obsolescence via our Ctrl Alt Delete campaign;
- Collaboration with grassroots organisations in Latin America, defending the rights of affected communities via our campaign on the Right to Say No to mining.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for an ESC (European Solidarity Corps) volunteer to support the CATAPA movement, and in particular the campaigns on the Right to Say No and Planned Obsolescence. The volunteer will be trained to think critically and spread knowledge of these issues and to encourage other young people to become active EU citizens. The tasks are flexible depending on your learning goals and the needs of the organisation.
You will be part of our office team (8 part-time staff + 2 ESC volunteers + variable number of interns) which supports the work of the movement. Since CATAPA is a volunteer movement, you will be working in close collaboration with motivated and enthusiastic volunteers.
Possible tasks
Campaigning and Movement
- Helping with the development and actions of the 2 central campaigns.
- Help with setting up awareness raising and training activities for a variety of target groups (training or movement days/weekends, documentary screenings, workshops, info evenings, public actions, …).
- Support volunteers and contribute with volunteer management tasks.
- Participate actively in working groups and their projects and activities.
- Help to develop and implement our central campaigns.
- Help out with organising our Speakers Tour, bringing environmental defenders from affected communities to Belgium to spread their story and build international solidarity.
- Some administrative tasks related to the daily functioning of our office with the possibility to get an insight in the management of a non-profit organisation.
- Write, revise and proofread articles, blogs, educational tools and reports.
- Possibility to develop and implement your own projects.
Communication & Social Media Campaigning
- Contribute in managing our social media channels and create input for those channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn).
- Help with the communication and promotion for events.
- Assist with the social media aspects of our central campaigns.
- Help in keeping our website updated.
- Write, review and proofread articles.
- Create low-threshold graphic design (for example for a poster, a flyer or for a social media post).
- Build and support the Communication Working group of volunteers with the help of the Movement Worker.
- Help out with organising our Speakers Tour, bringing environmental defenders from affected communities to Belgium to spread their story and build international solidarity.
- Some administrative tasks related to the daily functioning of our office with the possibility to get an insight in the management of a non-profit organisation
- Possibility to develop and implement your own projects.
Requirements
Campaigning & Movement
Essential:
- Motivated to work with volunteers
- Interest in learning about the social and environmental movement and mining issues
- Good command of English
- Independent, proactive worker
- Good communication skills
- Willing to contribute to positive change in the world we live in
- Team player with a flexible attitude
- Age below 31 years, no residence in Belgium (this is a requirement of the ESC programme)
Nice to have:
- Knowledge/experience on or interest to learn about:
- Implementation and coordination of campaigns
- Organising educational or training events
- Volunteer management
- Circular and degrowth economy, environmental movements and/or international development
- Knowledge of Dutch and/or Spanish
Communication & Social Media Campaigning
Essential:
- Interest in learning about the social and environmental movement and mining issues
- Good command of English
- Independent, proactive worker
- Motivated to work with volunteers
- Good communication skills
- Willing to contribute to positive change in the world we live in
- Team player with a flexible attitude
- Age below 31 years, no residence in Belgium (this is a requirement of the ESC programme)
Nice to have:
- Knowledge/experience on or interest to learn about:
- Communication strategies and campaigns
- Design and layouting
- Circular and degrowth economy, environmental movements and/or international development
- Volunteer management
- Managing social media and websites
- Knowledge of Dutch and/or Spanish
- Movie editing skills
- Ability to work with a camera
What do we offer?
-
- A warm welcome in our horizontally organized movement with plenty of learning opportunities and new connections
- A dynamic & motivated team of employees and volunteers
- Monthly fee: cohousing accommodation of your choice (with a max. rent contribution of €450) and a reimbursement to cover daily expenses of €550.
- A personal learning trajectory coached by one of CATAPA’s employees, one language course (Dutch, English or Spanish) and options to follow trainings to develop your personal skills.
- Work-related expenses are paid by CATAPA
Important: This call is part of the European Solidarity Corps, a European Union initiative which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer in projects abroad. This means people based in Belgium can’t apply for this vacancy. If your current residence is in one of the countries in this list, then you are able to apply.
The volunteer positions will start from the 1st of September, for a period of 12 months and 30 hours a week.
Interested or more information?
Please send your CV and motivation letter to david.huylebroeck@catapa.be before 22h00 on the 5th of June 2022. If you have any questions concerning this vacancy, don’t hesitate to contact us.
More information: www.catapa.be