COVID19 Update: Yes, we are still open & shipping online orders! Every purchase directly supports indigenous women during this challenging time.

Volunteer

 
    Working with the Trama weavers is a rewarding experience.

    We offer many volunteer opportunities at Trama. 

    trama textiles volunteersvolunteers trama textiles

    You do not have to be in Guatemala to volunteer! Most of our volunteers are virtual, however if you would like to immerse yourself into the culture whilst volunteering, being here in person is an incredible opportunity.  We offer volunteer opportunities to people with skills in:
    • Business development
    • Sales management
    • Communications, marketing or PR
    • Social media 
    • Graphic design
    • Textile design and production 
    • Video production
    • Web development, SEO or e-commerce
    • International development, grants writing or non-profit

    As our volunteer team is small, it’s important that those involved have a good working knowledge in the area they want to help in, are self-motivated, and are able to identify, carry out and complete projects that will be of long-term benefit the organisation.

     

      Unfortunately, we do not offer internships or training for volunteers with no professional skills.

      For our on site volunteer positions, we ask:

      • a weekly commitment of at least 20 hours per week
      • an interest in textiles, women’s issues, Latin America and/or international development
      • at least basic Spanish

      Here are some sections of an interview with Clemmie an in-person volunteer from France: What have you learned during your time with us?
      I’ve learned about the running of a small NGO, how to run a shop, as well as the rich history and art of back loom weaving.

      What does female empowerment mean to you?
      Female empowerment isn’t easy to measure or quantify, but in general terms I would say that gaining (at least some) education and financial independence are the key foundation stones. At the top of the pyramid of empowerment, I would place total gender equality. What I find interesting is how every single woman in
      the world is concerned, whether you come from a Guatemalan rural community or a global north metropolis'

      We also already have a thriving community of virtual volunteers, and are always looking to broaden this community. For our virtual volunteer positions, we ask:

      • a weekly commitment of 10 hours per week
      • an interest in textiles, women’s issues, Latin America and/or international development 

      'its surprising to think that I had never thought about online volunteering, let alone 10000km of distance. Now I wonder why I did not start before. By getting to know from the inside how such an important corporative works, feeling part of it and contributing to its goals with my creativity, shortens distances and creates precious bonds. I am finding this a way to challenge myself and experience, in a small yet significant dimension, the meaning of international corporation. Few hours a week are making me feel connected to such a meaningful project and meet people from everywhere. I would suggest it to anyone, at any age, from any part of the world' - Alessandra, virtual volunteer from Italy 

      If you don’t see your area of expertise on the list, but have skills that you think would be useful, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email at coordinator@tramatextiles.org with a resume, a Volunteer application form and a brief summary of how you want to help.

      FAQ’s

      Get answers to frequently asked questions here.