VOLUNTEER

Are you looking for a mind-stretching, life-changing experience?  

Do you have a passion for social justice and to help vulnerable youth in need?  

Are you ready for cross-cultural immersion in the unique culture of Thailand?  

If your answer is yes to all of the above, then please read on!  

The DEPDC/GMS International Department recruits talented, motivated International Volunteers and Interns who want to gain experience in anti-human trafficking work and to have a direct impact on the lives of at-risk children in Northern Thailand and beyond. 

The Development and Education Program for Daughters and Communities in the Greater Mekong Sub-region is a non-profit, community-based Non-Governmental Organization located in northern Thailand. DEPDC/GMS works to prevent and protect vulnerable ethnic minority youth from labor exploitation, particularly trafficking into the commercial sex industry. The DEPDC/GMS umbrella consists of three independent program sites within Chiang Rai Province. While each site varies by projects and goals, DEPDC/GMS overall aims to provide:

• Education
• Vocational and life skills training
• Shelter and protection
• Family and community outreach services
• Youth leadership development
• Food security through sustainable agriculture.

Currently running projects:

• Shan Youth Safety Training to End Risk Migration
• Chiang Kong Safe Shelter
• Half Day School
• Community Learning Centre

In order to provide the organization with steady volunteer support, which is critical to the smooth functioning of all projects, our International Department accepts applications on a rolling basis.  We tend to recruit up to 12 months in advance of the prospective start date of volunteer commitment, but we will consider applications within a shorter time frame.

Details:

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Volunteer/Intern – Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Duration: 6 months minimum, plus 30-40 hours (3-4 weeks) of Thai language courses in country or online beforehand. We prefer a commitment of 6 months or more, although we occasionally accept short-term volunteers with an exceptional and specific skill sets. We also accept students looking to do internships as a part of their University/College requirements (please email depdc.gms@gmail.com for further information). Each volunteer’s role is different and depends on her/his skills and interests. Volunteers are supervised by the International Volunteer Coordinator. Additionally, we welcome large groups who are interested in running short term projects, such as painting and manual labor.

Responsibilities

Volunteers based at the DEPDC Coordination Center in Mae Sai work 40 hours/week on a flexible schedule and can take on a variety of roles and responsibilities, including:

• Teach English at Half Day School, Community Learning Center, and to DEPDC staff
• Facilitate extracurricular activities with Half Day School children
• Write for the DEPDC blog and newsletter
• Produce and coordinating social media and communication (outreach strategies)
• Write grant proposals and reports
• Assist with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Online fundraising and marketing
• Receive visitors and give tours and presentations on human trafficking and DEPDC’s work
• Assist the International Volunteer Coordinator
• Attend events and meetings
• Photography and videography
• Help in other areas based on skill set (construction, information technology, web consulting, agriculture, animal husbandry, fitness and physical wellness, graphic design,translation)

We are always open to new ideas and projects that utilize volunteers’ unique strengths and creativity! This position is ideal for someone with long-term goals or interests related to alternative education, nonprofit administration, communications and media, child protection, or human trafficking prevention.

DEPDC does not provide any salary or living stipend to volunteers, nor do we charge any fees to volunteer with us. Volunteers must be able to fund their flight, visa, housing, transportation, living costs, Thai language courses, etc. Previous volunteers have financed their stay with private fundraising and grants.

Qualifications

• Command of English language (Preferably with TEFL certificate)
• Beginner level Thai-advanced speaker desired (or willingness to acquire during volunteer stay)
• Excellent communication skills with staff and other volunteers
• Happy, positive attitude, compassion and patience is necessary as one will be working with or around children
• Hardworking, flexible and organised
• Education or experience involving international relations/development, women’s rights, community studies, social justice activism, public policy, human rights, human trafficking, migration and ethnic minority groups is preferred.

Ideal position for:

• Research Students
• Students on gap year
• Individuals wishing to learn to work independently
• Individuals looking to work with grassroots projects
• Individuals looking to implement research methods of prevention education

We accept only individual applications for long-term volunteer positions. Groups and couples are welcome to volunteer during the same period of time, but all applications must be submitted individually.

How to apply:

Check out our comprehensive Volunteer Manual for more information about working with our organization and living in Mae Sai. Complete our International Volunteer Application and email it, along with a current CV and a recent passport photo scan, to the International Department at depdc.gms@gmail.com. The International Volunteer in charge of recruitment will contact the applicant by email with further information once all required documents have been received.

Time frame: year-round

Location: DEPDC/GMS Coordination Center