Volunteering at the Democracy Center
The Democracy Center offers opportunities to people worldwide to be part of its efforts to build citizen democracy.
This includes opportunities via the internet to assist with research and getting information out to the public. We also accept, on a limited basis, volunteers and interns to help us directly in our office in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Apply Here
The Center has two kinds of volunteers:
- Distance Volunteers: Help with The Center's work from wherever you live, via the internet doing translation, research, and reviewing and summarizing of articles and papers (minimum 3-month commitment).
- Volunteers in Bolivia: Join us in our office in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Volunteers make a six-month commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What do Democracy Center volunteers work on?
Translation, Research, and Writing:
The core of The Democracy Center's work is investigation and reporting. We have a strong commitment to informing audiences abroad and in Bolivia about various topics of mutual interest: the impacts of global institutions and U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, insights on policy and politics in the U.S. and Bolivia, and the realities of life in a poor country.
Volunteers contribute to these efforts. They research: reviewing documents, conducting interviews, and analyzing information. They write: developing articles and papers for dissemination through our website and other sources. They translate: requiring both fluency in English and Spanish and strong writing skills.
Here are some examples of written work and translations by Center staff and volunteers:
Campaign Work: Volunteers with experience and interest in campaigning can participate in planning and organizing The Center's international citizen action campaigns. See resources and information on our successful campaign against Bechtel.
Education and Training: Volunteers work to develop educations materials based on the Center's writing and research and use them in popular education, advocacy trainings, and organizing skills workshops. Click here to see the Center's advocacy resources.
2) Is there a stipend?
We are able to provide a small stipend for volunteers in Bolivia who make a commitment of six months or more. We also encourage volunteers to seek funding from outside sources if needed.
3) How much will it cost?
A round-trip flight from Miami to Bolivia can range from $700-$950 round trip. A home-stay with a Bolivian family or a private room with shared facilities ranges from $80-$200 per month. Transportation and other basic living costs are relatively inexpensive.
4) I'm only going to be in Bolivia for two months. Can I volunteer?
No, but there are many other organizations in Bolivia that set up short-term volunteer opportunities. See below for a list. (If you do decide to come to Cochabamba, feel free to contact us to arrange a visit.)
Volunteer Bolivia
Volunteer placement, Spanish classes, and home-stays.
Foundation for Sustainable Development
Volunteer placement, Spanish classes, and home-stays.
Sustainable Bolivia
Ecotourism, Volunteer Placement, home-stay opportunities, and Spanish classes
Red Tinku
An association of local activists. Short-term volunteer work in ecology and environment, in base communities, and in Red Tinku's weekly cinema and debate club.
School for International Training
Study abroad program for university credit
Maryknoll Language Institute
Intensive Spanish classes for social justice activists
5) Do I really need to understand Spanish to be a volunteer in Bolivia?
Yes. We conduct our meetings in Spanish, and you need to be able to communicate comfortably with Bolivian staff members to work effectively with us.
Current Volunteer Openings and Requirements
All volunteers are expected to demonstrate a commitment to social justice with three years of university education recommended, though this requirement could be waived in lieu of experience and skills in one or more areas of the Center's work.
Those interested in volunteering here in Cochabamba must commit to a minimum of six months of service. Besides the basic requirements above, we expect applicants for the Bolivia program to have prior experience in Latin America, be conversant in Spanish, and have proven skills in writing, research, and either education or campaigning. We seek self-motivated, independent workers who are excited to coordinate on our current projects.
The next volunteer opening will begin in early 2009. We are currently accepting applications. Distance Volunteers are accepted at any time.
We receive many more applications for volunteers in Bolivia than we can accept. Only 1-2 new volunteers are selected every six months so the process is highly competitive.
Volunteer in Bolivia
The Democracy Center is looking for someone with writing and advocacy experience to join the staff for six months on a variety of projects. We will be publishing articles and briefing papers on issues of topical interest in Bolivia and internationally. We will also be working on a global justice campaign focused on U.S. policy in Latin America.
The volunteer would assist the staff on the planning and implementation of the campaign and writing projects.
Required Experience/Abilities:
1. Demonstrated writing experience.
2. Social justice or campaign experience.
3. Ability to work independently and be flexible.
4. Experience with translation or video production and editing a plus.
Distance Volunteers
Want to help the Democracy Center from your own home? Here's a list of our current needs:
- English/Spanish translators fluent in Spanish and English to translate documents and pages on our website.
- Researchers and readers to provide investigation for new project areas and to review and summarize articles or papers.
Profiles of Our Volunteers in Bolivia
"Working at the Democracy Center has given me the unique opportunity to learn about advocacy in both a US and Bolivian context. I have also been able to learn about a wide range of issues facing Bolivians today. Because of the small staff, everyone is involved in all of the Center’s projects. As a result, I have gained experience in research and investigation, writing, and publication. As importantly, the work is done in a supportive environment, which allows everyone to pursue their own interests in accordance with the goals and mission of the Democracy Center."
–Elliot Williams, Current Volunteer
"I went about volunteering at the Democracy Center the old fashioned way. I sent in my resume from abroad, waited two months to hear back and was subjected to a phone interview, facing a series of rigorous questions. In the end, somehow, I was invited to spend six months as a volunteer for the Democracy Center . My main duties consist of creating and editing the Democracy Center 's new magazine, j'allalla. I also contribute to the blog, sit through meetings and make a mean cup of coffee."
–Caitlin Esch, Lake George, New York, Former Volunteer
"At the Democracy Center, I work as the Media Coordinator and Journalism Associate which entails web and new media development, research, editing, placement of articles produced by the Democracy Center, and helping facilitate writing workshops. On the side, I pursue independent journalism projects.'
–Alexander Provan, Providence, Rhode Island, Former Volunteer
See this article in the Seattle Times for a profile of two Democracy Center research volunteers from Seattle.
How to Apply
To apply for the in-country volunteer position, fill out an application here and send an email to < volunteer@democracyctr.org > with a 1-2 page letter expressing why you think you would be suitable for the volunteer position, and why The Democracy Center would be a good fit for you.
Requests from candidates for a resume, writing sample, and references will be made as we receive applications (do not send them unless we ask). Interviews will be held and decisions on new volunteers will be made in early October.
Distance volunteers can email a note to volunteer@democracyctr.org expressing why they wish to volunteer, in what capacity they can help out, and how many hours a week and for what length of time they are available.
We look forward to hearing from you!