Community Development & Permaculture Volunteers Mexico
Description
We are a Regenerative Resort located on the southern Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Guerrero. We are much more than just a hotel. Our team specializes in conscious tourism as well as both environmental and social impact, to include watershed regeneration, mangrove reforestation, permaculture design, holistic animal husbandry, progressive educational models, sustainable fishery, and sea turtle community conservation.
We collaborate with motivated professionals and skillful interns/volunteers who live in Juluchuca, the nearest community to the resort, 1 hour from Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa. Things move slowly here and a lot of time is spent building relationships through both work and play; so, we look for people who are proactive and social, and who enjoy community engagement. Depending on the position, volunteers have the opportunity to develop skills in different areas:
Conservation & Social Environment Impact (SEI)
Get into our community conservation program “La Tortuga Viva” and the programs for regenerating the micro watershed “Regenerando Sierra y Mar - ReSiMar”. This double role envisions working with local volunteers assisting with daily conservation and ecotourism while also developing social projects on sustainable fisheries, recycling, and water and mangrove restoration.
Permaculture
Support Playa Viva Permaculture Farm, understand and implement agroforestry techniques on deforested hillsides, permaculture landscape design principles, “farm to fork” projects with the Chef and Playa Viva kitchen, food transformation, as well as business development through a hyper-local CSA model, and sales at the weekly eco-market.
Social Communication and Fundraising
Assist with the design of our communication strategy, management and creation of content for our social media, blog, website and other channels. Work on fundraising initiatives, research opportunities and alliances for the turtle sanctuary and community projects. This is a volunteer opportunity with the potential to turn into a paid position.
Tailored Community Project
For experienced professionals who, depending on background and expertise and on the needs of the community, will work on specific projects. It includes organizing and leading the annual spay and neuter campaign, courses on specialized skills, language, sports, art, music, wellness, etc. If you are interested in this, or have any other ideas, we are always open to suggestions.
Schedule
A full-time commitment of 35 hours per week is required. Weekly schedules are created together with the supervisors and change according to the position/project assigned.
Benefits - What do we offer?
- Accommodation in shared housing (3 bedrooms, kitchen,1 bath with a big terrace and garden) located in the nearest village of Juluchuca. The house has only basic amenities (running water, internet, and electricity but this can go out sometimes).
- Two meals per day (breakfast and lunch) are provided during working days (six days per week). You will have one day off and that day you are responsible for your own meals.
- Academic recognition for internships and placements. All fields of study are welcome, biology, environmental engineering, agriculture, sociology, tourism, communication, education and marketing are preferred.
- Fieldwork and professional experience. Volunteers receive unforgettable field experience, working on projects with the local community and with international organizations.
- Cultural Exposure. Living in the vibrant culture of a coastal-rural setting in Mexico. For those coming from Western-based countries or busy urban areas, it will be a cultural reset. Reference upon the successful completion of the period of service.
Please note all positions are unpaid and we do not charge any fee for your program. We do not provide insurance, transportation to and from Mexico, or cover any other expenses. Volunteers are welcome to fundraise for their position. Cost of living outside the position's benefits runs US$100-200 per month.
Details
Organisation:
Playa Viva Regenerative Resort
Location:
Juluchuca, Guerrero (about 45 min south of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa) on the southern Pacific Coast
Qualifications/Skills:
Individuals best suited to the volunteer program are proactive self-starters and comfortable working independently and in a slow-paced environment. What's most important as a volunteer is that you have at least a working level of Spanish and come in with an open mind and to share and learn in meaningful ways. We value individuals who like being part of a team and who are considerate and compassionate. Minimum Requirements: Long commitment (minimum 5+ months). We ask that you make a commitment to the local way of life, getting to know our community, and helping us to identify areas where we can make an impact together. Fluency in English and Spanish. At least a B2 (high-intermediate) level of Spanish is required since very few staff members at the resort or among local teams speak English, and even fewer in the community. Full COVID vaccination. Willingness to volunteer in a remote location and follow the program´s rules. Be proactive and have the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Professional qualifications or relevant experience is preferred, but it is not an essential requirement. Strong interpersonal skills. Communication, presentation and negotiation skills are essential. Community engagement projects are based on communication and the ability to work with one another.
Dates of program:
Year round
Duration of program:
5 months minimum
Age requirement:
Adults of both sexes 18+
Cost:
Free accommodation in a shared volunteer house and food six days a week. You will have one day off per week and that day we do not provide food. We can host a maximum of 5 volunteers at a time so you will either have a private room or a shared bedroom with one other person. The volunteer house has wifi. Volunteers are also welcome to use the wifi at the hotel during breaks and off hours. There is no cell phone coverage.
Other information:
As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to share the diversity of your home culture while also learning from the diversity of Juluchucans. Additionally, you will also learn about the diversity of your fellow volunteers and exploring how best to respect differences while serving as supportive allies as you go through this new experience together. The benefits of this cultural exchange include improving language and other new skills, making new and lasting friendships, becoming acquainted with another country, its people, and its culture, and making a contribution to Mexico’s economic development. While Juluchuca is a small town, you will be 15 minutes by bus from the nearby city of Petatlan and 1 hour from the city of Zihuatanejo.
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