Become a Volunteer
Volunteers are the most innovative and important part of our nonprofit business model. Along with deeply committed staff and board members, our volunteers' time and energy ensure that our operating costs are kept low and our fair trade products are competitively priced.
To find out more or to volunteer, please call 512-440-0440 or e-mail us.
Our store environment is Austin casual but volunteers are deeply committed to ensuring that Austin has the best fair trade store in Texas! Our staff will match your skills and preferences with work that needs to be done. Here’s what you need to know:
Orientation: is held the first Monday of every month at 7 pm in the store. This is step one to becoming a Ten Thousand Villages volunteer. You will be introduced to our mission, store operations and volunteer activities. If your schedule doesn't allow you to attend a Monday orientation let us know and our volunteer coordinator will set up a time that works for you. To register for orientation, call 512-440-0440 or e-mail us.
Time Commitment: We ask that our volunteers give us at least 8 hours per month. We are open 7 days a week, so there should be no problem coordinating with your busy schedule. You can arrange your volunteer time in whatever way works best for you. If you want to have a regular shift on the same day each week, that's fine. If your schedule changes frequently, we can work with that, too.
Type of Work: Any and everything to do with running a top-notch retail operation. Greeting customers and helping them learn about our mission, cashiering, unpacking inventory, displaying products, repairing products, and other marketing and outreach activities. We'll help find work that suits your interest.
Become a Lead Volunteer: For volunteers with extra dedication and passion, there is an opportunity to be trained on advanced store operations including opening and closing the store. Lead volunteers are trained to take on the added responsibility of running the store when the staff needs extra help.
