Hostel Adventures: Speakers Bureau

Are you a passionate and seasoned traveler who wants to help to provide first-time travelers with the travel skills necessary for fun, safe, and rewarding trips?

The Speakers Bureau is a body of seasoned travelers in Northern California brought together by their passion for intercultural exploration and their commitment to sharing their experience and advice with those new to budget travel.

The Speakers Bureau is currently accepting applications for new members who are knowledgeable about budget travel to present travel education workshops for adult groups, students, or seniors. Volunteers should have previous travel experience using hostels, and should enjoy public speaking.

Speakers Bureau Member
Hostel Adventures: Travel Education

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Become familiar with standard workshop format and content, including the history and mission of Hostelling International, intercultural communication components, and budget travel tips.
• Deliver Travel Education workshops, enriching standard workshop content by incorporating firsthand travel knowledge and experiences.
• Assist with workshop marketing, publicity, and community outreach.
• Assist in identifying new audiences and venues for travel workshops.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Public speaking and presentation skills, or a strong desire to learn and a comfort with public speaking.
• Recent international budget travel experience including (ideally) one trip of at least two weeks.
• Familiarity with hostels and hostelling.
• MUST embrace travel "the HI Way."
• Enthusiasm for responsible travel (i.e., intercultural appreciation, awareness, and respect).
• Ability to present to a variety of audiences in a variety of settings.

REQUIRED TRAINING/PREPARATION

• Thorough review of the World Travel 101 Tool Kit.
• Participation in a presenter training session, if appropriate.
• Observation of workshop sessions with council staff or volunteers.
• Practice session(s) delivering Travel Education content.

Reports to: Educational Programs Manager
Location: HI-USA Golden Gate Council hostels and other locations in Northern California

TIME COMMITMENT
At least three 2-hour workshops per year, plus pre-workshop prep time.

BENEFITS

• Complimentary HI-USA membership after delivery of two workshops.
• Reimbursement of travel expenses related to position.
• Free admission at council special events.
• Public speaking experience; professional development.

TO APPLY
Please complete and return the Volunteer Application (PDF).