Hostelling International USA – Los Angeles

EVENT SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TRAVEL-RELATED ACTIVITIES 

HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel is seeking Event Support Volunteers for travel-related activities at our Downtown Santa Monica hostel. 

Hostelling International USA (HI USA) is a non-profit hostel network with a mission to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling. Programming is a key part of our mission. We host events and activities on a daily basis to help guests meet fellow travelers and explore LA like a local. 

Earn free stays at HI USA hostels across the country, from New York City to San Francisco, while making real connections with people from all walks of life and (nearly) every continent. 

In-hostel events help to create a social atmosphere, bringing shy backpackers out of their shells to form connections with travelers and locals alike. 

Activities include: 

• Coffee and Breakfast Mixers 

• Evening Welcome Mixers 

• Game Nights 

• Movie Nights

VOLUNTEER LEADERS will own the planning and execution of events and activities, following onboarding and training with the Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator (VEC). 

• Are you a creative thinker seeking leadership and event planning experience? An educational professional with a knack for seamlessly presenting important information in a fun, engaging way? This role is right for you. 

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANTS will support Event Leaders (staff or volunteers) in the execution of events and activities. Onboarding and training will also be provided, but Assistants will not be expected to plan events or attend events without supervision. 

• Not sure you can commit to leading your own event? Try assisting at one of our many weekly events. This is perfect for volunteers with busy schedules. Floaters welcome!

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: 

This role will impact HI USA by providing our clientele of international backpackers with memorable experiences and more chances to connect with other people. If you have never stayed at a hostel before, they are havens for solo travelers who want to see the world past the tourist traps. They want to live like a local and travel sustainably and on a budget. Traveling alone can be tough, but with the right people — like you — it can make for the best travel experience of someone’s life. 

This role will also impact Santa Monica and Los Angeles by helping new people love our communities the way we do. Share what it feels like to live in a city this sprawling and diverse, and encourage people to look past the Walk of Fame and the Santa Monica Pier to the local businesses in Pico and Ocean Park or the independent art scene that is embedded into Southern California at large.

We will need volunteers to lead and assist with events and activities for international travelers at our hostel.