Volunteer Virtually
(or from the trail itself)
Looking for a meaningful way to contribute to the TCT, but can’t make it (back) over to the Caucasus? Virtual volunteering is a wonderful way to put your skills to use while supporting our shared mission. Whether you’re a storyteller, researcher, tech enthusiast, or fundraiser, have hiked the TCT, or are still planning your adventure, there’s a way for you to make a real impact.
Haven’t been out on the TCT yet? No problem! Most of our volunteer opportunities don’t require you to have hiked or volunteered on the TCT.
We’ve listed several ways to get involved below, but if you have a skill or interest that is not listed, don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]! Enthusiasm for this project is the most important volunteer requirement, so if you want to contribute, we’d love to work with you!
General Volunteering (No TCT Hiking Experience Needed)
Most of our opportunities fall into this category, so if you’re still dreaming of seeing the TCT in person, these opportunities are for you! If you’ve already been out on the trail, we could still use your help in these areas, as well.
- Explore Local Flora and Fauna: Contribute to our knowledge base about the environment surrounding the trail by conducting research about the local flora and fauna along various sections of the TCT.
- Document Local Folklore: Help us uncover the stories and legends tied to the area by conducting research from the comfort of your couch.
- Highlight Cultural Heritage Sites: Research significant locations to showcase their importance.
- Research Potential Donors: Identify opportunities for support.
- Create Fundraising Campaigns: Collaborate on ideas to engage donors.
- Assist with Grant Writing: Help us craft compelling applications.
- Host Virtual Fundraising Events: Plan and execute creative ways to inspire giving.
- Virtual Mapping Projects: Contribute to mapping initiatives for our trails.
- Data Management: Organize resources like CalTopo photos for better usability.
- Website Revamp: Help refresh and modernize our site.
- UI/UX Design: Improve the user experience for site visitors.
- Data Migration: Assist in transferring critical data to new platforms.
Volunteer While You’re Hiking the TCT
- Develop Visual Media: Produce videos and capture photos that tell the TCT story. We are always in need of high-quality photographs, so if you have a particular interest in this, please get in touch so we can collaborate!
- Document Local Flora and Fauna: Contribute to our knowledge base about the environment surrounding the trail by taking high-quality photographs of the the local flora and fauna along various sections of the TCT, and mapping where you found them.
- Document Local Folklore: Help us uncover the stories and legends tied to the area by talking to locals. *Especially for hikers who speak the local language.
- Highlight Cultural Heritage Sites: Photograph significant cultural locations to showcase their importance.
- Test New Sections of the TCT: If you’re really in the mood for an adventure, hike brand-new sections of the TCT. Write detailed notes about your experience, noting possible water sources, accommodations, and camp sites to help us determine the viability of the route.
- Improve TCT Trail Data: Plot GPX points of campsites, water sources, historical attractions, hazards, and more, so we can share the most up-to-date information available to hikers. If you’re hiking a particular section of the TCT, please reach out so we learn what information we’re particularly looking for.
Volunteer After You’ve Experienced the TCT
- Write Blog Posts: Write a guest post for the TCT blog, share links to your blogs, or contribute other media.
- Create Articles: Focus on topics like hiker stories, volunteer experiences, cultural insights, or thru-hiker adventures. Want to write about something, but can’t decide what? Contact us for more ideas!
No matter your skills or availability, your contributions can make a huge difference in spreading awareness of the trail and helping us collect important data about trail use. Send us an email at [email protected] if your skills and interests match our needs! We can’t wait to work with you.