Summer Volunteer Program – OPEN NOW
Volunteers are incredibly important to the Martlet, and make a lot of what we do possible. If you are looking to get involved with us, you’ve come to the right place! Volunteering for the Martlet is a great way to build hands-on skills in writing, editing, photography, art, and social media. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded individuals and even make a cool group of friends!
In the last 76 years, the Martlet has become a launchpad for careers in media. Martleteers have gone on to write for the New York Times, CBC, Capital Daily, the Globe and Mail, and the Tyee.
We are now recruiting for our SUMMER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM! Our workshops will take you through some journalism basics. From there, you’ll be able to pitch and write your own stories. You will be mentored by members of the Martlet’s staff — they will guide you through your interviewing, factchecking, and everything else in between.
As a volunteer, you’ll also gain access to:
- in-person and virtual workshops, both from Martlet staff and members of the broader community
- journalism resources that you can save and refer to whenever
- team bonding social events
- our Martlet discord
Volume 75 Martlet staff, April 2023.
There is no set time commitment and you can volunteer remotely or in-person. With our program, you choose your own adventure. You can be involved as much or as little as you would like to be. We do recommend, however, that volunteers strive to write three articles during the semester. Although that may seem like a daunting task, our workshop series will guide you through every step.
Volunteers must contribute three times each semester to the Martlet to be considered volunteer staff. If you are interested in working towards three contributions as a goal, we can help you make that a reality!
You do not have to be a UVic student to volunteer, just a member of the UVic community.
To apply for the program, e-mail Ashlee at edit@martlet.ca expressing your interest in the program and telling us a little bit about why you want to be involved with the Martlet. You’ll hear from us in 1-2 weeks!
Contribute to the Martlet
Want to write for us? We’re here to help you get started. If you have a story idea of your own, you can use our handy form to pitch your idea. If you’re in need of a little inspiration, you can sign up for our pitch list. Our Editor-in-Chief sends stories out regularly for volunteers to pick up.
Once submitted, your story will undergo approximately two rounds of edits (sometimes more, but not often). Our editors use Google Docs to collaborate with our writers. If you’d prefer a more hands-on approach, you can arrange to meet with the Editor-in-Chief at anytime during the process to get feedback on your writing.
Before you start crafting an article, read the Martlet volunteer handbook.
Photography and Design
Want to snap shots of your favourite performers, political big-wigs, protests, or sports teams? Have an eye for design and a knack for drawing?
Photographers — we can provide some gorgeous equipment (Canon T3i, tripods, lights, microphone, Creative Suite software, and more for you to use). Volunteer to snap some photos for the Martlet and all this could be yours. We will even give some hands-on instruction to those who are a little camera shy. Just remember to follow our Image Submission Guidelines in order to get the best shots, from real life to print.
To get involved, send an email to our Editor-in-Chief.
If you’re more design-inclined and want to submit drawings, contact our Design Director.
Martlet staff and volunteers, Spring 2018.
Help out!
We have plenty of other things that need creative and enthusiastic minds. If you want to get involved but aren’t sure where to start, you can always set up a meeting with our Editor-in-Chief.
Our website and social media need sharp minds, too. We can always use an extra TikTok creator or Instagram wiz! If you are interested in helping clear our digital cobwebs or improve our office efficiency, email the Editor-in-Chief.
Workshops
The Martlet hosts workshops throughout the year on everything from shooting photos and video to copy editing, as well as super cool question and answer sessions with notable Martlet alumni and members of the journalism community in Victoria and beyond. If you follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, or sign up for our pitch list, you’ll hear all about them.
