Volunteer with The Sputnik
How do I get started?
Interested in volunteering in some form? There are a few ways you can get involved:
1) E-mail the Editor at eic@thesputnik.ca and let them know what you’d like to do. You can draw, write, edit, take photos, shoot video, or help with online development. From there, the Publisher will ask you to come in for a quick meeting that gives you the lowdown on what The Sputnik is about, and will give your contact information to the appropriate editor/staff member to help you get started.
2) Fill out our online application below and wait for the editor to contact you to come in for training and orientation.
Do I need experience? What skills do I need?
No experience is needed. Even if you aren’t in the Laurier journalism program, we’re the place students can come learn hard and soft skills. Not interested in journalism? That’s fine too — we offer a range of opportunities for you to do while working on whatever you want to achieve when you get into the “real” world.
What is the time commitment?
The Sputnik prints monthly. Volunteers are asked to contribute at least once every two issues, but this can vary, so communicate what works best for you with your editor. If you want to write every month or take more than one photo an issue, we’re totally cool with that, but if you find it a struggle when midterms come around, we understand.
Are there meetings?
Some editors have meetings, some don’t. Ask your respective editor how they choose to manage their section and go from there. Each aspect of The Sputnik operates differently.
How do I choose what to write about?
The Editor-in-Chief comes up with a content list each month. They will pitch these stories to volunteers for them to take on as assignments. If you have an idea and really want your editor to know, then pitch it — we welcome new ideas and are always looking for interesting content.
Are there opportunities for advancement?
Plenty! Every March we hire our new editorial board and senior staff under the newly hired Editor-in-Chief, usually around 5-10 positions. These people will be in charge the year after and are the ones responsible for making sure the paper makes it to the printers on time.
Sound like something you want to do? Fill out the form below, or e-mail eic@thesputnik.ca for more information.