How to apply for Johannesburg Climate & Sustainability Group City Lead Volunteer: 4WARD.earth

About 4WARD.earth's Global Climate Network

4WARD.earth is a global climate network focused on accelerating decarbonization through collaborative climate tech innovation and networking. Unlike traditional climate organizations, it operates through city-based WhatsApp groups and in-person events, creating hyperlocal communities that connect to a global mission. Volunteering here offers a chance to be part of a grassroots movement with real impact on climate action.

About the role

As the Johannesburg City Lead Volunteer, you will be the driving force behind 4WARD.earth's local presence, managing the city's WhatsApp group, organizing regular in-person events, and converting members into active platform participants. This role is pivotal in expanding the network's reach in Johannesburg, fostering a vibrant community of climate tech enthusiasts, and championing the mission locally. Your efforts will directly contribute to building a sustainable future by mobilizing local action.

A typical day

A typical day might involve checking the WhatsApp group for new messages, welcoming new members, and sparking discussions on climate topics. You could spend time planning an upcoming event, securing a venue, and coordinating with speakers. Later, you might reach out to local climate tech professionals to invite them to join the community, all while keeping the 4WARD mission at the forefront of your interactions.

Who 4WARD.earth's Global Climate Network is looking for

• Has a proven track record of building and nurturing online and offline communities, ideally with experience in managing WhatsApp or similar group chats.
• Possesses strong event planning skills, from conception to execution, and can promote events effectively to drive attendance.
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of climate tech or sustainability, with the ability to communicate complex topics in an engaging way.
• Is highly self-motivated, agile, and committed to dedicating 3-4 hours per week to volunteer work, with a passion for 4WARD.earth's mission.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience you have with managing WhatsApp groups or other community platforms, as this is a core responsibility.
• Provide concrete examples of events you have organized, including details like attendance numbers and outcomes, to showcase your event planning skills.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the Johannesburg climate tech scene by mentioning local initiatives, startups, or key players in your application.
• Emphasize your ability to commit 3-4 hours weekly and your agility in adapting to a volunteer role that may require quick responses to community needs.
• Show your passion for 4WARD.earth's mission by referencing specific aspects of their global network or past projects that resonate with you.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your experience in building and engaging communities, particularly in Johannesburg, and how you would apply it to grow the local WhatsApp group.', "Your event planning and promotion skills, with examples of successful events you've organized and how they expanded a community.", "Your understanding of climate tech and sustainability, and why you are motivated to champion 4WARD.earth's mission in Johannesburg.", 'Your commitment to volunteering 3-4 hours per week and your agility in handling the dynamic nature of a city lead role.']

Research before applying

• Explore 4WARD.earth's website and social media to understand their mission, values, and the structure of their global climate network.
• Research existing 4WARD city groups in other cities to see how they operate and what events they have hosted, to get ideas for Johannesburg.
• Investigate the climate tech and sustainability landscape in Johannesburg, including key organizations, events, and influencers, to identify potential partners and speakers.
• Look into 4WARD.earth's platform features to understand how you would onboard and engage members.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you grow and engage the Johannesburg WhatsApp group from its current state?
• Describe a time you organized an event and how you promoted it to achieve high attendance.
• What strategies would you use to convert passive members into active participants on the 4WARD platform?
• How do you stay informed about climate tech and sustainability trends, and how would you share that knowledge with the community?
• Given the volunteer nature of the role, how would you manage your time to consistently dedicate 3-4 hours per week?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being vague about your availability or commitment; the role requires a consistent 3-4 hours per week, so avoid implying you might not meet that.
• Focusing only on your passion for climate without demonstrating concrete community-building or event planning skills.
• Ignoring the local context; not showing awareness of Johannesburg's specific climate challenges and opportunities can make you seem out of touch.