What We’re Looking For:

We’re especially seeking individuals with skills in:

• Fundraising
• Event planning
• Communications

Spanish language ability is a strong asset, but not required.

We welcome candidates who bring:

• A deep commitment to social justice and international solidarity
• Experience in finance, human resources, or nonprofit governance
• A passion for working with diverse communities
• Prior board or leadership experience (an asset, but not required)

Board Commitment:

• Five board meetings per year (Wednesdays, 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET)
• Participation in one committee that meets monthly
• Approx. 1–2 hours per week
• 3-year term, with option to renew

You’ll join a dedicated group of 9–12 volunteers and one part-time staff member, working together to create lasting, positive change.

Apply by May 12, 2025
Send your letter of interest and resume to: info@heart-links.org

Be part of something meaningful. Help us grow our impact and build lasting solidarity between communities in Canada and Peru.

Heart-Links Lazos de Corazón is looking for up to three dedicated volunteers to join our Board of Directors.

Who We’re Looking For:

We are especially seeking individuals with fundraising, events and communications expertise to help expand our reach and impact. Spanish language skills are highly desirable but not necessary.

We welcome candidates who bring:

• A commitment to social justice and international development
• Experience in fundraising, communications, finance, special events, governance, or human resources
• Board or leadership experience (helpful but not required)
• A passion for working with diverse communities

Time Commitment:

• 5 Board meetings per year (typically Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. ET)
• Participation in at least one committee, meeting monthly
• Average commitment: 1–2 hours per week
• 3-year term, renewable

Board Overview:

• 9–12 community members
• One part-time staff (4 days a week)
• Governed by the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act

How to Apply

If you’re interested in joining our Board, please send a letter of interest and resume to info@heart-links.org by March 30, 2025.

Help us strengthen Canada-Peru solidarity and make a meaningful difference.

In July 2025, we are inviting a small group of Canadians to Zaña, Chiclayo, and Cajamarca, where they will spend time with our local partners, learn about community-driven projects, and experience firsthand the power of solidarity.

More Than Just a Trip

This is not your typical travel experience. It’s an opportunity to engage with communities that are driving their own solutions to local challenges. Participants will visit education, gender equality, sustainability, and health initiatives—projects designed and led by the people who know their communities best.

You’ll meet leaders working to improve food security, literacy, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability. You’ll learn how local organizations are strengthening their communities through grassroots efforts and how you can be part of this shared journey.

A Unique Learning Experience

Beyond witnessing the impact of these projects, you’ll exchange knowledge and perspectives with local partners, reflecting on social justice issues in a global context. Through conversations, shared meals, and cultural experiences, you’ll build meaningful relationships that go beyond borders.

Melissa Page Nichols, a Heart-Links volunteer, traveled to Peru in 2023 and saw the impact of this work firsthand.

“Each of these organizations and projects was truly remarkable to witness, and the scope of their impact is powerful for their communities. The community partners are quite autonomous in driving the projects they engage in because they are the ‘experts’ of their experience and of the needs within their unique communities.”

This trip is a chance to listen, learn, and walk alongside our partners in true solidarity.

Why Join?

✔️ Experience Peru through the lens of community and social change
✔️ Learn about grassroots initiatives and sustainable development
✔️ Engage with like-minded individuals passionate about making a difference
✔️ Deepen your understanding of solidarity and global interconnectedness

Trip Details

When? 15 days in July 2025
Where? Zaña, Chiclayo, and Cajamarca, Peru
Apply by: January 31, 2025
Who can join? Anyone 18+ interested in social justice and cultural exchange
Preparation? Three pre-trip gatherings (March–May) to help participants prepare

How to Apply

Interested? Email info@heart-links.org to learn more or ask questions.
Apply Now! Submit your application by January 31, 2025 to secure your spot.

This journey is about more than travel—it’s about connection, learning, and contributing to a more just world. We hope you’ll join us!

Imagine this: You arrive in the lush Andes mountains of Cajamarca. The air is crisp, the landscape breathtaking, and the warmth of our partner-hosts envelops you. They welcome you into their lives, sharing the challenges and triumphs of their community and projects. For five days, you work side by side, learning about Indigenous culture and how local development programs are addressing social and environmental challenges. You leave Cajamarca not as a stranger but as part of something bigger.

Then, it’s off to the bustling city of Chiclayo. The colorful markets, lively streets, and warm hospitality will captivate you. Here, you’ll meet changemakers whose progressive projects are shaping the city’s future. You’ll witness their resilience, exchange stories, and gain new perspectives on urban challenges in Peru.

Finally, in Zaña, you’ll feel time slow down. This small town, with its rich history and serene valley, has been the heart of Heart-Links’ partnerships for over 20 years. Staying at a solidarity hostel, you’ll share meals and laughter with community members and contribute to projects that are deeply rooted in trust and collaboration.

This journey isn’t about sightseeing—it’s about seeing the world differently. It’s about understanding the interconnectedness of our lives and building relationships that transcend borders. Through dancing, shared meals, and heartfelt conversations, you’ll find yourself growing alongside the people you meet.

Who Should Join?
This experience is for anyone ready to explore their own capacity for creating change. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, curious about new cultures, or seeking to connect with like-minded individuals, this trip will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.

Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Insight into Peru’s social and environmental challenges.
• A deeper understanding of community-led development.
• Opportunities to reflect and exchange ideas with inspiring people.
• Memories of dancing, laughter, and shared hope.

Trip Details

• Dates: 15 days in July 2025.
• Cost: To be announced.
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2025.
• Preparation: Attend three pre-trip gatherings in March, April, and May. Basic Spanish is recommended but not required.

Eligibility
If you’re over 18, in good health, and sensitive to social justice issues, we’d love to hear from you. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply
Email us at info@heart-links.org with your questions or fill out our application form. Applications are due by February 2025.

Take the First Step
This is more than a trip—it’s a chance to connect with your values, make lifelong friendships, and become part of a global movement of changemakers. Ready to explore what’s possible? Let us show you a Peru that will change your life.

Join us on this journey. Apply today!

Why Join the Engagement Committee?
This is your chance to be part of something truly special. Our committee will focus on:

• Event Planning: Collaborating to reimagine and organize Share the Love, a vibrant celebration that brings our community together in support of our Peruvian partners.
• Creative Donor Engagement: Developing innovative ways to connect with donors and share their meaningful contributions.
• Telling Stories of Impact: Showcasing the triumphs and challenges of our friends in Peru, amplifying their voices, and inspiring solidarity.

What is Share the Love?
Our annual Share the Love event has been a heartwarming celebration of culture, solidarity, and community. It’s a chance for us to connect with our supporters and share updates from our partners in Peru while enjoying music, art, and stories that bring their work to life.

This year, we’re excited to build on that tradition with your help. Whether it’s brainstorming new ways to engage participants, enhancing our storytelling, or finding innovative approaches to highlight the incredible work being done in Peru, your input will be invaluable.

What’s in it for You?
By joining our Engagement Committee, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Make a tangible difference in the lives of those we support.
• Collaborate with a passionate, like-minded team.
• Develop your skills in event planning, marketing, and donor engagement.
• Gain a deeper connection to the inspiring work of our Peruvian partners.

Who Are We Looking For?
If you’re creative, community-minded, and eager to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you have experience in event planning, marketing, storytelling, or simply have a passion for our mission, your voice will make a difference.

How to Get Involved
Joining the Engagement Committee is easy. Reach out to us at info@heart-links.org to express your interest. Together, we can Share the Love and continue building a world of solidarity and connection.

Let’s make this year’s event our most inspiring yet! Deadline to express interest is December 1st 2024.

The ideal candidate possesses the following skills and experience:

• strong communication in Spanish and English
• small office management
• website maintenance and optimization
• content development
• non-profit financial controls, CRA and Corporations Canada compliance
• fundraising, especially experience with major gifts and planned giving
• best practices in international cooperation and sustainable development

As Heart-Links’ only staffperson, the Executive Director must be a self-starter and enjoy working independently. The role requires some irregular hours for meetings with the volunteer board, presentations and events.

This position offers flexibility; ample opportunity for learning, professional development and creativity; a negotiable benefits package; and the opportunity to work with a community of change-makers in Peru and Canada to help create a more just world. 

Position Summary

The Executive Director, with support from a volunteer Board of Directors, is responsible for implementing Heart-Links’ strategic priorities to advance the organization’s vision and successfully meet our mission. The scope of responsibilities covers overseeing daily operations and facilitating correspondence with our partners in northern Peru as well as playing a leading role in the organization’s financial management, fund development, donor relations, external and internal communications, and volunteer management.

The Executive Director may be asked to travel to Peru on monitoring or solidarity trips. Responsibilities on these trips include development of itinerary and budget, coordination with local partners, managing trip finances, logistics, translation, monitoring and reporting. Solidarity trips can occur annually. Monitoring trips are every two years.

Scope

Fundraising & Donor Relations

Duties: Implement strategies for effective donor relations, recruitment and retention. Help develop and implement a plan to increase revenue, with a focus on major and planned gifts. Research and identify funding opportunities, draft grant applications, and write cases for support. Make audiovisual and spoken presentations to interested groups. Take a leading role in organizing and running special events. Record donations, issue receipts and comply with CRA requirements. Draft and send direct mail appeals and stewardship letters. Produce and distribute annual report.

Competencies: Knowledge of standard charitable revenue streams and approaches to fund development that produce the best return on investment. Good people skills and a genuine interest in getting to know our supporters, their interests and needs. Experience with major gifts and planned giving is an asset. Grant writing experience is an asset. Knowledge of community-centric fundraising is a plus.

Administration

Duties: General office administration and management of systems, including

• good record keeping
• development and maintenance of efficient processes
• assistance in developing or revising related policies
• purchasing, payments and banking
• payroll
• oversight of bookkeeping (quarterly)
• preparation of year-end package for external review engagement
• reporting and document submission to CRA and Corporation Canada
• development and maintenance of distribution lists

Competencies: Ability to work independently, to take initiative and to problem solve. Organized, detail-oriented and able to transition seamlessly between numerous tasks. Familiarity with small office management and the tools used in an office setting. Familiarity with budgets, financial statements, and basic financial controls. Experience using databases or CRM software is an asset. Advanced knowledge of Excel and experience using Quickbooks is an asset. Knowledge of or experience in non-profit management is an asset.

Volunteer Management & Committee Work

Duties: Sit on and contribute to all permanent committees and, as an ex oficio member, the board of directors. Recruit, interview and onboard committee volunteers and track compliance pieces. Manage volunteers enlisted for special initiatives and events.

Competencies: Team player who is able to encourage, inspire and guide volunteers. Committed to EDI and anti-racist practices. Some flexibility in working hours is required since committee and board meetings are most often on weekday evenings. Experience sitting on or working with a volunteer board is an asset.

Communications

Duties: Develop and implement communications plan and strategies to raise awareness, provide platforms for the voices of our partners, promote a positive image of the organization, engage supporters and generate financial support. Maintain communication across the organization and with all Canadian stakeholders (including donors, volunteers, partners and community members), maintain and optimize website, develop content for blog and social media channels, and design promotional materials. Produce annual report.

Competencies: Superior written and verbal skills in Spanish and English. Basic knowledge of website (WordPress) maintenance and design. Familiarity with Dignified Storytelling is an asset. Knowledge of website optimization is an asset. Social media skills are an asset. Fluency in Spanish and English is a requirement.

Project Facilitation

Duties: Provide support to our Peru Projects Committee and act as the main point of contact and intermediary for partners in Peru. Draft report templates, auto-translate proposals and reports, and provide verbal or written translations as needed. Report to donors and granting bodies on project impacts.

Competencies: Commitment to horizontal relationships with our partners in Peru, to the Istanbul Principles and to decolonizing international cooperation. Education or experience in International Development is an asset. Experience living or working in Peru, other countries in Latin America or other countries in the Global South is an asset. Familiarity with Monitoring and Evaluation and results-based management is an asset.

Compensation & Position Requirements

Two-year contract, with the possibility of extension. 24 hours per week, mostly in office, flexible schedule. Hourly rate of $27.83. A vulnerable sector records check is required.

We know the greatest ideas come from a diverse mix of backgrounds, minds and experiences, and are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. We are actively seeking a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, especially those from communities underrepresented in the sector.

How to Apply

Please submit your resumé and cover letter to the Heart-Links Hiring Committee at info@heart-links.org

Application deadline: May 24, 2024

Questions about the process may be addressed to the same email.  

PLEASE CIRCULATE WIDELY!

Our partners use these channels to raise awareness about important issues and to reach more people in their communities and across the country (and the world). They also celebrate the people they work with and their achievements.

If you use Facebook or Instagram, you can follow many of the organizations and projects your donations help fund. It’s a great way to show your support and to see for yourself the impact your gifts make.

Our partners makes their post in Spanish, but Facebook, for example, can translate them to English for you. And the photos are amazing in any language!

Follow the links below to connect:

Centro Santa Angela

	@centrosantaangela Ecological project: @programaecologicointegral Leadership School: @escueladelideres.santaangela Leadership School citizen watchdog committee: @COVAG.JLO New Masculinities project: @masculinidadeschiclayo
	Ecological project: @programaecologico Leadership School: @escueladelideres.santaangela
	@centrosantaangela
	Website: https://cefoprohsantaangela.org/

Centro Esperanza

	@centro.esperanza.pe
	@centroesperanza.cix
	Website: https://sites.google.com/centroesperanza.org/centroesperanza/inicio/

Latidos

@Latidos.asociacion

Rural Libraries

	@andaresbbrrcaj
	@bibliotecasruralescaj
	@andaresbibliotecasrurales
	Website/Blog: https://bibliotecasruralescajamarca.blogspot.com/

ACIES

	@aciescajamarca9374
	Website/Blog: https://aciesesperanza.jimdofree.com/

Remember to follow Heart-Links too!

	@heart.links.london
	@heartlinkslondon
	@heart-links-lazos-de-corazon
	@heartlinks

Would you like to work closely with community leaders in Peru as they build a better future?

Would you like to strengthen Canada-Peru solidarity and help it grow?

Heart-Links Lazos de Corazón is recruiting up to three volunteers to join our Board of Directors.

What we’re looking for:

• A commitment to social justice and community-led international development
• Experience in any of the following areas: human resources, fundraising, communications or social media, finance, governance
• Previous board experience is welcome but not required
• Some knowledge of Spanish is an asset

Time commitment:

• 5 Board meetings a year (September, November, January, March and May), typically on a Wednesday, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Attendance at these meetings is very important.
• All Board members are asked to sit on a permanent committee, which typically meets monthly. We currently have openings on the following committees: Fund Development, Finance, Governance, Executive.
• Average time commitment is 1 to 2 hours per week.
• 3-year term, renewable.

Board profile:

• 9 to 12 community members
• One part-time staff (3 days a week)
• Governed by the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act

Please send letter of interest and resume to info@heart-links.org by March 31, 2024.

The new dealine is February 29.

Click here for trip application.

Don’t miss this chance to

• Explore your own interest in creating change
• Learn about Peru’s social and environmental issues
• Experience a new culture and community
• Share your talents and reflect with like-minded people
• Join a growing movement of changemakers
• Volunteer with Heart-Links or your community

Trip Details

Dates: 15 days in June.

Cost: Our trip fee is $1,500. This covers a trip leader, group translator, accommodations, meals and ground transportation during the trip. A small needs-based bursary may be available. Participants pay for their own Toronto-Lima flights, health insurance and domestic flights within Peru (total estimated cost between $1,500 and $2,000). Flight arrangements will be booked with Ellison Travel & Tours, TICO registration 2392471.

Preparation Requirements: You must attend three preparation and planning gatherings (Saturdays in April and May). While not mandatory, basic Spanish is highly recommended.

Eligibility: Participants should be

• Interested in and sensitive to social justice issues in developing countries
• Willing to volunteer with Heart-Links
• In good overall health and fitness
• 18 years of age or older

*Exceptions to these requirements may be made, on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the trip committee.

How to Apply

• Contact info@heart-links.org if you would like to meet or ask questions before applying
• Complete our application form by February 29, 2024

Itinerary

5 nights in Cajamarca: We will fly from Lima to Cajamarca, in Peru’s Andes mountains. Our partner-hosts will share with us about Indigenous culture and social and environmental issues the region faces. Participants will devote three days to accompanying a program run by one of our partner agencies.

4 nights in Chiclayo: Following a breathtaking bus ride out of the mountains, we will arrive in the bustling city of Chiclayo. We will be exposed to the political, social and economic realities of life in the city, while spending time with one of the projects by our inspiring and progressive partner agencies.

4 nights in Zaña: The Zaña Valley is a slower-paced small-town experience that will include visiting Heart-Links’ friends who have been our partners for more than 20 years. We will stay with at one partner agency’s solidarity hostel and share meals with our other Zaña partner as well as spending time with one of their projects.

*Itinerary subject to minor changes. Participants will be invited to contribute ideas about how to spend flex time in each location. Some options are exploring local archaeology and beautiful hiking. Participants are welcome to extend the trip to see more of the country on their own.

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to visit the communities Heart-Links’ partners work with in Cajamarca, Chiclayo and Zaña.

This trip can be life-changing in the best way.

One alum told us that her trip to Peru prompted her to leave the private sector and start a career in fundraising for non-profits that advance women’s education. She completed a Master’s degree in Diversity, Equity and Social Justice and continues to support the work of Heart-Links.

This is one memory that stayed with her:

One evening while in Zaña, after dinner, our group took a walk down to the river to see the bridge to La Otra Banda. I was amazed that this bridge was used regularly. It was a great feat of engineering to use natural materials in the area, but it seemed so unsafe.

As we explored the area, took photographs or sketched, I watched the activity at the river. Horses were being brought for water, a truck was being washed and a group of small children were having their bedtime wash. I was impacted by the idea of water—how we take it for granted in Canada.

To this day, I am grateful when I turn on the shower in the morning and hot water comes out, when I pour a glass of water from my fridge dispenser with ice cubes at the ready. The Solidarity Trip made real for me, concepts of abundance in Canada. Once you see the value of a local river with your own eyes, it stays with you and changes you.