THE ORGANIZATION: People’s Action is a national network of grassroots, progressive power organizations that brings democracy alive in communities across our country to advance an agenda of racial and economic justice. People’s Action has more than 400 organizers and other staff working in cities and towns in 30 states, and a national staff of over 50 people, with headquarters in Chicago, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
People’s Action builds and strengthens grassroots organizations, trains community organizers and indigenous leadership, and conducts research and policy analysis to support issues campaigns designed to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable society.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Student Action, a project of People’s Action, is a national organization of college student power organizations fighting for economic, racial, and gender justice toward a just and sustainable planet. Made up of current students, graduates, and non-student millennials, we are building a national organization of young people for mass structural change. A core part of our work is centered around our Free Higher Ed for All campaign, which is launching in five states this fall. Student Action has student organizing projects at 35 campuses in 9 states, with 350 core leaders and 1900 active members.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Student Action is hiring three State Fellows for the fall semester to develop one of our city or state affiliates each. The fellow will be expected to work an average of 15 hours/week to support the development of one of our state-based affiliates, with priority states including California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Applicants from other states are welcome to apply. The fellow needs to be based in the state in which they are organizing to meet in-person with current and prospective students leaders as well as staff from the People’s Action affiliate in the state, if applicable.
This Fellow will build relationships with students on campuses in their area, coordinate statewide calls, facilitate campus organizing training’s, provide one on one mentor-ship to student leaders, and create grassroots fundraising infrastructure for affiliates. Depending on the state, the Fellow may also be responsible for working with current Student Action leaders to launch a Free Higher Ed for All campaign, which would involve research, direct action planning, and setting up a campaign structure.
The fellow can expect to get hands-on support from Student Action national staff, with weekly mentor-ship in-person meetings or calls depending on geographic location. Depending on the state, the fellow may also work directly with a People’s Action community organizing affiliate based in the same state. Our national staff will also be available to answer questions and provide support.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to build genuine, long-term relationships that move student leaders to action
Willingness to take feedback and stretch self to meet individual goals
Demonstrated ability to manage details and track information
Demonstrated passion for eliminating gender, race, and class-based oppression
An excellent team player who will appreciate the experience and share the ambition of our staff and members and stretch our work toward new campaigns, projects, and alliances
Is comfortable in the field working directly with grassroots leaders
Demonstrated ability to problem solve and think creatively
Flexibility
Computer literacy
1+ year experience with student organizing
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Understands and is comfortable with a diverse range of organizing and organizational models and methodologies
Experience as a trainer
Experience organizing in communities of color
Experience with fundraising
WAGE INFORMATION
Hours: 15/week
Rate: $15/hour
Dates of Employment: August 14th – November 24th. We can be flexible with student schedules if a different end date is required — if so, notify us in the hiring process.
HOW TO APPLY
Send electronic cover letter, resume and two references to Aija Nemer-Aanerud [email protected] with the subject line STUDENT ACTION STATE FELLOW APPLICATION. We will begin reviewing applications on July 27th, 2017.
NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAIL INQUIRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
People’s Action is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBT individuals, and women.
See more at: https://peoplesaction.org/