Summer Canvassers
May-August 2009
Do you want to make a difference? Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and work on the most pressing environmental issues of our generation? Are you ready to stand up to the corporations that are compromising the integrity of our democracy?
Change doesn't just happen. It takes hard work from dedicated individuals to build grassroots organizations from the ground up. This is more true today than ever before. Big, powerful special interests actively fight sensible solutions to environmental problems, government corruption and discrimination so elected officials only act to bring about those solutions when they know the public is informed and ready to take action.
What you'll do:
You will work in the political arena, getting your hands dirty, building organizations and fighting for the victories that put us on a more sustainable and more democratic course.
The heart of the job is canvassing. In order to build the necessary citizen support, you will go out into communities and go door-to-door and talk with people about the issues, raise money, and build membership for VPIRG. Campaign staff will make $400-$600 each week.
We require that interested candidates are hard workers, have excellent communication skills, and are committed to positive social change. We have part-time and full-time positions available.
How to Apply:
Call Isaac at 1 800 75 EARTH or visit our website for more info at: Jobs That Matter
Click here to apply online
To run our canvass, VPIRG partners with the Fund for the Public Interest, a national non-profit organization. The Fund has been working with the country's top progressive organizations- groups like the State PIRGs, Environment America, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Sierra Club- since 1982. The Fund's mission is to help groups take on important fights and make sure they have the resources and the public support it takes to make a real difference.
We offer leadership positions!
In addition to canvassing daily, Field Managers and Campaign Coordinators take on extra responsibilities:
Field Managers work closely with the Canvass Director to meet the goals of the office. They direct a crew of canvassers daily, overseeing a variety of canvass field activities, including: meeting personal fundraising and petition gathering goals; training and motivating the other members of the crew; and coordinating canvass logistics, such as developing a strategy to build support in a neighborhood. Field Managers earn an additional $50-$100 each week.
Campaign Coordinators work closely with the directors to develop and implement winning campaign tactics. While canvassing is the most effective means of educating citizens and generating grassroots support, Campaign Coordinators reinforce these efforts through a variety of campaign tactics, such as organizing the media, building coalitions, and writing letters-to-the-editor to be printed in major area newspapers.
How to Apply:
Call Isaac at 1 800 75 EARTH or visit our website for more info at:
Jobs That Matter
Why Canvass?
If you ask anyone who’s canvassed for the Fund in the last 25 years, they’ll probably give you a thoughtful dissertation on the value of canvassing. Any of our more than 50 partner organizations will too, as will leaders throughout the progressive movement. Boiling it down, there are at least five good reasons to canvass:
- Raise money to fund campaigns and build an organization
- Sign up members for an organization
- Educate the public about serious problems and real solutions
- Build name recognition for an organization and campaign
- Influence decision-makers
And then there’s the profound, positive impact of canvassing on the people we canvass and the canvassers themselves. These impacts aren’t easily measured, but they undoubtedly help lay the groundwork for a healthier, more vibrant democracy.
For more on what canvassing is all about, visit:
http://www.canvassingworks.org/
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Download the full job announcement for additional details.