Youth Organizer, Philadelphia Student Union

Posted by on August 6, 2004

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT!!

Philadelphia Student Union Seeks Youth Organizer

The Philadelphia Student Union is an organization that was founded and continues to be led by young people. We believe that if we are to build a more just society, we must have a school system that ensures that all young people receive a high quality education and that teaches young people to be leaders and critical thinkers. If this kind of transformation is to happen, students must lead it. Our goals are: to prepare a generation of young people to become lifelong community leaders, to organize young people to transform their schools, and to bring together diverse groups of students to build real relationships. We currently have chapters in West Philadelphia, John Bartram, Simon Gratz, Central, Masterman, Sayre, and Girl?s High Schools.

Position Available: Organizer

Responsibilities –

The Organizer will work primarily with the West Philadelphia High School Chapter. This involves recruiting students in school, facilitating a weekly leadership development program, helping students analyze problems in their schools, and assisting young people in designing and enacting a campaign to change their school. The West Philadelphia Chapter is now working on a critical campaign to completely redesign their school as four small schools that would be designed by the community. The Organizer will have primary responsibility for this campaign, coordinating a coalition of students, parents, teachers, and community organizations. In addition, the organizer will work with a team of students to put out the Student Union?s newsletter and develop content for the website.

Applicants will be considered if they:
 Have a strong grassroots community organizing experience around issues of social justice.
 Are aware of their role as an adult working to support youth empowerment.
 Have strong facilitation, training, and curriculum development experience.
 Are self-motivated, prompt, well organized, and able to work independently.
 Understand the root causes of racism and poverty.
 Are comfortable working with diverse groups and in building relationships with young people and adults.
 Exhibit a working knowledge of school reform.
 Have excellent writing and computer skills.

Salary is $22,00 to $28,000 depending on experience, with an excellent benefits package. The position is full-time and is available September 1. Hours will include half-day Saturdays and some evenings although scheduling is flexible. Perks include fun, close attention to your professional development and growth, and being part of the struggle for educational reform.

Applications due by August 20.

Please send cover letter and resume to,
Eric Braxton
Philadelphia Student Union
1315 Spruce Street
Phila., PA 19107
215-546-3296 ? fax
ebrax@phillystudentunion.org