Youth Organizer, Good Schools Pennsylvania

Posted by on July 30, 2004

Youth Organizer
Job Description

Good Schools Pennsylvania is a statewide advocacy organization with three regional field offices working in coalition with education, religious and civic associations as well as businesses and community-based organizations to mobilize students, parents, and other concerned citizens for comprehensive public education reform. Since 2001, Good Schools Pennsylvania has mobilized nearly 15,000 citizens across the state, including the establishment of 25 campus chapters and the mobilization of 1500 students for the largest Youth March ever to take place in Harrisburg.

In the 2004-2005 school year, Good School Pennsylvania will expand efforts to organize high school and college students in our Youth Action Network to build a cadre of at least 250 new advocates who are well-informed, passionate, and ready to take action for educational justice. Four strategies are in place to ensure our success:
1. Mobilization of college students through the campus chapter model
2. Deeper engagement of high school students through the distribution of mini-grants
3. Building of youth leadership through the Youth Advisory Board
4. The full involvement of youth in larger Campaign events and programs, particularly the Commonwealth Institute and Statewide Town Forums

The Youth Organizer will be primarily responsible for outreach and advocacy efforts with high school and college students in the Western Pennsylvania region, with special attention to rural areas. S/he will operate out of the Pittsburgh office and will report directly to the Youth Director. Additionally, Field Directors and the Communications Director will provide appropriate support to the Youth Organizer to ensure the success of the Youth Action Network.

Specific Responsibilities include:
1. Implementation of the new High School Action Grant program
2. Supervise existing campus chapters and help grow new chapters in the Western region of the state
3. Oversee high school and campus recruitment in the Western region for statewide events
4. Maintain and build relationships with high school and college faculty, staff, and administrators who are willing to sponsor, recruit or support students to participate in Good Schools Pennsylvania events.
5. Meet with local parent, education and clergy leaders to brief them on Good Schools efforts and solicit their involvement and support of the youth organizing component.
6. Maintain relationships with existing statewide youth-directed organizations
7. Plan student-led events that will promote the visibility and impact of the Campaign.
8. Collect data from parents, students and other local sources regarding the state of public schools in specific regions for use in press materials, press events or briefing papers.
9. Identify local events, conferences or other venues where the Campaign could be involved to promote the public education agenda.
10. Manage the logistics associated with organizing and taking students to statewide rallies, vigils, meetings or conferences.
11. Maintain a database of student contacts.
12. Participate in all statewide Campaign staff meetings, processes, etc.

Qualifications:
1. At least two years experience organizing students on some type of social or public policy issue. This includes volunteer, non-paid, and/or organizing done while in school.
2. BA in social sciences field such as political science/education policy/ sociology/urban and rural studies, or comparable experience.
3. Ability to work with and relate to high school and college students from various backgrounds.
4. Strong verbal and written communication skills (writing samples required).
5. Highly organized and detail oriented.
6. Able to type and use all MS Office Products, particularly Excel and Word.
7. Willingness to work with individuals of different faiths.
8. Sense of humor.
9. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
10. Ability to conceptualize creative ways to engage local activists.
11. Ability to work evenings and weekends
12. Car with insurance and valid driver’s license.

Terms and Benefits

? Health benefits include vision, dental, prescription through Personal Choice coverage
? Travel reimbursement for mileage and tolls
? Salary range is $21,000 – $26,000 and will be commensurate with expertise, experience and education
? Four weeks vacation plus holidays

Application and Deadline for Submission:

We are looking to hire someone to begin work immediately. Applications will be accepted until August 9th, 2004. Interviews will begin immediately.

Send resume, cover letter, letter of recommendation, and two references (one academic contact, and one volunteer/activist contact) to Stephanie Nelson, Youth Director. You may do this via email or snail mail.

stephanie@goodschoolspa.org

Good Schools Pennsylvania
7234 Erdrick St.
Philadelphia PA 19135