Organizer, Economic Freedom

As the Organizer for Economic Freedom at Community Change, your main responsibilities will include organizing a base of individuals eligible for Guaranteed Income programs, conducting one-on-ones to engage impacted persons, advancing local and state policy campaigns, coordinating rapid response campaigns, and providing strategic support for organizing work across various areas. You’ll also be assisting partner organizations in building alliances and coalitions to enhance their power.

To be considered for the Organizer, Economic Freedom position at Community Change, you should have a minimum of five years of experience in organizing, especially within labor or membership-based institutions. Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and a commitment to racial and gender justice are crucial. Additionally, experience in developing and executing organizing strategies, alongside an ability to build relationships, is required.

The Organizer, Economic Freedom plays a vital role in Community Change’s mission by directly engaging low-income individuals to amplify their voices and drive social change. By organizing communities around issues like economic justice and immigrant rights, you're not just supporting grassroots movements but also fostering an environment where racial equity thrives. This position is instrumental in building a community of advocates ready to influence local and national policies.

The work environment for the Organizer, Economic Freedom at Community Change is primarily remote, allowing flexibility in your working hours. However, it is preferred for candidates to reside in or near Cook County. The organization fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, encouraging teamwork and supporting the professional growth of its staff while also enabling them to work independently.

The Organizer, Economic Freedom position at Community Change includes a competitive annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $85,000, alongside an excellent benefits package. This encompasses four weeks of paid vacation, additional paid holiday leave, an employer contribution to your retirement account, and a selection of generous health insurance plans. Community Change emphasizes work-life balance and offers flexibility for its team members.

In engaging individuals in Guaranteed Income programs, I would utilize strong relational organizing techniques that focus on personal stories and direct connections. Building trust through one-on-ones and community meetings ensures that participants feel valued and understood. It's key to listen actively and tailor engagement based on their unique circumstances and perspectives.

Measuring the impact of organizing efforts involves tracking both quantitative and qualitative metrics. I focus on engagement levels, such as how many individuals join campaigns, the number of successful events held, and the changes in policy that result from our work. Additionally, I gather feedback from participants to assess their experiences and refine our approaches further.

One successful organizing campaign I managed involved mobilizing community members around a local housing justice issue. By coordinating community meetings, training leaders within the community, and collaborating with partner organizations, we effectively raised awareness and garnered significant public support, which led to policy changes that benefitted low-income tenants.

Conflict resolution within organizing teams is critical, and I believe in addressing issues head-on through open dialogue. I promote a culture of respect where all voices are heard and valued. Facilitating one-on-one conversations to understand differing viewpoints often leads to finding common ground and strengthening team cohesion.

Data is pivotal in my organizing strategy as it informs our decisions and highlights areas for improvement. By analyzing data related to outreach efforts and community engagement, we can tailor our campaigns more effectively and maximize impact. Utilizing tools like Salesforce also helps in tracking progress and fostering accountability.

Adapting organizing plans to cater to diverse community needs requires a strong understanding of the specific challenges facing different groups. I actively listen to community members and incorporate their feedback into planning and implementation. Cross-cultural training and collaboration with local leaders also ensure that our initiatives resonate well within diverse populations.

I have collaborated extensively with grassroots organizations, recognizing that they are vital to community empowerment. This experience has involved joint campaigns, leadership training, and strategic planning sessions that not only uplift the organizations but also enhance their ability to mobilize effectively on specific issues.

Fostering inclusivity within organizing efforts begins with creating welcoming environments for dialogue and participation. I prioritize involving diverse perspectives in planning processes and ensure that communication reflects respect for all identities. Hosting feedback sessions allows for continuous improvement and solidifies community bonds.

My experience with coalition-building includes bringing together various stakeholders, including community organizations, policy makers, and individual advocates, to pursue shared goals. I focus on establishing common objectives and facilitating open discussions to navigate differences, which ultimately leads to stronger, unified campaigns.

My passion for economic justice organizing stems from a commitment to equity and fairness. Witnessing the struggles of marginalized communities fuels my desire to collaborate on initiatives that drive systemic change. Empowering individuals to advocate for their rights and improve their lives is incredibly fulfilling and motivates me every day.