Organizing Apprenticeship Fellows 

ABOUT US

Unidos MN is an immigrant-led, BIPOC majority, multiracial, state-wide organization building power for Minnesotan working families to advance social, racial, and environmental justice. We are an organization born out of the immigration justice movement. Immigration reform, democracy, education, healthcare, worker and climate justice are at the core of our work.   

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking ten full-time organizing apprentices from key areas of impact, to participate in a 6-month paid organizing and leadership development program with Unidos MN, at the end of which time organizers have the potential to be hired into an FT position with benefits (health, dental, PTO, etc) upon meeting goals and competencies. 

At Unidos MN, we believe that regular people, especially people experiencing inequality related to their income, race, religion, immigration status or gender have the power and wisdom to solve critical problems of our society. We are committed to cultivate a generation of leaders ready to take responsibility for themselves and their communities through our campaigns and leadership development. 

Organizing Apprenticeship Fellows is the next step in the development ladder for leaders who are ready to receive investment and deepen their knowledge of organizing through campaigns and programs. Fellows will work to expand our base and continue to cultivate abundant agency and self-determination across Minnesota.

LOCATIONS AND ISSUES

  • Central MN: youth and education justice

  • Duluth: youth organizing and education justice

  • Southern MN: housing, workers’ rights, immigration, climate and health

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Organizing

    • Identify and build leaders, and coach them to reach out to others. Conduct 10-15 one-one conversations per week 

    • Build a core leadership team with representation from leaders with followings

    • Coach leaders to doorknock, organize house parties and community events, and strengthen neighborhood teams

    • Recruit community members to take roles and actions including: join leadership team, meet with elected leaders, attend events, make calls, write letters

    • Demonstrate ability to do major turnout with a public meeting or turnout stress-test event

  • Leader recruitment and retention 

    • Recruit volunteers through email, phone banks, and 1-1 referrals. 

    • Meet with leaders regularly to assess their experiences and build their skills and build a supportive and accountable environment within the team

  • Field canvass

    • Train volunteer canvassers

    • Prepare canvas materials and data entry

Professional development: 

  • Must be available on September 7th, 8th and 13th for training.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • A passion for social justice and grassroots organizing as a means of social change

  • A demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

  • Ability to give and receive constructive feedback and willingness to invest in getting to know other members of the team.

  • Willingness to try new things, creative approach to problem solving.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

  • Outreach is performed primarily outside, knocking on doors. Staff must be able to spend 5 hours on their feet in variable weather and walk up and down stairs.

  • The ability to work with diverse faith communities, racial groups, and diverse stakeholders

  • Basic computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and communication applications

  • All applicants must have reliable transportation, a smartphone,  a valid driver’s license, and proof of valid auto insurance.

You might be an ideal applicant if you are:

  • A quick learner

  • Someone with integrity, a strong work ethic, and a “get things done” approach

  • A self-starter, flexible problem solver

  • Eager to learn, a good listener, and capable of working well with people from different backgrounds

  • Able to establish quick rapport or create connections when engaging someone new

  • Able to independently set goals and use them to guide daily actions

  • Open to evaluation and direction from supervisor and peer learning with agitation from colleagues

Helpful but not required:

  • Previous experience organizing in BIPOC communities with labor, community, electoral, or issue advocacy organizing or leading a door-to-door canvass

  • Proficient in other languages, for example, Spanish, Somali, Oromo, Hmong, Amharic, Mam, or Quechua. 

HOURS AND COMPENSATION

This position will be full-time for six months, with a possible path for a FT position. 

  • Evening and weekends hours are required on a regular basis

  • Salary based on $50,000 per year rate 

  • Paid time off 

  • Cell phone stipend

  • Opportunities for leadership and professional development 

HOW TO APPLY

Send a cover letter indicating the area and issue of interest, a resume, and three work-related references to pf@unidos-mn.org These positions will be open until filled.


*Unidos MN is an equal opportunity employer. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds. Unidos MN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship status, religion, political orientation, genetic information, sexual orientation, age, or disability.