Policy Organizer

Second Chance California offers an exciting opportunity: Help pass an important bill

SC-CA is a diverse and growing coalition of social justice groups, labor unions, community organizations, and faith groups working to pass a bill that would end life without parole sentences for youth. Life without the possibility of parole is a sentence to die in prison. The California legislature is considering a bill that, if passed, would give most young people sentenced to life without parole (LWOP) for crimes committed between the ages of 18 and 25 the chance to earn parole after serving 25 years in prison.

The Policy Organizer position

Second Chance CA is seeking six part-time Policy Organizers to educate legislators, organizations, and the public about this bill and encourage their support. These independent contractor positions are part-time (a minimum of 40 hours and max of 80 hours per month) for a fixed term. Policy Organizers will begin in mid-January, and the contract will end June 30, 2026, unless it is determined that more time can be contracted starting in July. Some evening and weekend work will be required.

Policy Organizers will work in three key regions

Policy Organizers will work remotely but will be based in or near one of three areas: Orange County, San Bernardino County, or areas near Sacramento County.

Policy Organizers will work alongside experienced advocates and get hands-on field experience

The Policy Organizers will work with others in a broad coalition to pass this bill, many of whom are highly experienced, skilled organizers and legislative advocates. These contacts will offer excellent learning opportunities. The Policy Organizers’ day-to-day work will focus on their region, and daily work will involve reaching out to potential supporters in their geographic area, offering hands-on learning, and field experience.

Responsibilities

• Identify and seek out organizations and individuals in their assigned geographic area and encourage support for changing laws related to LWOP and young people.
• Arrange for meetings with legislators and/or their staff members, individuals, and community-organizations, that could include civic organizations, religious groups, and universities.
• Educate interested parties about how to communicate with their own state legislators through letters, in-person office visits, and phone calls.
• Participate in a range of events (Some evening and weekend work will be required.
• Conduct their work remotely and in the field.
• Help lead a fact-based education campaign that explains, among other things: key elements of the bill; the neuroscience upon which the bill is based; the current pervasive racial disparities in youth sentencing; and the evidence demonstrating the capacity of young people to rehabilitate and reintegrate into their communities.
• Assist with research.
• Draft communications, such as letters and emails.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Report to a statewide Field Coordinator about contracted activities.

Pay

• Policy Organizers are paid $20 per hour for a minimum of 40 and maximum of 80 hours of work each month as independent consultants.
• Policy Organizers will provide their own transportation, computer, and cell phone. Reasonable travel costs while working will be reimbursed.

Required Qualifications

• Located in or near Orange County, San Bernardino County, or Sacramento County.
• Self-starter, and a creative, out-of-the-box thinker who will generate multiple avenues for reaching people in the area they are working.
• Highly organized, with a strong ability to organize outreach and track contacts.
• Passionate about justice reform, with a desire to communicate and inspire others about why the criminal justice system must be changed.
• Proficiency in Google Suite applications, particularly Google Sheets, or a strong drive to learn these programs and improve skills.
• Independent worker, with the ability to take initiative while simultaneously cultivating the coalition and team-based nature of the work.
• Excellent communication skills to ensure team members are kept up to date on the work and people being reached out to are clear on what is being asked of them.

Other Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish or other languages relevant to the area where the Policy Organizer will work is desirable but not required.
• Individuals who have personal experience with the justice system, were formerly incarcerated, family members of people who are incarcerated, and crime survivors are highly encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Please apply immediately by sending a letter of interest and resume to Second Chance California at jobs.secondchanceca@gmail.com. Only complete applications (with both a letter of interest and resume) will be considered. Don’t wait! Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis starting the beginning of January 2025, to start people in the positions as soon as possible.

Policy Organizers will work alongside experienced advocates and get hands-on field experience

The Policy Organizers will work with others in a broad coalition to pass this bill, many of whom are highly experienced, skilled organizers and legislative advocates. These contacts will offer excellent learning opportunities.

Fluency in Spanish or other languages relevant to the area where the Policy Organizer will work is desirable but not required.