PauseAI US Local Group Leader - Chicago

The Role

As a PauseAI US Local Group Leader, you'll build and lead a community of volunteers in your city taking action to protect the world from dangerous AI development. You don't need prior organizing experience, most of our leaders are ordinary people who decided to step up on the most important issue of our time. We'll train and support you the whole way.

Your group's work falls into three areas:

Drive grassroots action

• Collect petition signatures and run tabling events around your city
• Organize protests, demonstrations, and marches
• Connect with media to raise awareness about AI safety

Build and educate your community

• Host educational events that help people understand the risks of AI
• Organize social gatherings that turn curious first-timers into committed volunteers
• Be the local face of a fast-growing national movement, engaging with media

Engage with government

• Set up constituent meetings with your members of Congress
• Mobilize your community to call, email, and support specific AI safety legislation

Who We're Looking For

• You care deeply about AI safety and want to take action through the democratic process
• You're reliable, take initiative, and can commit at least 5 hours per week
• You enjoy bringing people together, or you're excited to learn how
• No professional organizing background needed. Commitment matters more than experience.

What We Provide

• Hands-on coaching from our Organizing Director and dedicated time from our team
• A national community of dozens of active local groups who share resources, problem-solve together, and gather in person at events like PauseCon DC
• Structured programming. Ready-to-run constituent meetings, calls to action, and campaigns, so you're never starting from square one
• The backing of a recognizable national brand with broad media reach. PauseAI US has earned bipartisan coverage including in the New York Times.

Why Now

AI companies are racing to build systems their own CEOs admit could cause catastrophe — even human extinction — with almost no guardrails in place. We're early to this fight, and that's exactly why stepping up now is so important. One person can help turn the tide. You don't have to be an expert, you just have to be willing to help us protect humanity. Join us.

Click here to apply to lead a local group.