Statewide Organizer (Mississippi)

A2 is the nation’s largest coalition of frontline communities fighting for environmental protection. We represent more than 400 member-communities in all 55 U.S. states and territories. We work to educate, organize and support -- with money, grant management and other technical assistance -- grassroots leaders and communities who are challenging corporate greed and governmental inertia.

Having dramatically grown in membership since our founding in 2017, A2 is establishing our first State Organizing Committees (SOCs) for environmental protection. Each SOC will bring together other grassroots organizations in the state. A2 will help them with building their base, fund raising, technical assistance, connecting to state and federal policy makers, and if desired, establishing a dues-paying membership program to enable ongoing work. We’ll roll out more SOCs in successive years.

The Statewide Organizers (we are advertising for one in MS and one in MO) will play a critical role in the establishment of the SOCs. The roles require people who are passionate about environmental issues, social justice and community organizing. You will be engaging with groups on the ground and assisting in the development of campaigns that address statewide issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assisting groups within the state with building a state-wide coalition that works on issues that reflect their needs and priorities, enabling them to organize, strategize, and mobilize.
• Conducting fieldwork by engaging directly with A2 members through in-person visits, phone and video conferencing.
• Expanding the capacity of SOC groups through base building activities i.e., door knocking, community engagement and developing relationships with stakeholders across the respective state.
• Collecting and analyzing data from various sources (including members) on the issues that they face, or opportunities for action.
• Recruiting other groups in the state to join A2 and the SOC
• Coordinating regular SOC meetings to discuss issues, set goals and plan actions
• Supporting campaigns aimed at winning concrete improvements on issues related to environmental justice.
• Providing regular updates and reports to the Field Director and on occasion to the A2 staff and members.

Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire people from diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to work independently, think strategically, and manage time efficiently.
• A desire to build long-term relationships and work on complex community issues.
• The ability and willingness to travel throughout the state monthly, and outside the state at least once per year.

_______

A2 is a mission-driven organization. We ask that staff:

• Work flexibly, responding to the needs of our members and organization. This may mean shifting from one task to the next e.g. doing research, writing a briefing paper, having a call with a partner organization, carrying out administrative tasks, visiting a member.
• Are willing to travel to members communities, conferences and convenings (costs covered by A2)
• Are willing to work out of members’ offices when appropriate, such as when carrying out joint campaigns.

The role involves substantial time working with SOC members, either in person or remotely. You should anticipate a minimum of 20 hours per week conducting in-person visits, phone calls, and video conference calls. Therefore, you must have adequate transportation and access to a private or quiet room.

The position will involve up to 40 hours per week working from 9am to 5pm (or something similar) in a typical week. We expect you to be flexible – for example when dealing with emergencies, in scheduling meetings with community leaders, or getting a grant submitted by the deadline.