Electoral Justice Fellow

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

Are you passionate about building power for working families in your own community? Do you believe we can win elections with pro-democracy, working-class candidates in the South? Do you believe change happens when neighbors come together and take collective action to put democracy back in the hands of the people? The WFP Electoral Justice Fellowship is a 4 month, hands-on program designed to train the doers with the skills, strategy, and support to organize their communities and win elections.

This is not a desk job, it’s a field program. As a fellow, you will understand how elections are won and execute direct voter contact campaigns for WFP candidates, serve as a WFP ambassador helping people understand the WFP northstar, learn and put to use essential basebuilding tools, and identify leaders to run for office. Rooted in the belief that those closest to the problem are closest to the solution, we seek applicants who are embedded in their communities and ready to grow as organizers and electoral justice leaders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Over the course of 4 months, you will complete:

• Electoral and advocacy training program focusing on the electoral justice framework and WFP Power building model.
• Complete a core curriculum of organizing training by attending and participating in virtual and in-person regional training sessions.
• Conduct one-on-one relational conversations with community, advocacy and political leaders to build shared analysis and work towards collective electoral outcomes
• Research and map local power structures and opportunities to connect issues affecting working families to the upcoming election cycles
• Recruit and bring together a local volunteer action team of 15-20 members who are aligned and eager to be a part of the WFP
• Plan and facilitate regular team meetings that are inclusive, participatory, and integrated into an action-oriented electoral plan
• Support your team in supporting democracy defense and priority WFP electoral campaigns
• Host 1-2 community meetings for individuals interested in running for office and/or taking action to protect our democracy
• Manage the ANCHOR and election protection work
• Plan and execute weekly phone bank and reach events for the Southeast Region
• Plan and manage a local WFP canvass event, including paid opportunities, where applicable
• Represent WFP at approved coalition table in the state expanding WFP’s reach and complimentary work in the ecosystem
• Train and transition leadership of your volunteer team to a member-led committee.
• Document outcomes and celebrate your team’s wins.
• Graduate into our alumni network of electoral organizers.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required Skills:

• Deep ties to and residence in one of the listed priority states-this is a strict requirement.
• Commitment to economic and social justice for working families.
• Willingness to learn, take initiative, and work collaboratively.
• Reliable access to a smartphone and computer with internet for virtual meetings and trainings.
• Comfort speaking with new people and facilitating group discussions.
• Prior experience in a role that required deep understanding of the nuance and complexities of local and state politics.

Preferred Skills:

• Some experience in volunteering, advocacy, labor, faith, student, or community groups.
• Personal or family experience with issues facing working-class communities (wages, housing, healthcare, education, etc.).
• Bilingual or multilingual skills relevant to your community.