Progressive Future Canvass Director, Voter Contact Office
From Adam Lioz, Program Director of Progressive Future
Progressive Future Background
After eight years of George Bush, Americans are more than ready for a change.
This November, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to chart a new political future of America and move our country in a strongly progressive direction.
That’s why Progressive Future is working to elect Barack Obama president. An Obama victory on Election Day would set the stage for even bigger victories in the months and years to come. We could end the war in Iraq. We could invest in renewable energy, break our addiction to oil and help solve global warming. We could provide health care for all.
But none of it, including an Obama victory, will happen without grassroots action.
Progressive Future is all about grassroots action. We go online, in neighborhoods, on street corners and anywhere we can find people who are willing to sign up and join us in taking action to promote progressive values, elect progressive candidates to office, push for progressive change, and hold elected officials accountable.
The 2008 election could be decided by a small number of voters in an even smaller number of states A constant barrage of advertising and automated phone calls are unlikely to persuade these swing voters. Face-to-face, person-to-person contact is likely to be far more persuasive.
Progressive Future is organizing a large-scale grassroots program targeting 11 key states that could decide the November election. Our canvassers are using smart techniques to identify undecided voters, clear up the misconceptions they might have about John McCain and Barack Obama, and give them compelling information that can move them to vote for Obama. We’re also identifying pro-Obama voters and recruiting them to volunteer for our campaign – volunteers who can help persuade and mobilize their friends and neighbors to get out and vote for Obama.
Job Description
From now until November, you and another field staffer will run a voter contact office in a city that could help swing the election. You will build a locally based activist team from the ground up by hiring and training a staff of paid canvassers who will contact voters, persuading the undecided and recruiting volunteers among those planning to vote for Obama.
You will recruit, train, manage and motivate a staff of 10-60 paid canvassers. You will run ongoing trainings with your staff and take responsibility for administering the office.
You will canvass three shifts each week to train staff in the field, identify and persuade undecided voters, and recruit volunteers who will help elect Obama in the fall.
Qualifications
We are looking for smart, motivated, action-oriented college graduates and others with a strong background in grassroots organizing or other directly relevant experience with a strong commitment to progressive causes. Candidates should be ready to take on lots of responsibility, learn quickly, hit ambitious goals and be willing to work as long and hard as it takes to get the job done. Training will be extensive and will include classroom training and ongoing field trainings.
We are specifically looking for people who seek advancement to other roles within the organization this fall and beyond.
Locations
Progressive Future is hiring motivated candidates for the following locations: NH, PA, VA, OH, MI, IA, WI, CO, MT, NM and NV.
Salary/Benefits
Entry level staff earn salary at an annual rate of $23,750. Salary and benefits increase with experience.
Typical Day
9:00 You and the office’s field staffer(s) hold your daily meeting. This is your opportunity to evaluate staff performance, review priorities and set goals for the day. This is also when you’ll want to place job ads and take calls from applicants.
11:00 Interviews for potential canvassing staff.
12:45 Observational Interviewees and Trainees arrive at the office. Train them how to be successful in the field.
2:00 Give brief updates to the group about relevant political happenings, goals, and upcoming social events. Congratulate exemplary staff and welcome newcomers.
2:10 Drive to targeted local community with Observational Interviewees and Trainees.
2:50 Arrive early and greet returning canvassers. At 3:15, everyone should be at the designated site, so you’ll have time to run roleplays with staff, such as on how to get likely Obama supporters to volunteer on the campaign.
4:00 Canvassers begin canvassing in the neighborhood. You will train new staff and canvass people yourself, demonstrating how to use walk lists and compelling personal interactions to persuade undecided voters and sign-up supporters. Let the trainee canvass a few people. Give specific, manageable feedback to improve confi¬dence and skills. Canvass the site thoroughly.
9:00 Meet up with the rest of the crew at designated meet up site. Oversee a quick round of paperwork. Canvassers finish their day at 9:15 PM.
9:15 Head back to the office and huddle with other director(s) to get information on what happened that day.
10:00 Finish paperwork, grab dinner with other director(s), plan for next day, etc.
10:45 Call your staff director to report in on day and hear highlights on nationwide performances.
Training
Field staff will participate in on-the-job training and classroom trainings throughout the course of their time on staff. Expect to learn how to manage a team, train staff, handle administrative duties, and fundraise.
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Paid for by Progressive Future, Inc. at www.progressivefuture.org. |