Progressive Future Field Organizer

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 for America and move our country in a strongly progressive direction.

That’s why Work for Progress’ client organizations Progressive Future and Environment America are 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 well-organized grassroots action.

Progressive Future and Environment America are all about grassroots action. They work online, in neighborhoods, on street corners and anywhere they can find people who are willing to join them in taking action to promote progressive values, protect our environment, push for change, and hold elected officials accountable.

The 2008 election will likely break one of two ways.  It could be decided by a small number of voters in an even smaller number of states. In this case 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.  The other potential is for Obama to start pulling away.  In this case, person-to-person contact will be critical to ensuring a big win and creating the tidal wave that will influence critical down ticket races for the Senate, House, and local offices.

Progressive Future and Environment America have hiredWork for Progress to organize a large-scale grassroots program targeting 10 key states that could and most likely will decide the November election. Our canvassers are using well-tested techniques to identify undecided voters, educate them 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 4, you will work in a city that could help swing the election to identify and persuade voters, organize volunteers, and turn out Obama supporters to vote.

You will be part of a locally based activist team, canvassing most days to talk to voters. You’ll be signing up members for Progressive Future, persuading undecided voters, and recruiting volunteers among strong Obama supporters.

From the pool of volunteers we  identify at the door, from calling through membership lists, and doing outreach at events and in public venues, you’ll train and organize a group of precinct leaders to execute a neighbor-by-neighbor Get Out the Vote effort. You’ll work with that group of volunteers to help them host emergency house meetings, persuade their undecided neighbors to vote for Obama, and, through diligent followup, ensure that each identified voter shows up at the polls on Election Day.

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 take place in one of our field offices.

We are specifically looking for people who seek advancement to other roles within the organization this fall and beyond.

Locations

Work for Progress is hiring motivated candidates for positions in CO and NV.

Commitment

These are short-term campaign positions through November 7.

Salary/Benefits

Entry level staff earn salary at an annual rate of $23,750. Salary and benefits increase with experience.