Parent and Community Organizer

Action Now’s mission is to organize working families and strengthen their voices on issues of racial, social and economic justice. Action Now is active on issues that include foreclosure and vacant properties, school improvement, access to health care, living wage jobs, utility costs, immigrant rights, public safety, (both antiviolence and criminal justice reform), and environmental justice. Action Now is a member-driven organization. Our issue campaigns come out of listening to community residents through regular monthly meetings, engaging the base by going door-to-door and mobilizing all residents to take part in their community. Our leadership development includes formal leadership training and the active involvement by members in the planning, implementation and evaluation of issue campaigns. For more information about the organization, please visit www.actionnow.org

We are currently hiring for a community organizer to work in Action Now’s target communities in order to advance racial and economic justice and develop the sustainability of communities, and Action Now as a community organization, through grassroots campaigns.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct outreach to local residents and community leaders via flyering, door-knocking, phone calling, and speaking with local groups and organizations.
• Organize community events including trainings, press conferences, special events and other educational and awareness activities.
• Organize and help facilitate meetings and events,
• Recruit and pursue new membership opportunities via door-to-door contact with community members and help new members get active and involved in community campaigns
• Work with other staff on projects on an as needed basis.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to social, economic and racial justice efforts a must
• Excellent analytical skills, as well as written, verbal and communication skills
• Ability to work well under deadline pressure
• Willingness to work long hours, evenings and weekends when necessary
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Must be comfortable going door-to-door and speaking with residents on a one-on-one basis.
• Knowledge of low-income communities in Chicago is helpful
• Community organizing and outreach experience is a plus
• Valid Driver’s license and car are required
• Parent outreach experience a plus
• Experience with Chicago Public Schools a plus