Southern Minnesota Congregational Organizing Fellow

ISAIAH•Rochester, MN

4d•$55,000

About The Position

The Southern Minnesota Organizing Fellow relates to and organizes a wide range of people to develop leadership and shared power across race, class, and wards. The Congregational Base works in pursuit of a just economy and a democracy that honors the dignity and worth of people across race, faith, and class. Our ideal candidates can explain why they are interested in the needs of people and communities and have demonstrated “grit” when faced with challenging work or a lack of initial success. This position reports to a lead organizer and regularly works with a team of other organizers. The ideal starting date for this position is early February. This position involves meeting with people when they are available. Organizing fellows will often have meetings and events on evenings and weekends. Organizing Fellows will work with ISAIAH staff organizers to build and lead an organizing program to develop the capacity and leadership of everyday Minnesotans and develop a series of racial, economic, and climate justice campaigns with community and ISAIAH leaders. The Southern Minnesota Organizing Fellow will lead people in faith communities and other communities in Southern Minnesota to develop leadership and build power to create an economy and a democracy that honors the dignity of all people. To accomplish these objectives, The Southern Minnesota Congregational Base Organizing Fellow will organize and expand the network of churches and church teams through canvassing, one on ones, community meetings, house meetings, congregational forums, and other leadership development tactics. Over 6 months, organizing fellows receive paid holidays, sick time, a floating paid holiday, and a cell phone reimbursement. A driver’s license and car is required for this position. Organizing fellows will often have meetings and events on evenings and weekends. ISAIAH, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is a vehicle for multi-racial, multi-faith coalitions across Minnesota to act collectively and powerfully towards racial and economic equity in MN by addressing both local and regional community issues. Faith in Minnesota is our 501(c)4 organization that gives us a platform to organize and advocate directly in our state’s elections and political process. Together, we have more than 250 member and partner churches and mosques, more than 25 barbershops, and more than 200 childcare centers who work to promote a caring economy and a multi-racial democracy that honors every person’s dignity. We do this work through intentional, intensive leadership development, collective action, and deep partnerships with grassroots organizations and public servants.

Requirements

Able to act with integrity, has a strong work ethic, “grit”, and willingness to persevere until you succeed.
A self-starter who can independently set goals and use them to guide daily actions.
A good listener and capable of establishing rapport with people from different backgrounds.
A quick learner eager to develop their leadership and help others do the same.
Open to evaluation and direction from their supervisor and peers.
Unafraid of being pushed and challenged by their peers and supervisor in order to more deeply reflect on and address personal barriers to leadership development.
Can navigate different cultural settings to relate to people across race, class, age, and religion.
Can articulate how working for social justice and grassroots organizing is connected to their personal motivation or self-interest rather than a desire to “serve” or “save” others.
Have demonstrated independent decision-making, management of multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, and sound judgment on when to seek advice and support from team members.
Can share examples of achieving success when straightforward solutions aren’t available through problem-solving and applying flexible thinking.
Can speak to their ability to effectively work with diverse faith communities, racial groups, and diverse stakeholders.
Have a self-interest in the needs of people and communities.
Is comfortable using a range of technology, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Office, WhatsApp, and other common software and apps.
Have a valid driver’s license and regular access to a reliable car.

Responsibilities

Engage staff and leaders to build powerful relationships based on trust and a well-defined understanding of each other’s desires and interests.
Work with staff and leaders to implement an organizing program that engages leaders from 15-20 churches.
Lead public actions and meetings with elected leaders to build a politics rooted in dignity and affordability for everyone.
Recruit and train volunteer leaders to do in-person and virtual meetings with friends, family, and members of their community.