St. Cloud Manufactured Home Resident Organizing Fellow

ISAIAH•St. Cloud, MN

About The Position

The Organizing Fellow relates to and organizes people in manufactured home communities to develop leadership and shared power across race, class, and geography, splitting their time evenly between communities. The role contributes to ISAIAH's pursuit of a just economy and a democracy that honors the dignity and worth of people across race and class. Ideal candidates are interested in community needs and demonstrate perseverance. This position is full-time, exempt, and temporary for 6 months, with an ideal start date in June, and involves frequent evening and weekend meetings and events. Organizing Fellows work with ISAIAH staff organizers to build and lead an organizing program, developing the capacity and leadership of Minnesotans, and creating racial, economic, and climate justice campaigns with community and ISAIAH leaders. 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, its 501(c)4 organization, provides a platform to organize and advocate directly in state elections and political processes. Together, they comprise over 250 member and partner churches and mosques, 25 barbershops, and 200 childcare centers, working to promote a caring economy and multi-racial democracy 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

Running a petition drive (doorknocking) to gather support for the Save Our Homes Campaign - the Manufactured Home Residents Bill of Rights and build relationships with residents
Hosting a series of community conversations in manufactured home communities: initial info session for residents, candidate forums, and additional community engagement sessions to invite them into our organizing effort
Conducting regular 1:1 meetings with manufactured home residents to build relationships and identify potential leaders
Developing, leading, and coaching teams of leaders in their manufactured home communities to advance our Save Our Homes campaign
Facilitating candidate forums between residents and the candidates seeking to represent them specifically about issues impacting manufactured home residents
Developing a voter education and engagement campaign with core resident leaders to support champions endorsed by resident teams
Inviting community members to key post-election strategy events in Nov. and December
Facilitating regular strategy meetings and relevant trainings for resident leaders
Attending organizing and narrative building training
Participating in weekly development sessions with supervision from a lead organizer