Context: The Sierra Club in Rochester is working towards committing the city to a just, equitable, and fast transition to 100% renewable energy. The organizer and organizing intern will activate our nearly 2000 members and supporters in the Rochester area, recruit and develop volunteer activists, and maintain and develop partnerships with organizations and businesses to advocate for this commitment. The organizing intern will support the work of the Rochester staff and volunteers and be supported to develop her own skills and expertise as an organizer.
Scope: This position assists in public education, organizing efforts, and data entry as the North Star Chapter Rochester team seeks to commit the city to a just, equitable, and fast transition to 100% renewable energy.
- Works alongside organizer and volunteer team to educate community team members about environmental issues.
- Mobilizes community members to become involved in education outreach in the local community regarding environmental community risks and solutions.
- Assists the appropriate staff and volunteer leaders with planning and implementation of assigned programs, including coordinating phone banks, handling lists and databases of campaign activists and supporters, and making arrangements for events and activities.
- Provides program support as needed, including administrative support such as data entry and mailings, and volunteer supervision.
- Participates (as part of a team) in planning and carrying out plans or strategies on various environmental projects or campaigns, such as public education, administrative initiatives, or grassroots organizing.
- Assists in the development of educational/informational materials such as newsletters, flyers, news flashes, fact sheets, and articles of interest to the public.
- Assists in providing guidance, training, and information to volunteers, chapters, groups, elected officials and the general public.
- Assists in representing the Club's views to legislatures, government agencies, administrative officials, news media, and the general public by giving testimony, participating in meetings, public speaking events and by establishing and maintaining personal contacts.
- Assists in the formulation of grassroots campaign and coalition activities in support of conservation issues at the local, state, federal or global level.
- Exchanges information, coordinates activities and works with other Club staff, volunteer organizations, Chapters, and groups.
- Assists in scheduling and facilitating meetings, as well as preparing agendas and materials as needed.
- Additional duties as required/opportunity for additional duties based on interest
- Experience with at least one community organizing or mobilizing project.
- Ability to interact positively with community residents, volunteers, staff and the public.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated interest in the environment or related public interest issues.
- Ability to clearly explain complex issues and effectively communicate them to community residents.
- Proficient with Word processing and Spreadsheet applications.