Education Focus -- Deadline to apply is September 20
The Panel is seeking a community organizer to help rural Arkansas communities improve their schools, create more education opportunities locally, and impact policies on the state level.
The Panel organizes community groups across Arkansas, supports them to improve their local communities and links them with one another in coalitions and networks. The Panel supports The Arkansas Citizens First Congress, a statewide, multi-issue and non-partisan coalition of over 40 community organizations who work together to win progressive changes in state policy.
This position will report to the lead Education Organizer and has the following objectives:
Develop sustainable infrastructure:
Build participation and collaboration within different statewide coalitions focused on education reform
Assist statewide education coalition in developing strategic plans and provide support for implementing plans
Reach out to coalition members to learn more about their concerns and advocate for education issues at the local, regional and statewide levels
Inform and educate coalition members about relevant education issues
Assist with meeting preparations, scheduling, coordinating activities and events, travel arrangements and general coordination of the outreach work plan.
Increase group and leader skills and capacity
Assist Organizing Team in planning and implementing strategic plans for local education community groups
BuildingNetworks and Coalitions:
Maintain regular contact with coalition groups and provide appropriate support for group activities
Strengthen communication, participation, and collaboration among existing coalition groups in the Citizens First Congress and Panel network
Assist in planning and implementation of annual statewide education conference
Other:
Assist with fundraising for projects as required
Perform other duties as assigned by the Organizing Director and Executive Director
Required experience and skills:
Some experience in community organizing is helpful, team building and group dynamics
Openness to learning new strategies
Strong written and verbal communication
Work well with people in various community, institutional and governmental organizations
Cultural competency to work with residents from diverse backgrounds across boundaries of class, race and issue
Able to work 40+ hours / week and flexible schedule that includes nights and weekends
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
Work well in a team-oriented environment and maintain harmonious relationships
Some knowledge of the Arkansas political and policy process
Education policy experience
Strong computer skills
Reliable transportation and willingness to travel statewide
English and Spanish proficiency a plus
Personal Qualifications:
Commitment to developing leaders and coalition building
Strong commitment to social change through community empowerment
Compensation and benefits:
Please note that this is an Americorps VISTA position. In return for a year of full-time service, members will receive:
A $5,350 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or $1,500 post-service cash stipend
Modest living allowance
Healthcare benefits while in service
Childcare assistance while in service
Student loan forbearance or deferment while in service
One year of noncompetitive status for a federal government job
Access to the network of VISTA & VISTA alumni (170,000 strong)
For more information, please visit http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp
Our Values:Socialand economic justice is our highest value. This value is advanced throughrespect for human dignity; embracing diversity and inclusiveness; empowerment;and a political process that is inclusive, fair and transparent.
Our Mission:Arkansas Public Policy Panel is a statewide organization organizing citizengroups around the state, educating and supporting them to be more effective andpowerful, and linking them with one another in coalitions and networks. The Panel seeks to bring balance to thepublic policy process in Arkansas.
Our Operating Principals: High performance; collaboration and teamwork; recognitionand reward; mutual respect; confronting oppression through alternative models; supportiveof professional and personal development; personal responsibility and mutualaccountability; creating a learning organization; fostering personal andorganizational health; and creativity.