The U.S. has more problems than we should tolerate, and more solutions than we use. To change this equation, we need more people to participate in public life—to get informed and get active on the issues that affect our lives. This need is especially acute on college campuses, where training students to become effective citizens should become a core part of every curriculum. That’s where the Student PIRGs campus field organizers come in. By working with the top student leaders on the most influential campuses across the country, organizers are able to make an impact on a number of issues with hundreds of students from protecting the environment, to fighting hunger and homelessness and increasing the youth voter turnout. The Campus Field organizer will work with students across their region to make an impact on issues while training the next generation of leaders. Throughout our country’s history, students have been at the forefront of nearly every social movement and field organizers ensure that legacy continues. For more information about the Student PIRGs visit www.studentpirgs.org.

Run public interest campaigns. Field Organizers will lead a variety of public interest campaigns on campuses across the state giving student leaders an opportunity to solve pressing social problems. Among the many recent examples are: student leaders at the University of New Hampshire researched and released a report documenting the impact that deep student debt has on college students. Their report garnered dozens of media hits and hundreds of student actions. One of the leading campaigns the Field Organizers will work on this year is turning youth out to the polls. Already in this year’s Presidential primary contests, young voters have been turning out in record numbers. Thanks work of Field Organizers, youth voter turnout more than tripled in the Iowa caucuses, and increased by 25 percent in New Hampshire, with 53,000 more 18-29 year olds voting than did in 2004. These historic increases echo the surge in youth voter turnout in the last three election cycles. In order to boost the level of engagement of young people, the Student PIRGs plan to run a major nonpartisan youth voter turnout effort in the 2008 Presidential election.

Educate students and train new leaders. Field Organizers will develop trainings and internship programs to teach campaign skills and instill the campus community with the desire and know-how to make a difference on the issues they care about. The organizer will also oversee an internship program through on their top campuses which allows the best student leaders in the region to earn academic course credit for making a difference. The organizer will travel to campuses around their region or state each week to run trainings and to meet with students. For example, Field Organizers will recruit and train volunteers to run a non-partisan voter registration and turnout campaign in the campus community. They will also train student volunteers and interns to build a diverse, invested coalition of organizations and people, such as the student government, college president, College Republicans, College Democrats and others, to boost youth voter turnout.

Create and build organizations. As a core part of the position, Field Organizers will work with student leaders to launch new campaigns and build new PIRG chapters. This past year, field organizers and students started new organizations in New Hampshire, Maine, Arizona, and California. These organizations give students the structure, staff attention, and resources they need to run campaigns that will make a difference for years to come. In addition to their field work, during the academic year, Field Organizers learn to canvass and during the summer months, organizers run citizen outreach campaigns.

Training

A key part of the student PIRGs’ mission is to train leaders who are capable of designing and winning campaigns—from passing clean air protections to toughening campaign finance laws.

The student PIRGs conduct an intensive, three-week, paid training program for Campus Field Organizers. Training begins in July 31 and includes two weeks of campaign work and field work, followed by one week of classroom training.

Field Organizers also participate in other training events, including regional conferences, and a national staff training in Denver, Colorado.

Qualifications

We are looking for motivated individuals who are willing to work hard and commit themselves to getting results. We value experience with campus groups or student government, academic achievement, public interest commitment, and outstanding verbal, written and leadership skills. But most of all, we look for people who find a way to make a difference.

Salary & Benefits

As a recent graduate, you will earn $23,750 in your first year with the state PIRGs. Salary for experienced candidates is commensurate with relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees. You will be eligible to opt in to our group health plan, will accrue two weeks paid vacation and will be eligible to apply for college loan assistance.

Location(s)
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, IA, MA, MD, NC, NJ, OH, PA, WA, SC, NM, OR, VA, WI

Application
If you’re tired of just talking about change and you want to make a difference, email a resume and cover letter to Leigh-Anne Cole. We'll carefully consider your application and if we think you may be a good fit, we'll be in touch.

Questions

Please contact Leigh-Anne Cole in our Boston Office with any questions: e-mail her at lcole@studentpirgs.org or call (617)747-4381.

Application Deadline
February 15th.