Leadership opportunity: join the Oxfam Action Corps! Organize in Des Moines to end global hunger

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Be an Oxfam Action Corps Organizer

Who

Oxfam America seeks qualified individuals for volunteer leadership positions in a grassroots advocacy and organizing project, the Oxfam Action Corps. The Oxfam Action Corps is a nonpartisan volunteer initiative whose purpose is to inform, inspire, and mobilize public support for policies to end hunger, poverty, and social injustice in the US and globally. It is comprised of groups of dedicated volunteers based in 16 US cities who campaign with Oxfam, and build a constituency to defend the interests of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. Oxfam Action Corps volunteers lead a charge to improve national legislation and business practices, and deepen community resources. We’re teaming up with Oxfam on its campaigns for justice for small farmers, women, and poor communities.

Each city has many local leadership opportunities for those interested in attending our online and local trainings, but the most significant positions are our two trained Lead Organizers. Lead Organizers are trained volunteers who coordinate activities as well as recruit, welcome and orient volunteers throughout the year. From Friday, April 24 - Tuesday, April 28 we will hold a leadership training for the people who will serve as the city's lead organizers for the coming year. Lead organizers receive continuing support from Oxfam, including campaign materials, strategy tips, and advice on community organizing. Trained organizers serve a 14-month term from April through the following June. They can extend their lead organizer role for additional years as well.

In addition, every Action Corps volunteer group has many opportunities to provide leadership--there are coordinator roles for social media, community alliances, policy and advocacy, and public events. Our online spring training and local trainings provide an excellent starting point for all applicants who meet basic standard requirements. Ultimately, however, the proven way to fill a leadership role is through consistent service and quality support as a member of the group.

The responsibilities of a corps Lead Organizer:

• Upon selection, attend the annual leadership training in Washington DC
• Work with other lead organizers and volunteers on a local level
• Help convene activities focused on Oxfam's GROW campaign
• Follow policy developments and messaging
• Update blog, email announcements and social media sites with events and news
• Create plans for local action
• Lead outreach at public events like concerts and conferences
• Build relationships with like-minded organizations
• Gather volunteers for regular planning sessions
• Cultivate leadership in others
• Work within budget to accomplish goals
• Maintain strong, regular communication with Oxfam staff including tracking and reporting on activities

This leadership position is right for you if:

• You believe it's wrong that 1 out of 9 people go hungry in a world that grows enough food for everybody
• You have modest to advanced experience organizing, volunteering, or leading--in other words you have experience bringing people together to tackle a common problem or achieve a common goal
• You are older than 19. If a student you have already completed your undergraduate degree
• You are available Friday - Tuesday, April 24 - 28, 2015
• You can volunteer an average of 8-10 hours per week from April 1, 2015 - June 1, 2016
• You will reside in your city metro area during the entire year
• You want to develop your own ability as an advocate, an activist, or an organizer in your community

Apply online - https://secure2.oxfamamerica.org/page/s/application-oxfam-action-corps-organizer . All applications are due by February 1.