About Young Invincibles:
Young Invincibles is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to engage young adults ages 18 to 34 in the political process and expand economic opportunity for our generation. Founded by and for young adults in the summer of 2009 during the debate over health care reform, YI has quickly grown into a leading voice for young people on the broader spectrum of economic justice, with a focus in the issue areas of health care, higher education, and economic security. The organization has achieved major successes in areas ranging from the regulation of college health plans to Pell grants, and has successfully engaged hundreds of thousands of young adults online, through a network of over 100 partner organizations.
Young Advocates Program Description
Young Invincibles (“YI”) is accepting applications for our 2021 Young Advocates program. The Young Advocates program is a unique, paid leadership development program that trains young adults ages 18-34 to strengthen their voices across our issue areas while developing skills and gaining experience in the core functions of advocacy and policy work. Advocates build power among young adults to effect positive change in their communities through on-the-ground organizing, such as planning state and local events to educate and facilitate discussions on pressing issues affecting young people.
Advocates will work closely with our YI South team to engage their communities around behavioral health initiatives, affordable higher education and expanding economic opportunity for young Texans. In addition to working in small teams to create and implement campaigns, participants will work closely with our policy and research teams to develop and propose solutions and will also work with our communications team to amplify stories and messages. Advocates will also receive training and hands-on experience in a variety of advocacy tools; and connect with local partners and campaigns working on the issues they care about.
This is a great opportunity to develop skills and experience in the core functions of advocacy and public policy work. We are seeking applicants who have a passion for YI’s mission and who are interested in building power among young adults to effect positive change. If you are a young adult who lives in the Houston or Austin metro areas and you’re interested in becoming more civically engaged, we invite you to apply.
Position Overview
Orientation is Saturday and Sunday February 5-6. Advocates will meet on Fridays from February 12 – May 14, 2021 from 12-4pm CST during the spring. Meetings and activities take place virtually over Zoom for the duration of the Spring program.
At the weekly meetings, Advocates will receive training on community organizing, policy advocacy, and strategic communications skills. In addition, each participant will be asked to 1) conduct background research, 2) organize a campus or community event, 3) advocate for state -level policy changes. 4) Collect stories from their peers. These activities will be done outside the weekly training hours.
Compensation
Young Advocates will be paid a rate of $15.00 per hour/10hrs per week for training and work on group projects over the course of the program.
Position reports to: Malcolm Sullivan malcolm.sullivan@younginvincibles.org
Principal Responsibilities:
Advocates will attend routine meetings and receive training on community organizing, policy advocacy, and strategic communications skills. In addition, each participant will help create and execute campaign plans. Participants will also be asked to:
- Conduct background research
- Organize a virtual campus or community event
- Advocate for institution-level & state-wide policy changes
- Participate in stakeholder meetings with decision makers.
- Complete administrative duties such as personal timesheets.
- Engage in lobbying activities as directed by supervisor (if applicable)
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate
- Must show willingness and ability to work independently and as a member of a team
- Must have the ability to work in a professional environment and show maturity in the workplace
- Must actively participate in the community
- Must be creative, have initiative and able to work in a fast-paced environment
- A college degree or current college enrollment are not required to participate.
For further information, contact Malcolm Sullivan, YI’s Southern Organizing Manager at malcolm.sullivan@younginvincibles.org
Requirements for Program Participation
1. Attend advocates virtual orientation February 5-6, 2021.
2. Attend training every Friday beginning February 12 and ending May 14. Trainings are held from 12-4 pm.
3. Complete assignments and conduct events as assigned.
4. Application closes on December 24. Interviews are done on a rolling basis. We will reach out for virtual interviews with selected candidates in January. All applicants will be notified of application status on January 15.
How to Apply:
Complete the application form at the link below:
