CENTRAL VALLEY REGIONAL ORGANIZER Application Deadline: August 2, 2012 Inquirieswillbeacceptedafterthedeadlineuntilpositionisfilled.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California (ACLU-NC) seeks applicants for a Central Valley Regional Organizer (CVRO) to be based in the ACLU Fresno Office. The CVRO will focus on school reform, college campus organizing, and community education. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Opportunity: This position provides a unique opportunity for candidates who are passionate about civil rights and civil liberties, and have experience working with young people and in diverse communities. As the largest regional affiliate of the ACLU, the ACLU-NC has legislative, legal, policy, organizing, communications, youth activist and development departments, and uses these combined resources in pursuit of its strategic objectives. The Schools for All Campaign works to ensure that all children attend schools that are inclusive, respectful, and welcoming -- schools that do not give up on students but rather strive to foster the potential of every child. In California and throughout the nation, students are being subjected to bias, harassment, and discrimination. The failure to address these experiences is leading to a dangerous trend: youths stop engaging, misbehave, are disproportionally disciplined, and, ultimately, become so alienated that they choose to leave school or are forced out. The CVRO would play in integral role in this campaign. To engage young leaders in the ACLU, we are building a vibrant Campus Network program across the state to develop and sustain mutually-beneficial relationships with campus organizations that work for civil rights and social justice. The CVRO will play a significant role in organizing students on the major CSU and UC campuses in the Valley, connecting them to ACLU programming and supporting their work. Educating impacted communities about their rights at school, when interacting with law enforcement, and when exercising their First Amendment rights to protest is an important service that we offer which also helps to build our activist and membership base. The CVRO will devote time to giving Know Your Rights workshops and developing volunteer leaders to also give trainings.

About the Job: This position is based in Fresno, CA, and includes regular travel throughout San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Fresno, and Tulare Counties.

It is full-time, exempt, and time-limited for one year from the start date with the possibility of being extended. For the first two weeks of training, the CVRO will need to work out of the San Francisco office. Thereafter, the CVRO will be expected to travel to San Francisco 1-2 times per month.

Key Job Responsibilities Build activist and membership base for ACLU on university and community college campuses in the region and help plan young adult engagement activities. Lead issue briefings, Know Your Rights trainings and community education workshops on topics including immigrant rights, student rights, and interacting with law enforcement. Develop strategic partnerships with community-based organizations working in the diverse communities of the region, including youth-serving organizations. Manage local advocacy efforts for school reform in conjunction with community groups and activists, including coordinating a local advisory council. Review and respond to correspondence, including California Public Records Act requests. Conduct basic research, policy review, and data analysis related to school policies and practices. Prepare position letters, policy papers, activist materials and other written materials. Connect people in the Valley to ACLU issues, programs, and resources. Participate in outreach for annual Conference & Lobby Day in Sacramento. Attend ACLU of Northern California Central Valley chapters major meetings and events whenever feasible and provide regular updates.

Qualifications: At least two years of relevant policy advocacy or organizing experience, which could include college campus organizing. Excellent communications skills, both written and oral. Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to analyze and articulate legal concepts and other complex issues and communicate them to a variety of audiences. Demonstrated ability to work independently. Personal enthusiasm, optimism, and a sense of humor. Availability to work evenings and weekends. Flexibility for travel, including regular travel to assigned communities and to the San Francisco ACLU office. Ability to work long, irregular hours. Demonstrated commitment to civil liberties and civil rights and support for the goals of the ACLU. Bilingual Spanish skills strongly preferred. Experience working in political, legislative, or ballot initiative campaigns.

Compensation:

Salary based on experience. Excellent benefits include four weeks paid vacation; medical, vision and dental insurance for staff members and their dependents and spouses/ domestic partners; life and longterm disability insurance; defined contribution plan with employer match; and thirteen paid holidays. To Apply: Applicants should mail a resume and cover letter describing the applicants interest in this specific position to the attention of Central Valley Regional Organizer Position, ACLU of Northern California, 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco, CA 94111 or e-mail to HR-Admin05@aclunc.org. About the ACLU of Northern California: The ACLU is a nationwide, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the defense and expansion of civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU of Northern California (ACLU-NC) was founded in 1934. It is the largest ACLU affiliate in the nation, with over 50,000 members, 18 all-volunteer chapters and a staff of approximately 50, including a legislative office in Sacramento.