Temporary Canvasser

Overview

The work of Detroit People’s Platform (detroitpeoplesplatform.org)is guided by a commitment to organizing residents to be leaders in addressing inequality in Detroit, the nation’s largest majority-Black city. DPP is committed to working across the city’s seven council districts and across organizational boundaries in order to achieve change locally, across the Southeast Michigan region, and statewide. Detroit People’s Platform has a track record of working with a variety of coalition partners to win policy changes that benefit Detroiters. DPP organized bus riders to lead successful campaigns to restore critical bus service connecting Detroiters to key jobs and institutions. DPP was also a key player in citywide campaigns for community benefit agreements, leading to Detroit becoming the first city in the nation to establish an ordinance requiring developers to engage in a CBA process.

Detroit People’s Platform is fiscally sponsored by TSNE (tsne.org).

Responsibilities

We are seeking a part-time temporary Canvasser who will join our organizing team. This position will be responsible for conducting educational research and public information activities to inform Detroiters about federal resources and potential local ordinances and policies that affect zero-emission and accessible paratransit for Detroiters. This position will conduct research, build public pressure, and educate key decision makers and administrative personnel, and develop educational materials for paratransit riders. The part-time temporary Canvassers will document contact with residents, local government, research time and will play an important role in supporting the work of developing community organizing tactics and strategies to positively impact disabled paratransit Detroiters.Learning from DPP’s staff of organizers with a track record of campaign wins and grassroots organizing, the part time Canvasser will have the following primary responsibilities:• Research federal funding resources for paratransit zero-emission conversion. Research current fleet, number of rides provided each month. • Build public pressure via public comment and engage with policy makers and educate on the need for the zero emissions transition. • Conduct best practice research, canvass outreach, and public education to inform an awareness campaign with paratransit and essential riders in accessible formats; advocate for public fleet conversion with zero-emissions utilizing various media and public education platforms, in-person and  virtually.• Engage residents in dialogue, provide information, conduct follow-up contacts, and link Detroiters to DPP’s ongoing transit justice community organizing efforts

Qualifications

We will consider candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

• Basic computer literacy (typing ability, familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel, etc.).• Experience in canvassing and/or community organizing with neighborhood residents.• Commitment to principles of equity and racial justice.• Good communication skills (in-person, by phone, and written).• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Physical Demands/Work EnvironmentThe physical demands described for this position are those of a typical office environment. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to:• Talk, hear and see in the normal range with or without correction;• Use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;• Move, traverse; sit (usually for longer periods of time); Reach with hands and arms; occasionally ascend/descend, and position self (to), move;• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate;• Job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards;• Likelihood of personal injury would be relatively slight;• Environmental and work hazards are not present to a measurable degree.

Location: Detroit, MISchedule: Variable schedule including weekdays, evenings, and weekends up to 10 hours per week

TSNE strives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All employment conditions are based on an individual’s performance and job qualifications. TSNE/Detroit People’s Platform prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class protections under the law or lack thereof, TSNE/ Detroit People’s Platform celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.

TSNE/Detroit People’s Platform EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.