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Blocks Together is currently accepting applications for the following positions:


Youth Organizer at Blocks Together

Blocks Together (BT) is a grassroots, direct-action community
organization made up of residents in the W. Humboldt and N.
Garfield Park communities on the west side of Chicago. BT’s vision
for social justice directs the organization’s development and
implementation of issue campaigns in the areas of education,
housing, and the rights of women, youth and the formerly
incarcerated. Our approach to leadership development balances
traditional skill-based organizing trainings with political education,
providing a foundation for members to understand, analyze, and
confront the structures of power that impact their lives.

Position Description:
Blocks Together is hiring a full-time Youth Organizer to work with
youth (ages 13-18) planning, developing and implementing
organizing campaigns. This Organizer will be responsible for working
with students fighting for greater accountability regarding the
Chicago Public School (CPS) turnaround plan imposed on the Orr
High School campus. The Youth Organizer will also be continuing
our Graduate Don’t Incarcerate campaign, combating the punitive
“zero tolerance” discipline policies in CPS. The Organizer is also
responsible for developing the leadership of young women through
our girl’s group, Young Women in Control.

Responsibilities:
*Develop and advance campaign strategy with members, including
research and media outreach
*Develop and execute plan to identify and recruit new youth
members
*Establish and nurture relationships with youth and their support
networks
*Design curriculum, implement and facilitate leadership development
through training, political education, and community action research
*Document and critically evaluate work with members and staff
*Participate in strategic development and visioning of the youth
organizing work
*Represent the organization in a variety of capacities, including
alliance building and coalition work
*Prepare progress reports of activities
*Participate in grassroots fundraising activities
*Support staff in campaign work, as needed

Qualifications:
*Investment in exploring direct action organizing as a key strategy
*Demonstrated commitment to social justice, gender justice and
youth self-determination
*Experience working with youth and young women of color
*Commitment to building an internal organizational structure that
reflects BT’s social justice politics
*Commitment to BT’s strategies of community organizing, popular
education, leadership development, community building and
movement building
*Ability to work with a current multi-racial staff of women
*Strong initiative, self-motivated, ability to work under pressure and
with a team
*Strong written and oral communication skills
*Computer literacy including Microsoft Office, desktop publishing
and database experience desirable
*Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
*Driver’s license and transportation required, with insurance
*Fluent Spanish writing and speaking skills strongly preferred

Salary and Benefits:
Salary depends on experience. Benefits include generous vacation,
compensation, full medical and dental, and pension plan.

Application Process:
We are taking applications until the position is filled. Please send a
resume, cover letter and 3 references to Blocks Together, attention
Irene Juaniza (773) 276-2194, email: blockstogether@riseup.net or
mail: 3453 W. North Ave., Chicago IL 60647.

Blocks Together is an equal opportunity employer. People of color,
women, immigrants, and lesbians/gay/bisexual/transgendered people
are encouraged to apply.