You want to work on the environment, not other issues: You believe that environmental threats affect us all and having clean air, clean water, and healthy parks and forests is something everybody can get behind.
You believe that the most consequential change often happens locally and is driven by everyday people. Environmental threats exist in communities of all kinds across the country. Taking on landfill operators or pipeline builders is not easy, but when community members are given the necessary training and resources, they can work together to be successful and win. Since 1987, our team has worked with volunteer groups in more than 1,000 communities and provided training and other resources to help over 20,000 local activists across the country take on polluters and win.
You’re excited to focus on organizing, not other strategies: You know that it takes people power to stand up to special interests and entrenched government officials. You’re excited to help everyday people build their power one person at a time. You’re eager to help community members recruit and train volunteers and leaders, whether that means going door to door to build support for a community plan to clean up PFAS in their water or calling their neighbors to turn out at a hearing on a new pipeline.
You understand that organizing means focusing on training, not doing the work for people. You recognize that training and strategic advice are often the most valuable resources people can offer to community members who want to make a difference. Community members may not know how to organize a community group, put together a winning action plan, find the data and information to back up their case, work with the media, or raise money. As an organizer, you’ll offer people who have the will, but not yet the means, the tools and training necessary to win their campaigns. We are a training center, not an advocacy group.
You want to help local leaders learn to build and sustain their own local groups that can operate long term. You understand that once a community group is established, you can turn to the next community or person who needs our help. That’s how we help people build a movement.
You’re excited to work with everyone. As an organizer, you’re ready to work with anyone in any community. If people want to solve environmental problems in their communities, we’re here to help.
You’re ready to work hard and be flexible. There’s always one more person to talk to, one more training to run, one more call to make, so we can help more people protect the environment. Good organizers can lead by example, helping community members step out of their comfort zones. Organizers also work around community members’ schedules – which often means meeting with people and doing events at night and on the weekends.
You don’t need to be in the spotlight. You’re looking to make a difference, not be on the front page. Community Action Works supports local people and their groups in their efforts, so you won’t be the one in the spotlight running the coalition or advocating at the state capital. You’ll be the one in the background, training the volunteer community leaders and cheering them on as they move their community to zero waste or protect their area’s waterways.
You appreciate efficiency, especially with other people’s money. You want to achieve the most change possible with each dollar in our budget. You respect that fundraising takes work, and want to deliver on what we promised the donors and foundations that support our work. You also understand that non-profit work doesn’t entitle anyone to for-profit pay.
You are excited to be part of a large network of organizations to share best practices and get strategic advice. You’re eager to work closely with groups that are part of The Public Interest Network, including PIRG and Environment America.
