Environmental Justice Organizer

Company Description

Clean Water Action is a non-profit organization with 160,000 members in Michigan working to empower people to take action to protect America's waters, build healthy communities and to make democracy work for all of us. For 50 years Clean Water Action has succeeded in winning some of the nation's most important environmental protections through grassroots organizing, expert policy research and political advocacy focused on holding elected officials accountable to the public.

Job Description

Clean Water Action focuses on campaigns related to water access, water quality, and environmental justice. Our recent victories include increasing Michigan's renewable energy goals, passing a drinking water standard for PFAs in Michigan, and funding lead pipe replacement in the city of Flint.

Our current work is focused on water affordability. Despite the fact that we are surrounded by over 20% of the world’s fresh water here in Michigan, many Michigan families have unaffordable residential water rates. Over the last 40 years, residential water service rates in Michigan have nearly doubled when adjusted for inflation. As a result, current estimates show that nearly 1 in 10 Michigan families struggle with water insecurity. We firmly believe that access to clean, safe, affordable water is a human right, but water utilities in Michigan regularly shut off access for residents who can’t afford to pay these unaffordable bills. We’re working with the grassroots activists who have been leading the fight for water affordability for decades and are calling on the Michigan legislature to pass laws immediately that will protect Michigan families from having their water shut off due to an inability to pay unaffordable bills. The package of bills we’re pushing for would establish a framework for utilities around the state to charge an affordable rate for water, based on household income. 

As part of our staff, you would organize communities around these vital issues. Responsibilities include one-on-one communication, education, fundraising, dispersing information, volunteer recruitment, and good record keeping.

We look for candidates who have strong oral and written communication skills, and who possess good attention to detail. Candidates are expected to possess cultural competence and a commitment to racial justice and equity. Candidates should have an interest in environmental or social justice issues, non-profit work, or politics. We encourage applicants from all major backgrounds to apply, but this position is an especially good fit for candidates with a background in Social Work, Sociology, Communications, Political Science, Public Health, or Environmental Studies. We do provide extensive training on the job responsibilities and on the issues we cover. Multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged.

The hours for the work are from 2pm to 10:30pm, Monday through Friday, in East Lansing. Pay is $16-$20 per hour. We are currently interviewing for full time and part-time positions starting immediately. We provide a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance, and 401k; opportunities for travel within Michigan and throughout the US; and the potential for long term growth within the organization.

* Unfortunately, we do not provide any housing assistance.  Please only apply if you have a specific plans to be located in East Lansing, MI. If you don't already have plans to be in East Lansing, please consider applying for our position listed in a region that is closer to your home or school base. *

As an equal opportunity employer, Clean Water Action is dedicated to non-discrimination in every aspect of employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other ground prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. This equal opportunity policy applies to veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. This policy covers all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, terminations, pay, and the work environment.

Qualifications

We look for candidates who have strong oral and written communication skills, and who possess good attention to detail. Candidates are expected to possess cultural competence and a commitment to racial justice and equity. Candidates should have an interest in environmental or social justice issues, non-profit work, or politics. We encourage applicants from all major backgrounds to apply, but this position is an especially good fit for candidates with a background in Social Work, Sociology, Communications, Political Science, Public Health, or Environmental Studies. We do provide extensive training on the job responsibilities and on the issues we cover. Multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.