VPIRG Summer Canvasser

Organization Profile: At VPIRG (Vermont Public Interest Research Group), our mission is to promote and protect the health of Vermont’s people, environment, and locally based economy by informing and mobilizing individuals and communities across the state.

Job Overview: In this role, we hope to help students develop crucial fundraising, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills that will help them thrive in the non-profit world and beyond. Within this job you can expect to learn critical skills needed in the organizing and advocacy world, as well as building relationships with established advocates and organizers in the Vermont lawmaking scene. We are based at 294 N. Winooski Ave; this is an in-person position lasting from the month of May to the beginning of August (Start date flexible). The expected working hours are 35-40 hours per week, about 1pm-10pm, four days a week. With some exceptions depending on the campaign’s organizational needs. Compensation starts at $17/per hour – with the potential for promotion when applicable throughout the summer.

Job Description: Organizers should expect to spend most of their time meeting face to face with Vermonters at their doorstep. They will initiate informed conversations revolving around the public interest. Working on a specific campaign to be announced in late spring – looking to gather vocal, financial, and action-oriented support for the work VPIRG does in the state year-round. Days will start with preparatory meetings, after which teams will disperse across the state to meet with Vermonters at the door. Each canvasser will be assigned a daily average quota to help VPIRG meet its financial goals for the summer. Alongside fundraising tasks, each canvasser will spread the message of VPIRG’s campaigns. Acting as a representative of the campaign, canvassers carry the message of VPIRG’s campaigns across the state. Setting the stage for any legislative campaigns that may come after the summer canvass.

Learning Objectives:

• Canvassers will gain experience in fundraising tactics, organizing systems, and grassroots campaigns.
• Canvassers will deploy time management, field organizing, and interpersonal skills.
• Canvassers will use communication to effectively exchange information with people inside and outside of the organization.
• Canvassers will employ critical thinking to equitably engage and include people from varying local and global cultures.

Job Qualifications: This position is open to all kinds of backgrounds and majors! Reliable transportation to and from the office is required. Training will be provided for any applicant who is excited about the course but feels they lack expertise!

You may find this position especially of interest to you if you are currently studying or looking into the fields of: Environmental Health/Sustainability, Political Science, Communications, Education, Business, Finance, Social & Life Sciences, Community Organizing

Helpful skills include empathy, communication skills, ability to multitask, reliability.

Job Benefits:

• 4-day work week!
• $17/hr PLUS bonuses & rewards and/or potential class credit
• Opportunities for advancement/promotion and year-round internship opportunities
• Mentorship from professional organizers and advocates
• Learn about Vermont policy and how to defend the public interest!

VPIRG canvass alumni are now working at The Nature Conservancy, the Vermont House Democrats, Seventh Generation, Ceres, the Office of Bernie Sanders, and much more including holding elected offices or becoming attorneys. Our alumni are across the country and around the world.

Application Procedure: Apply here at the following link: (www.vpirg.org/2025CanvassApp)

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Professional development assistance

Compensation Package:

• Hourly pay

Schedule:

• 4x10
• Afternoon shift
• Evening shift
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17