Happy 2010! Thank you everyone for your support in December during the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit; the global effort displayed was truly inspiring (check out photos of the SF Day of Action here). While the outcome may not have been ideal, it was an important start to bigger change down the road. Stay tuned as there will be many updates and activities ahead as we continue to campaign for comprehensive national legislation and an ambitious, fair and binding global treaty at the Cancun climate summit in December 2010! In other news...recruiting has commenced for new Action Corps organizers for 2010! This year’s recruitment is about finding and engaging several people who can fill out our local leadership team. A team structure will allow more sustained efforts and bring distinct strengths to the table. Applications accepted through Feb. 15 at www.oxfamactioncorps.org.
As a refresher, the Oxfam Action Corps is:
- a unique program that joins principles of local community organizing to the purpose of eradicating global poverty. Organizing is bringing people together around a shared purpose to make political change. The Action Corps is a learning experience in which volunteers become skilled organizers, communities become powerful advocates for the rights of the poor and vulnerable, and we all change our world for the better.- a local effort that is an important part of Oxfam’s national campaign strategy, which takes place in over a dozen cities across America. As such, regular communication, coordination, and training and support between volunteer organizers and staff are essential to its success.
AND,
- Oxfam America staff provide a national plan of action for the year including objectives, priority members of Congress, key moments, activities and organizing tools. Within this, Action Corps organizers have flexibility to create plans and actions that are inspiring and effective locally. This year we will continue to campaign on climate change and adaptation financing for poor and vulnerable communities. Possible Senate action, mid-term elections, and lead-up to COP16 in Mexico make for a very interesting year ahead!
Your role as an Oxfam Action Corps organizer would involve:
- being committed to the success of local efforts. In turn, Oxfam America is committed to providing you organizing tools, policy updates, and ongoing guidance and support. It’s a learning experience, so please expect coaching and candid feedback.- being part of a group of 5 or more organizers forming a local leadership team. While sharing overall responsibility, you each also take on a specific role suited to your skills and availability. Roles include tracking policy developments in detail and leading lobby delegations; leading outreach at public events like concerts and conferences; reaching out to community organizations; gathering volunteers for regular planning sessions; updating your blog and email announcements; etc.
What’s in it for you?
–Making a difference through advocating for millions of people in poverty
–Developing leadership, organizing, and communication skills and experience
–Being closer to Oxfam’s work and staff
–Issue expertise on poverty and climate change
–Better understanding of policy-making at the national and international level
–A greater community of like-minded individuals
–Personal fulfillment/satisfaction
–Helping build a unique program and learning experience!
Those interested in being organizers for the full year should apply at www.oxfamactioncorps.org by February 15th. If accepted, there is a chance you may be selected for Oxfam's annual training and lobby visits in Washington D.C! Those interested in occasional volunteering should also sign up.
That's the end of the wrap for our recruitment. Please also note we have an Editors concert on Monday, February 8th at the Warfield, SF that we need 4 volunteers for (one person should have prior tabling experience), so please email us back ASAP at oxfam.sf@gmail.com if you're interested. Should be a rockin' show!
And, lastly, stay tuned for details about March Action Week, where we'll be celebrating International Women's Day and our Sisters on the Planet, with your help!
