We Are Hiring – Housing Organizer Cohort

Background on Inquilinxs Unidxs por Justicia/United Renters For Justice

United Renters for Justice / InquilinXs UnidXs por Justicia (IX) is an organization founded to build tenant power and change the Minneapolis housing system. We were founded by Latine/x tenants to oppose high rents, bad living conditions, and intimidation by landlords. Our organization has grown into a broad coalition of renters and allies educating for action to challenge the market-based housing system. Our membership is majority Black, Indigenous and People of Color who live on the South and North sides of Minneapolis. We are a people’s movement that is pro-Black, pro-Immigrant, pro Indigenous, pro-LGBTQ+, and pro-Women.

Position Summary

We are seeking 4-5 passionate individuals, who are either English speakers or bilingual in English and Somali, to participate in a 6-month organizing program to support IX members in building a corporate landlord campaign. This opportunity includes an intensive organizing program. This position offers those who are dedicated to social justice and community empowerment, particularly within the realm of housing rights, an opportunity to fight back, build, and grow as an organizer. As radical housing organizers, the cohort will work closely with experienced organizers to learn the ins and outs of grassroots education, organizing, advocacy, and direct action campaigns aimed at addressing housing injustices and fighting for housing rights for all.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in grassroots organizing and make a meaningful impact in the fight for housing justice, while building community with your fellow cohort-mates and IX more broadly. If you are passionate about social change and ready to join a dynamic team of organizers, we encourage you to apply.

This is a Full-Time, temporary staff position, with the potential to be hired into a permanent position at IX after the 6-month intensive program. The position is salaried and organizers will work from both our Northside and Southside offices, with communities in Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs.

Reports to: Director of Organizing

Primary Responsibilities

Essential training duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Core learnings and competencies

Participate in Training Programs: Engage in a comprehensive training program designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a proficient housing organizer. This includes workshops on community organizing, building power, tenant rights, and campaign planning.
Community Outreach and Engagement: Assist in conducting outreach efforts to engage community members, tenants, and other stakeholders. This will involve extensive door-to-door canvassing, organizing community meetings, building relationships with local organizations and allies, and building tenant leaders through strong relationships.
Tenant Education: Offer support and assistance to tenants facing housing challenges, including eviction threats, substandard living conditions, and unfair rent increases. Help tenants understand their rights and connect them with resources and legal assistance when needed.
Support Direct Action Initiatives: Participate in direct action initiatives such as protests, rallies, and demonstrations aimed at raising awareness about housing injustices and pressuring decision-makers to enact positive change and meet tenant demands.
Data Collection: Collect data related to the tenant organizing using Google sheets and Every Action.
Assist in Campaign Development: Collaborate with experienced organizers to research and identify pressing housing issues within the community. Contribute to building the strategy to hold the landlord accountable.

Qualifications:

A competitive candidate will have:

Passion for social justice and commitment to fighting for housing rights.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team setting and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Willingness to learn and take direction from experienced organizers.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Previous experience in community organizing, activism, or related fields is a plus but not required.
Ability to reflect and learn from past experiences
Persistence in solving difficult problems
Familiarity with computers, ability to learn data entry
Ability to work flexible hours, including evening and weekend hours

Experience & Requirements:

Demonstrated commitment and connection to the community
Commitment to stop the displacement of all intentionally marginalized people from Minneapolis and a passion for keeping people housed
Experience working in multiracial and Black communities, and in building solidarity across communities and cultural groups
A strong critique of capitalism.
Commitment to racial justice, liberation, economic and language justice work as an integral part of a multicultural team
Ability to meet people where they’re at, listen, observe, and identify what motivates them
Demonstrated ability to self-direct and manage your own schedule
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Excellent relationship building skills
Ability to work flexible hours, including some evening and weekend hours
Ability to deal with uncertainty and change
A passion and love for building a healthy community
Access to reliable and timely transportation

Other preferred skills:

A car and driver’s license is preferred

Compensation:

This position is salaried at a base rate of $51,000 annually. We provide time off, 11 paid holidays, 2 week-long all-staff breaks, mileage reimbursement, and a commitment to investment in our team’s development and growth. This temporary full time position is not eligible for medical, dental, FSA, or short term disability benefits; however, all benefits will be guaranteed to organizers who are hired as permanent employees after the 6-month training program.

To apply:

To apply, send a reason statement (include why you want to participate in the program, what motivates you to change the system/confront inequity, and what successfully completing the program means to you and your community) and your resume to Samantha Pree-Stinson, HR and Organizational Effectiveness Director. Please submit your reason statement and resume as PDF attachments by May 7th, 2024. Program positions will remain open until filled.

Sam can be reached at: sam@inquilinxsunidxs.org.

IX is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Queer, women, immigrants, folks from working class backgrounds, formerly incarcerated people and other marginalized communities and people.

IXApril 17, 2024