More Than Words, Inc.
Advocacy Coordinator
More Than Words, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
More Than Words (MTW) seeks an Advocacy Coordinator to work with the Associate Director of Government Relations & Policy in organizing and advancing the MTW policy agenda and facilitating ongoing opportunities through Power is Yours for current youth and grads/alumni to participate in advocacy around issues that impact their lives, especially related to the Criminal Justice system and Child Welfare system. This position will work on access, equity, transparency, and centering youth voice in policy and decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and Advance MTW Youth Advocacy Agenda:
Engage Stakeholders:
Support the Associate Director in building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and community leaders through calls, emails, meetings, and presentations.
Example: Assist in drafting outreach scripts on key issues like juvenile justice reform, DCF transition plans, and youth homelessness.
Represent MTW:
Attend coalition and community meetings to advocate for MTW’s priorities, representing the organization’s perspective.
Example: Advocate for increased diversion programs at local coalition meetings.
Organize Documentation:
Manage and organize detailed records of policy work using tools like Trello, Salesforce, and email.
Example: Take meeting notes and track follow-up tasks for ongoing advocacy efforts.
Create Project Plans:
Assist in developing and managing project plans to achieve advocacy goals.
Example: Support the planning of a campaign to raise awareness about youth homelessness, ensuring key steps and deadlines are met.
Social Media Engagement:
Work with the Associate Director to identify and create content that highlights MTW’s policy work on social media.
Example: Collaborate on a video campaign that showcases efforts to support youth in the juvenile justice system.
Engage Youth in Advocacy Work:
Support Youth Participation:
Encourage and mentor youth in advocacy activities, providing guidance and support.
Example: Organize workshops that teach youth how to write effective emails to legislators.
Education and Workshops:
Assist in conducting presentations and workshops focused on Youth Development and advocacy.
Example: Co-lead a session on the importance of civic engagement for young people.
On-Site Advocacy Shifts:
Facilitate and support youth participation in on-site advocacy efforts.
Example: Guide youth in drafting emails and creating social media posts during advocacy shifts.
Event Planning:
Assist in organizing MTW-sponsored events such as speaker series and debates.
Example: Help plan a speaker event with local politicians to discuss emerging justice reform issues.
Community Meetings:
Accompany and support youth in attending off-site coalition and community meetings.
Example: Prepare and mentor youth for participation in community discussions on youth homelessness.
PIY Sessions:
Lead and participate in Power Is Yours (PIY) Zoom sessions focused on advocacy.
Example: Conduct a session on crafting persuasive social media messages for advocacy campaigns.
OUTLINES OF THE POSITION
The schedule for this position is flexible but may include some nights or weekends based on Advocacy events and activities.
This position offers $22.00 per hour, with a maximum of 29 hours per week.
The Advocacy Coordinator will report directly to the Associate Director of Government Relations & Policy.
This is a 6-month position, with the potential to renew after evaluating at the end of the 6-month period.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
You must have a GED or High School Diploma.
You must be consistently moving towards educational outcomes.
You must have transitioned from MTW at least 2 years prior to apply for this position.
You must be at least 21 years of age.
Candidate must be able to regularly lift boxes weighing approximately 25 lbs.
You must be able to follow through on commitments.
Covid-19 vaccination and booster required.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS
This role is vital in ensuring that MTW’s policy agenda is advanced effectively while providing robust support to both the Associate Director and the youth engaged in advocacy work.
This position requires strong written and communication skills and an ability to be detail-oriented and organized. An ideal candidate will be comfortable voicing up, asking hard questions, and challenging the status quo.
Background Checks
More Than Words requires all staff, service members, volunteers, board members, and youth over 18 years of age to undergo background checks. More Than Words is a CORI friendly organization and reviews CORIs on a case-by-case basis.
MTW EEO Statement
MTW is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces and encourages applicants of every background. The organization's policy regarding equal employment opportunity means that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, benefits, wage and salary administration, scheduling, disciplinary action, and termination will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to HR@MTWyouth.org.
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Key Responsibilities
Develop and Advance MTW Youth Advocacy Agenda:
Engage Stakeholders:
Support the Associate Director in building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and community leaders through calls, emails, meetings, and presentations.
Example: Assist in drafting outreach scripts on key issues like juvenile justice reform, DCF transition plans, and youth homelessness.
Represent MTW:
Attend coalition and community meetings to advocate for MTW’s priorities, representing the organization’s perspective.
Example: Advocate for increased diversion programs at local coalition meetings.
Organize Documentation:
Manage and organize detailed records of policy work using tools like Trello, Salesforce, and email.
Example: Take meeting notes and track follow-up tasks for ongoing advocacy efforts.
Create Project Plans:
Assist in developing and managing project plans to achieve advocacy goals.
Example: Support the planning of a campaign to raise awareness about youth homelessness, ensuring key steps and deadlines are met.
Social Media Engagement:
Work with the Associate Director to identify and create content that highlights MTW’s policy work on social media.
Example: Collaborate on a video campaign that showcases efforts to support youth in the juvenile justice system.
Engage Youth in Advocacy Work:
Support Youth Participation:
Encourage and mentor youth in advocacy activities, providing guidance and support.
Example: Organize workshops that teach youth how to write effective emails to legislators.
Education and Workshops:
Assist in conducting presentations and workshops focused on Youth Development and advocacy.
Example: Co-lead a session on the importance of civic engagement for young people.
On-Site Advocacy Shifts:
Facilitate and support youth participation in on-site advocacy efforts.
Example: Guide youth in drafting emails and creating social media posts during advocacy shifts.
Event Planning:
Assist in organizing MTW-sponsored events such as speaker series and debates.
Example: Help plan a speaker event with local politicians to discuss emerging justice reform issues.
Community Meetings:
Accompany and support youth in attending off-site coalition and community meetings.
Example: Prepare and mentor youth for participation in community discussions on youth homelessness.
PIY Sessions:
Lead and participate in Power Is Yours (PIY) Zoom sessions focused on advocacy.
Example: Conduct a session on crafting persuasive social media messages for advocacy campaigns.
OUTLINES OF THE POSITION
The schedule for this position is flexible but may include some nights or weekends based on Advocacy events and activities.
This position offers $22.00 per hour, with a maximum of 29 hours per week.
The Advocacy Coordinator will report directly to the Associate Director of Government Relations & Policy.
This is a 6-month position, with the potential to renew after evaluating at the end of the 6-month period.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
You must have a GED or High School Diploma.
You must be consistently moving towards educational outcomes.
You must have transitioned from MTW at least 2 years prior to apply for this position.
You must be at least 21 years of age.
Candidate must be able to regularly lift boxes weighing approximately 25 lbs.
You must be able to follow through on commitments.
Covid-19 vaccination and booster required.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS
This role is vital in ensuring that MTW’s policy agenda is advanced effectively while providing robust support to both the Associate Director and the youth engaged in advocacy work.
This position requires strong written and communication skills and an ability to be detail-oriented and organized. An ideal candidate will be comfortable voicing up, asking hard questions, and challenging the status quo.
Background Checks
More Than Words requires all staff, service members, volunteers, board members, and youth over 18 years of age to undergo background checks. More Than Words is a CORI friendly organization and reviews CORIs on a case-by-case basis.
MTW EEO Statement
MTW is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces and encourages applicants of every background. The organization's policy regarding equal employment opportunity means that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, benefits, wage and salary administration, scheduling, disciplinary action, and termination will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to HR@MTWyouth.org.
#J-18808-Ljbffr