Organizing Internships

Organizing Internships

Based in Indianapolis, IN

Teamsters Local 135 represents over 12,000 members in over a dozen different divisions throughout Indiana and Illinois.

The Local is working on a long-term campaign targeting a large corporate employer that has had significant negative impacts on both workers and their surrounding communities. We are seeking new Organizers who want to expand their skill set through hands-on worker organizing. This is a full-time position, lasting at least 6 months, based in the Indianapolis area. While organizing experience is certainly welcome, this position is intended to be an on-ramp for newer organizers interested in gaining experience in workplace organizing. We provide training and ongoing support for organizing interns.

Primary responsibilities:

• Leading direct outreach to workers at job sites.
• Building engagement and commitment with worker leaders through organizing committees.
• Planning and carrying out actions and events to support worker organizing efforts.
• Maintaining data tracking systems with regular input of new contacts and member participation into a database.
• Conducting small to large-scale organizing meetings and events to support organizing efforts.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate commitment to social and economic justice.

• Excellent interpersonal, listening, oral, and written communication skills.

• Strong commitment to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

• Willingness to work an unconventional schedule, including night hours.

• Must be able to regularly perform physically demanding tasks.

• Willingness to take initiative and work in a self-directed environment.

• Ability to work well with a team, agitate around key issues, and motivate others to take action.

• Effective communicator and facilitator.

• Ability to work well under pressure and manage time efficiently.

• Understanding of and commitment to a broader working class perspective.

• Language skills in Spanish, French, Arabic, Lingala, Wolof, Amharic, Swahili, Somali, Hindi, Nepali, Chuukese/other Micronesian, Fulani, and/or other languages are optional but encouraged.

• Interviews will be on a rolling basis and the start date is flexible.