DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
Foster Youth in Action (FYA) is seeking a Lead Organizer to coordinate all efforts related to FYA’s national committee, Leaders United. Leaders United (LU) is a body of youth and young adults representing each of the foster youth-led groups in our network. LU works to identify & amplify our network’s national priority issues, raise up local action, and lead FYA’s annual Leaders for Change Conference in Washington, DC. LU Members also receive leadership & professional development training throughout the year.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Lead Organizer will:
- Coordinate bi-monthly Leaders United Leadership and Planning Meetings; including preparing agendas, identifying leadership trainers, & supporting co-facilitation with LU Members and Alumni;
- Provide on-going support and community building opportunities for Leaders United Members and Alumni; including LU Member Outreach, Social Media Engagement, and connecting Leaders United to resources through FYA’s online learning community;
- Provide logistical and planning support for national Leaders for Change Conference, and other youth convenings as directed; and
- In partnership with FYA Director of Programs and other FYA Staff & Trainers, co-facilitate youth leadership trainings and capacity building services as requested by partners.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ideal candidates are those who:
- Uphold FYA’s vision of a just and equitable society;
- Have lived experience in foster care and/or experience with child welfare systems;
- Demonstrate commitment to the philosophy of youth as leaders in deciding and advancing their own priority issues and have a passion for working with young people;
- Have experience with youth organizing; youth development practices, and effective youth civic engagement approaches;
- Strong communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and organizational skills;
- Have experience planning and delivering workshops and trainings for youth and/or young adults;
- Proficient with technology and social media as a tool for engagement and community building
FYA’s Office is located in Berkeley, CA but candidates based in other locations will be considered. Some travel is required. Hours for this part time position are flexible, and FYA encourages students currently pursuing higher education to apply.
FYA is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome & celebrate diversity. Because we work to mobilize foster youth as leaders and advocates, applicants with experience with the foster care system are strongly encouraged to apply.
ABOUT FOSTER YOUTH IN ACTION
Foster Youth in Action believes in the power of the foster youth voice. We organize a grassroots network of foster youth-led groups through training, leadership opportunities, shared learning and advocacy. With 18 foster youth-driven partners in 17 states, FYA is the only national organization raising up and connecting independent, grassroots groups fighting to secure rights and opportunities that current and former foster youth deserve.
FYA advances our mission to raise up youth voices through the following program areas
- Our network’s Learning Hub, through which young leaders ages 14 to 24 and adult advisorsconnect throughout the year, strengthening leadership and advocacy skills, educating each other on key foster youth issues and improving program practices.
- Leaders United, our national youth organizing and leadership committee representing each of our FYA Network Partners.
- Leaders for Change is our annual national conference in Washington, D.C. that brings together our grassroots network to collaborate, to share their powerful voices with elected officials and other influencers, and to empower and prepare youth to bring the fight for systems change back to their communities.
- Our capacity-building services support emerging foster youth-led groups o get started, get organized and take action; and they help established groups to improve program practices and increase impact.
- We use research and communications to lift up the stories and learnings of foster youth-led action, demonstrating the value of the foster youth voice for systems AND personal transformation.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Submit a resume and cover letter via email to Anna Gennari at [email protected]. Please use “Lead Organizer” as your subject line. No phone calls please. DEADLINE February 22nd or until filled.
Application deadline February 22, 2017