Canvasser, North Carolina

The Black Futures Lab is a 501(c)3 that transforms Black communities into constituencies that wield independent, political power at the municipal, state, and federal levels. The problems Black communities face are complex; the solutions to those problems require imagination, experimentation, and political power. The Black Futures Lab combines strategies that help us imagine the alternatives we deserve while building political power at the local, state, and national levels to implement those alternatives.  

The Black to the Future Action Fund is a 501(c) 4 that works to transform Black communities into constituencies that build independent, progressive, Black political power in cities and states. We work to enact policy that improves the lives of Black people. We work to ensure that Black people have what all people deserve–dignity, safety, and power.  

The Canvasser position is a shared position with Black to the Future’s sister organization Black Futures Lab.

Position Overview:

Field Canvassers are part of a team of social justice advocates to inform and mobilize thousands of voters via door-to-door contact and/or phone/text banking. Our goal is to engage black voters around the economy. We want to energize them to head to the polls and vote for officials that will help black people thrive economically. The Canvasser reports directly to the Lead Organizer.  

Position Type and Compensation 

This is a temporary position estimated to end around November 10, 2024.  This position is 20 hours per week. This position has an estimated salary range of $20/hour. This position is non-exempt. 

Location: Rocky Mount (Edgecomb & Nash counties) + surrounding counties

Role and Responsibilities:  

• Report to Lead Organizer or Lead Canvasser 
• Talk to hundreds of people daily through door-to-door canvassing, phone and text banking.  
• Enter data collected from potential voters into miniVan.  
• Complete accurate daily reports 
• Willingness and dedication to learn about current political issues. 

Minimum Requirements:  

• Must attend a mandatory orientation and training. 
• Must have a cell phone that is compatible with miniVan.  
• Must be relational and be able to engage with black voters from diverse backgrounds.  
• Must follow a script and provide accurate information to residents. 
• Must agree to meet the required number of contacts (canvassing).  
• Must arrive at the canvassing location on the correct date and time and canvass during the designated times.  
• Must be able to use a cellphone, web browser, and miniVan to accurately record responses. 
• Must be reliable and responsible to fulfill your roles and responsibilities as a canvasser. 
• Must have strong verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal communication skills, always maintaining a positive and enthusiastic attitude. 
• Must be flexible and adaptable to changing needs of the canvass.  

 Specific Duties for Door-to-Door Canvassing:  

• Canvassers must be prepared to work in all types of weather, complete light physical activities such as standing or walking for long periods of time and be able to carry up to 10 pounds. 
• Must be able to read a map. 
• Ability to walk for at least 4 hours daily to canvass door-to-door. Voter Outreach Workers will need to walk one precinct a day, which is approximately 10-12 city blocks. 

 Specific Duties for Phone & Text Banking: 

• Canvassers must be prepared to use their personal cell phones or tools provided by the organization to call constituents using a script provided. 
• Must be able to learn and read a script. 

• Ability to call and talk or text through multiple lists a day. 

 Helpful but not required:  

• Canvassers with a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and reliable transportation will be provided with a gas stipend. Having your own transportation is preferred.  
• Previous experience working on a campaign with a community organization, doing sales, or customer service. 
• Bilingual English-Spanish or Haitian Creole. 

Travel 

Reliable transportation to and from the canvassing dissipating location will be required. 

Employment Terms:  

This position is being offered as a temporary, part-time, non-exempt position.  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

How to Apply: 

Excited about the opportunity? Here's what you need to do: 

• Answer Some Questions: Let's get to know you better! Start by answering a few questions about yourself and why you're interested in joining us. 

• Record Your Interview: If we're impressed with your responses, we'll invite you to do a quick video interview. Don't worry, it's just you chatting with the camera, no pressure at all! 

• Meet the Team: If you make it to the final round, we'll arrange a meeting with our awesome team. This is your chance to show off your personality and learn more about us.