Stand for Children exists because children have no power to influence our democratic system to meet their fundamental needs. Our mission is to teach everyday people how to join together in an effective grassroots voice in order to win concrete, long-lasting improvements for children at the state and local levels. Since 1999, Stand for Children’s 20 Chapters/Teams and 4,000 members have won 64 local and state victories that have improved the lives of more than 1.2 million children and secured more than $530 million in public funding for children's programs and services.

Founded in June 2003, Stand for Children has quickly become Massachusetts’ key statewide advocacy voice for parents with victories at the local and state level including:

• School Funding - Influenced the State Legislature to increase school funding by $125 million by holding a 1,000 person rally on Boston Common and an ongoing lobbying campaign. Funding will be used to restore teaching positions, reduce class size, and reinstate programs like physical education, art, and music across the Commonwealth.

• Nutrition and Wellness – Persuaded the Arlington School Committee to adopt a child-centered Wellness Policy that will improve the nutrition of food at schools as well as ensure regular physical activity for all students.

• Indoor Air Quality – Persuaded the Lexington School System to adopt the EPA’s "Tools for Schools" indoor air quality program for all school buildings and secured a $30,000 EPA Grant to support implementation.

• School Funding – Supported campaigns that passed local Proposition 2 ˝ Overrides in Lexington and Arlington to restore teaching and support staff positions, special education tutoring and other essential programs for children.

Massachusetts Stand for Children seeks an outstanding Organizer immediately in order to expand its impact for children. The Organizer will support an existing Stand for Children Community-based Team and be responsible for starting additional Teams in politically pivotal communities. Organizer’s responsibilities will include:

• Identifying and recruiting member-leaders through face-to-face conversations, introductory meetings, and presentations at schools, congregations, workplaces, etc.

• Developing the leadership of committed members by teaching key aspects of Stand for Children’s advocacy approach, including recruiting; identifying achievable children’s issues; working effectively with decision-makers, running effective election campaigns.

• Coordinating the Teams’ participation in State level political action to win policy changes and/or electoral victories for children.

Community organizing or grassroots advocacy experience required; experience building or leading a volunteer organization; background in teaching and/or working directly with children; experience with building an organization; basic understanding of politics and political campaigns; desire to learn and grow; excellent listening and verbal skills; sense of humor; ability to relate effectively with many different kinds of people; and passion for addressing issues affecting children and families. Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends; and ability to travel (must have full-time access to car). 

$36,000-$48,000 (dependent upon experience or demonstrated capacity), plus benefits

Please email resume and cover letter in MS Word format to Sarafina Kennedy at massjob5@stand.org