Job Opening! SEAC Appalachian Organizer

Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC)
Appalachian Organizer

The Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) is seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join our organization as a youth, student and community organizer on environmental justice and climate change issues in South Central Appalachia. This position is full time and is preferably based out of Charleston WV, covering West Virginia and Kentucky.

Focus:
The top priority for this position is to continue building a vibrant youth environmental justice movement in South Central Appalachia, which means bringing new youth and new youth groups into the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC), and supporting existing organizations (who may or may not identify as a “SEAC Chapter”) that are engaged in similar and valuable work, and connecting these youth groups to regional environmental justice issues (such as Mountain Top Removal).

Qualifications:
SEAC is looking for someone who has demonstrated commitment to working for justice and anti-oppression, as well as a self motivated person with strong initiative. Experience working with youth is a must. Knowledge or the willingness to build knowledge of the histories of resistance in Appalachia is important; priority will be giving to applicants who have lived or worked in Appalachia though this is not required. Technical understanding of the social, environmental, cultural and political effects of mountaintop removal, different forms of coal mining and the myriad impacts of coal on communities should be attained. Must have ability to travel.

How to Apply:
Application will be accepted on a rolling basis, priority given to applications before May 1st. Please send resume and cover letter to dana@seac.org or call 415 606 3953.

Responsibilities:

Connecting Students Groups to Regional Environmental Justice Issues -- The Appalachian Organizer will work to connect students with community groups working on environmental justice issues in Appalachia. This includes being familiar with the projects and maintaining contacts at grassroots environmental organizations, subscribing to appropriate mailing lists, and organizing students to attend important regional events. This may also include collaborating on youth oriented projects such as the Anti MTR Student Summit, I Love Mountains Day and setting up internships.

Qualitatively mentor and organize with youth in West Virginia and Kentucky – The Appalachian Organizer works on The Campus Climate Challenge, founded by the Energy Action Coalition. The Challenge leverages the power of young people to organize on college campuses, high schools and communities across Canada and the U.S. to achieve a clean and just energy future. Regular conversations with student leaders and 2-3 times a year visits should be set up with youth leaders.

Support Regional Network Building and Regional Environmental Justice Gatherings Regional Gatherings supported by SEAC include Power West Virginia Energy Gathering, held the last week of September, the Anti-MTR Student Summit, held the last week of October, and Mountain Justice Spring break, held in March. These events are organized largely by youth volunteer work and in coordination with other regional student groups and are intended, in part, to help build communication and cooperation among Appalachian schools working on similar issues. Possibilities for Kentucky Regional youth gatherings could be explored.

Administrative and Support work for Student Environmental Action Coalition This work includes supporting SEAC interns within the Appalachian region, fundraising, tracking and reporting deliverables, communicating with and supporting the SEAC National Council and SEAC Staff and working with the Energy Action Coalition.

70% Organizing on the Campus Climate Challenge and environmental justice issues
10% Fundraising – including grassroots fundraising and grantwriting
20% Administrative and support work for the Student Environmental Action Coalition

Details of the position:
This will be a full time position. Compensation will be between $18,500 and 24,000 a year. It is expected that two days a week and some holidays will be non-work personal days. It is expected that the organizer take at least three weeks and no more than 6 weeks of days off per year. SEAC is building the long term power of the environmental justice movement and will be unable to do this if they burnout, go really insane, or sell their soul to corporate amerika, which is the same thing as going insane. This position will begin in May-June 2008.