Apply now – Deadline extended until Dec 01.

Energy Democracy Grassroots Organizer

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition (MEJC) is a member-driven organization of 40 different organizations and individuals fighting for environmental justice across the state of Michigan. Since 2011, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition has built knowledge, supported social networks, and taken action to improve the quality of life for all fenceline and frontline communities.

In 2019, MEJC helped to form the Work for Me DTE campaign to harness community organizing into the practice of energy democracy for a more just climate future. In 2020, MEJC plans on expanding its role in the energy democracy campaign. MEJC will continue to support its members’ work and expand its grassroots efforts. MEJC will develop and implement a participatory action research model. The model will increase participation in energy decision making at the state of Michigan’s Michigan Public Service Commission proceedings, as well as other key institutions to be determined in the future. The Energy Democracy Organizer position will have core responsibilities as the anchor of developing, contributing to, and leading key aspects of these grassroots and participatory research efforts. This new position will be supported by the Energy Foundation, and work in coordination with local groups EMEAC, Soulardarity, We Want Green Too, and statewide groups like Michigan Energy Efficiency for All coalition. The position will collaborate with Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs, and Empower Michigan and other relevant national formations that are working towards a just transition.

The Energy Democracy Organizer will serve as the core anchor of this work for the Work for Me DTE Campaign for MEJC.

Duties // Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

· Convening and facilitating the Work for Me DTE Campaign of over 12 organizations to achieve energy democracy

· Reviewing, translating and speaking towards Michigan Public Service Commission proceedings, including the utility’s 15-year plan the Integrated Resource Plan

· Advocating regularly with Lansing decision-makers to make better decisions for EJ communities

· Designing and coordinating community research with local partner We Want Green Too, University of Michigan and other relevant partners

· Developing public relations materials, and messaging for the Health Impact Analysis conducted by the University of Michigan and supported by the Natural Resource Defence Council and Soulardarity

· Liaison with partners and allies at the local, state and national level when necessary, particularly in the housing sector

· In-depth collaboration with Soulardarity staff on legal interventions in DTE 15-year plan and rate increase case, as well as coordination with Energy Fellows

· Co-lead the climate justice track at the MEJC statewide summit in Sept 2020

Skills and requirements:

1.     5-years or more plus experience working in and organizing environmental justice communities;

2.     Experience running and implementing street canvassing, volunteer management or team building for impact, with training in community organizing, power building and power analysis;

3.     High level of skill in facilitation, organization, and consensus building between a wide diversity of stakeholders,

4.     Cultural competency working in multi-racial,multi-ethnic, and intergenerational circles;

5.     Knowledge of energy systems, climate change, environmental or social science / policy, or natural resource management;

6.     Competency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Technologies, and other digital platforms including social media platforms;

7.     Conflict resolution or restorative justice training desired

8.     Spanish or Arabic language skills a plus

9.     A valid driver’s license

The ideal candidates would:

· Be able to work in alignment with and have strong knowledge and experience of the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing, and the environmental justice principles

· Have a strong understanding and / or lived experience within communities of color, Indigenous / Frontline communities, environmental justice communities

· Be committed to consensus-building and strong facilitation of coalitions, with a dedication to transforming conflict into productive restorative relationships

· Have knowledge of participatory action research, CBPR survey design, data management, academic partnerships and other highly technical situations

· Commitment to learning as a way of being

· Implementing Street canvases, doing door-to-door work in Frontline communities, messaging and building relationships with those who are most impacted by energy Injustice

· Be highly communicative and good at public speaking/public relations, open to a fast-changing work environment, and a self-starter who can learn independently and quickly on the fly.

Salary is $40,000 plus benefits. This is a one-year, time-limited position. Interested parties should submit their resume, cover letter and three references to [email protected] with the words ENERGY DEMOCRACY ORGANIZER in the subject line.