Application Guide
How to Apply for BLACK RURAL ORGANIZER–IN-TRAINING
at The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership
🏢 About The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership
The Chisholm Legacy Project is a unique resource hub dedicated to Black frontline climate justice leadership, rooted in the Just Transition Framework. It operates at the intersection of racial, environmental, and economic justice, making it an ideal place for those committed to systemic change. Working here means joining a movement to shift from extractivism to a living economy that honors sacred relationships with people and the planet.
About This Role
This role is a training position for a Black Rural Organizer, focused on engaging and mobilizing Black rural frontline communities. You'll conduct outreach like door-knocking and relational meetings, support community visioning sessions, and help plan events to build collective power. It's a hands-on opportunity to develop organizing skills while directly contributing to climate justice in underserved rural areas.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the team, then you'll drive to a rural community to knock on doors and have one-on-one conversations with residents about their climate concerns. After lunch, you'll attend a community visioning session to help identify local needs, and end the day by updating a database with outreach notes and planning the next day's travel route.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership Is Looking For
- A recent graduate who is deeply passionate about climate justice and understands the intersectionality of race, class, and environment.
- Someone with strong people skills who can build trust in rural Black communities through respectful, one-on-one engagement.
- A self-starter who is comfortable with frequent travel (up to 50%) and working independently in remote settings.
- An organized individual with basic data entry skills and a willingness to learn community database management.
📝 Tips for Applying to The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership
Highlight any direct experience with community organizing, even if informal (e.g., student groups, local campaigns).
Explicitly connect your passion for climate justice to the Just Transition Framework and Black frontline communities.
Mention your comfort with travel and independent work—this is a key requirement that many applicants may overlook.
Showcase your ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with diverse audiences, especially rural residents.
Tailor your resume to emphasize relational skills and any experience with event planning or outreach.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your commitment to environmental, social, and economic justice, specifically as it affects Black rural communities.', "Provide a specific example of how you've engaged with a community or led an initiative that aligns with the Just Transition vision.", 'Express your eagerness to learn and grow as an organizer, as this is a training role.', 'Mention your flexibility and enthusiasm for travel and hands-on fieldwork.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Study the Just Transition Framework and its application in Black communities, especially in rural contexts.
- → Learn about The Chisholm Legacy Project's history and key campaigns or initiatives they've supported.
- → Research the specific challenges Black rural communities face regarding climate change (e.g., pollution, land rights, economic transition).
- → Familiarize yourself with the work of Shirley Chisholm and how her legacy inspires the organization.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't overlook the travel requirement—if you're not willing to travel 50%, this role isn't for you.
- Avoid generic statements about climate change without connecting to racial and economic justice.
- Don't underestimate the importance of relational organizing; focus on people skills over technical jargon.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership!