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 that centers Black frontline communities in the climate justice movement, operating from a Just Transition Framework. Working here means contributing to systemic change that prioritizes equity, community power, and the sacred relationship between people and the planet. It's an opportunity to be part of a small, mission-driven team that directly supports grassroots leadership.
About This Role
As a Black Rural Organizer-in-Training, you'll be immersed in hands-on community organizing in rural Black communities, from door-knocking to facilitating visioning sessions. This role is a training ground for building leadership and power at the grassroots level, with a focus on climate justice and economic transformation. Your work will directly help communities shift from extractive systems to a living economy.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a team check-in, then you'll head out to a rural community for door-knocking or attending a local event. Afternoon could involve data entry from the morning's interactions, followed by a virtual meeting to plan an upcoming town hall. Evenings might include a community visioning session or one-on-one relational meeting with a local leader.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership Is Looking For
- A recent graduate (college or high school) with a demonstrated passion for climate justice, racial justice, and Black liberation, ideally through volunteer work or internships.
- Someone who thrives on building relationships and has excellent interpersonal skills, especially in rural settings where trust is key.
- Comfortable with extensive travel (up to 50%) and able to work independently while staying aligned with team goals.
- Organized and detail-oriented, with willingness to handle administrative tasks like data entry and database management.
📝 Tips for Applying to The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership
Tailor your resume to highlight any community organizing experience, even if informal, like leading a campus group or volunteering with a local nonprofit.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal story or background to the Just Transition Framework and Black frontline communities.
Mention specific rural communities or regions you're familiar with or have ties to, as this shows genuine commitment.
Demonstrate your willingness to travel by noting any past experiences with mobile work or field-based projects.
Research The Chisholm Legacy Project's recent campaigns or reports (e.g., on their website) and reference them in your application to show engagement.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your deep commitment to climate justice and Black liberation, backed by specific examples of involvement.', 'Your ability to build trust and relationships in rural settings, perhaps through personal experience or past work.', 'Understanding of and alignment with the Just Transition Framework and how it applies to Black communities.', 'Your flexibility and readiness to handle both community-facing and administrative tasks.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read about the Just Transition Framework and its history, especially as it relates to Black communities.
- → Explore The Chisholm Legacy Project's website, blog, and any published reports or press releases.
- → Look into the organization's founder and key staff to understand their background and approach.
- → Familiarize yourself with current climate justice issues affecting rural Black communities in the US.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not showing genuine understanding or commitment to racial and climate justice – avoid generic environmentalism.
- Underestimating the travel requirement or being vague about your willingness to travel.
- Focusing only on the 'training' aspect and not showing initiative or readiness to contribute immediately.
- Neglecting to mention any connection to rural communities or Black organizing spaces.
📅 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!