Application Guide

How to Apply for California Organizer - Inland Empire

at Workingfamilies

๐Ÿข About Workingfamilies

Working Families Party (WFP) is a progressive political party that fights for working families by building grassroots power and electing candidates who champion economic and racial justice. Working at WFP means being part of a dynamic, people-powered movement that has a proven track record of winning elections and passing transformative policies.

About This Role

As the California Organizer for the Inland Empire, you will be on the front lines of building electoral power in a rapidly growing and diverse region. You'll recruit and train volunteers, coordinate canvassing and phone banking, and work with coalition partners to elect WFP-endorsed candidates. This role is crucial for expanding WFP's influence in California and advancing a progressive agenda.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team check-in, then you might spend time making calls to volunteers, preparing for a canvass launch, or meeting with a local community group. Evenings and weekends often involve leading volunteer trainings or phone banks, and you'll end the day by updating your database and planning the next steps.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Workingfamilies Is Looking For

  • Someone with at least 1-2 years of experience in grassroots organizing, electoral campaigns, or community outreach, preferably in a field or volunteer coordination role.
  • A person with excellent communication skills who can inspire and train volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including Spanish speakers, as the Inland Empire has a large Latino community.
  • A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced campaign environment, can work evenings and weekends, and is comfortable with data entry and using tools like VAN or other CRM systems.
  • Someone who is deeply familiar with the Inland Empire's geography, politics, and key issues such as housing, air quality, and workers' rights, and has existing relationships or is eager to build them.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Workingfamilies

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific electoral or organizing wins, quantifying your impact (e.g., 'recruited 50 volunteers,' 'helped increase voter turnout by X%').

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your familiarity with the Inland Empire, referencing specific cities (e.g., Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario) and why you're passionate about organizing there.

3

Showcase any experience working with coalitions or diverse communities, and if you're bilingual in Spanish, make that prominent.

4

Research WFP's current campaigns in California, such as their support for rent control or climate justice, and mention how you can contribute to those efforts.

5

Be prepared to provide references who can speak to your organizing skills, and consider including a brief portfolio or examples of training materials you've created.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your commitment to WFP's mission of building a multiracial working-class movement and your understanding of the Inland Empire's political landscape.", 'Highlight your experience in recruiting and training volunteers, and your ability to motivate people to take action.', 'Mention any specific skills like bilingual abilities, data management, or experience with phone banking and canvassing.', "Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with WFP's coalition partners and help grow the party's presence in the region."]

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Visit the WFP website and read about their national and California-specific campaigns, especially their recent electoral wins and issue priorities.
  • โ†’ Look up recent news about WFP's work in California, such as endorsements or partnerships with local organizations.
  • โ†’ Research the Inland Empire's demographics, key political figures, and recent election results to understand the region's dynamics.
  • โ†’ Follow WFP on social media to get a sense of their messaging and current activities.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with grassroots organizing. What was your role, and what were the measurable outcomes?
2 How would you go about recruiting volunteers in a new community, especially in a diverse area like the Inland Empire?
3 Tell us about a time you worked with a coalition. How did you manage differing priorities?
4 What do you know about the Inland Empire's political landscape, and what issues do you think are most important to voters here?
5 How do you handle the pressure of a campaign cycle, including long hours and last-minute changes?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Inland Empire or WFP's missionโ€”this shows a lack of genuine interest.
  • Avoid exaggerating your experience; be honest about your skills and be ready to provide examples.
  • Don't overlook the importance of data and technology in organizing; if you lack experience with tools like VAN, acknowledge it and show willingness to learn.

๐Ÿ“… 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Workingfamilies!