Policy Organizer

Core responsibilities:

• Identify and seek out organizations and individuals in assigned geographic area and encourage support for changing laws related to life without parole (LWOP) and young people
• Arrange meetings with legislators, staff members, individuals, and community organizations including civic organizations, religious groups, and universities
• Educate interested parties about how to communicate with their state legislators through letters, in-person office visits, and phone calls
• Help lead a fact-based education campaign explaining key elements of the bill, neuroscience basis, racial disparities in youth sentencing, and evidence of rehabilitation capacity

This role helps pass legislation that would end life without parole sentences for youth, giving young people sentenced between ages 18-25 the chance to earn parole after 25 years, addressing racial disparities in sentencing and promoting rehabilitation.

Required qualifications:

• Located in or near Orange County, San Bernardino County, or Sacramento County
• Self-starter and creative thinker who can generate multiple avenues for reaching people in their assigned area
• Highly organized with strong ability to organize outreach and track contacts
• Passionate about justice reform with desire to communicate and inspire others about changing the criminal justice system
• Proficient in Google Suite applications (particularly Google Sheets) or strong drive to learn these programs
• Independent worker who can take initiative while cultivating coalition and team-based work
• Excellent communication skills to keep team members updated and ensure clarity with outreach contacts

Compensation and perks:

• $20 per hour for minimum 40 and maximum 80 hours per month
• Independent contractor position with flexible part-time hours
• Work alongside experienced advocates and get hands-on field experience
• Reasonable travel costs while working will be reimbursed
• Excellent learning opportunities through contacts with skilled organizers and legislative advocates

Second Chance California is a diverse coalition of social justice groups, labor unions, community organizations, and faith groups working to pass legislation that would end life without parole sentences for youth in California.