Application Guide

How to Apply for Southeast Regional Organizer

at Dream Defenders

🏢 About Dream Defenders

Dream Defenders is a Black-led national organization that boldly challenges capitalism and systems of oppression, centering young Black people in the fight for safety and a good life. It's a place for those committed to radical movement-building, not just reform, and offers deep political development and community power.

About This Role

As Southeast Regional Organizer, you'll be the primary force launching new chapters (squaDDs) across the Southeast, identifying and developing core leaders through 1:1s and political education. This role is critical to expanding the organization's base and building local power in key geographies, directly shaping the movement's growth.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual 1:1s with emerging leaders in 2-3 different cities, followed by a digital organizing session updating Airtable with outreach data. Later, you might co-facilitate a political education call with a new squaDD, then debrief with the national team on alignment and next steps.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Dream Defenders Is Looking For

  • A seasoned community organizer with 3+ years of experience, preferably in the Southeast, who understands the nuances of organizing Black youth in the region.
  • A strong relational leader who can build trust across diverse communities, navigate conflict, and develop leaders through consistent coaching and political development.
  • Tech-savvy with hands-on experience using digital organizing tools like EveryAction, Mobilize, and Airtable for tracking, outreach, and database management.
  • Deeply aligned with Dream Defenders' vision of ending capitalism and building a cross-class, multiracial movement; familiarity with the Freedom Papers is a plus.

📝 Tips for Applying to Dream Defenders

1

In your resume, explicitly highlight your experience launching new organizing chapters or groups, not just maintaining existing ones.

2

Mention specific digital tools you've used (EveryAction, Mobilize, etc.) and give examples of how you used them to track 1:1s or manage campaigns.

3

Tailor your cover letter to reflect understanding of Dream Defenders' political analysis—mention the Freedom Papers and your alignment with their anti-capitalist, Black liberation framework.

4

Include a brief example of a time you developed a core leader or moved someone from interest to active organizing.

5

Since the role is remote, demonstrate your self-motivation and ability to manage your own schedule across multiple cities—mention any remote organizing experience.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your commitment to building Black youth power and ending capitalism, with specific examples of how you've done this in organizing.", 'Your experience launching and stabilizing new organizing formations (squaDDs), including developing 2-3 core leaders per location.', 'Your proficiency with digital organizing tools and database management, showing you can track progress and support leadership pathways.', 'Your ability to work across the Southeast, understanding regional political contexts and building relationships in diverse communities.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read the Freedom Papers and understand Dream Defenders' political framework—this is central to their organizing model.
  • → Review Dream Defenders' recent campaigns and actions, especially in the Southeast, to understand their current priorities and strategies.
  • → Look into the organization's history and founding, particularly their origins after Trayvon Martin's murder, to grasp their cultural and political roots.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the Southeast region's specific political landscape, including key allies and opposition, to show local knowledge.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you approach developing a new leader through consistent 1:1s? Give a concrete example.
2 Describe a time you had to navigate conflict within a diverse organizing team or community. How did you handle it?
3 How do you use digital tools like EveryAction or Mobilize to track organizing metrics and ensure alignment with national goals?
4 What is your understanding of the Freedom Papers and how do they relate to your organizing practice?
5 How would you launch a new squaDD in a city where Dream Defenders has no existing presence? Walk through your first 30 days.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't apply if you're not fully aligned with anti-capitalist, Black liberation politics—Dream Defenders is explicitly radical and reformist approaches won't fit.
  • Avoid generic cover letters that don't mention the Freedom Papers or their specific organizing model (squaDDs, core leaders, etc.).
  • Don't downplay the need for digital organizing skills—this role requires active use of tools like EveryAction and Airtable, so be honest about your proficiency.

📅 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

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Dream Defenders!

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