Democracy Fellows will work in their communities with the support of Common Cause Texas staff to ensure that every citizen of Texas who wants to vote is able to cast a ballot safely and with confidence through election protection, policy research and through public education about the state of voting rights in Texas.
Residence in Texas is required, and applicants may apply from anywhere in the state though must plan on being available in Austin on August 16-17, 2024 for an in-person orientation. This position will be remote, though some in-person work in Austin may be required (with travel expenses covered). Applicants must be over the age of 18 to apply. Non-students are eligible to apply.
This is a 15-hour-per-week commitment. Selected Democracy Fellows will receive compensation as follows:
$500 stipend on September 1, 2024
$1000 stipend per month from October 1, 2024 through December 1, 2024.
Fellows will be hired for Election Protection, Policy Research and Communications Departments. Please specify which department you’d prefer to work in when submitting your application.
Election Protection:
Since 2012, Common Cause Texas has led a grassroots volunteer effort to protect the vote and help Texans overcome barriers at the polls. As part of the state and national nonpartisan Election Protection coalitions, we have recruited, trained and placed grassroots poll monitors at the polls every major election cycle.
Through the Election Protection fellowship, fellows will contribute to these efforts. Recognizing the pivotal role young people play in shaping the future of our democracy, Election Protection fellows will actively engage college students to harness their energy through class wraps and partnerships with student organizations across campus. Furthermore, fellows will help recruit volunteers through partnerships with local organizations and planning in-person events across their community.
Election Protection fellows will also participate in the training of these volunteers using a combination of virtual and in-person sessions, ensuring volunteers are well-prepared and informed. This comprehensive training will equip volunteers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively serve as poll monitors.
Lastly, Election Protection fellows will help manage volunteers during Early Voting and Election Day to ensure they have the materials and resources they need to successfully defend the right to vote. This includes troubleshooting the shift sign up process, distributing supplies, and providing real-time assistance via phone or messaging services. Fellows will also troubleshoot any issues that arise, maintain clear communication channels, and offer additional support.
Election Protection fellows will gain skills in volunteer management, event planning, public speaking, and community organizing, all while defending voting rights and helping strengthen democracy in Texas through our grassroots election protection program and advocacy.
The ideal Election Protection candidate has:
- Experience or skills in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers.
- Ability to organize and execute events, including in-person and virtual training sessions.
- Confidence in engaging with college students and community members to promote voter participation.
- Ability to troubleshoot issues that arise during election periods and provide real-time assistance.
- Experience working with local organizations and student groups to drive volunteer efforts.
Policy Research:
Despite record-breaking turnout in recent elections, Texas consistently ranks at or near the bottom for turnout, and its young, ever-growing racially diverse population is not reflected in its representation. This is largely due to decades of voter suppression, gerrymandered districts and the free flow of money in politics that have enabled politicians to hold on to power without being held accountable to the people they serve—making Texas a ground zero in the fight to advance the freedom to vote and make our democracy more equitable and inclusive for all.
As part of the Policy Research fellowship, candidates will contribute to this fight through policy research focused on high school voter registration, online voter registration, campaign contribution limits, countywide voting and other policy focused projects.
Policy Research fellows will gain skills in data analysis, policy development, and advocacy strategies. They will learn how to conduct rigorous policy research, draft policy reports, and engage with partner organizations to advance reforms. Additionally, fellows will develop expertise in understanding the legislative process, crafting persuasive arguments, and utilizing various forms of communication to influence public opinion and policymakers. This hands-on experience will equip them with the tools necessary to drive meaningful change and promote a more inclusive and representative democracy.
The ideal Policy Research candidate has:
- Strong ability to analyze data and conduct thorough policy research.
- Background in researching topics such as voter registration, campaign finance, and voting methods.
- Skills in drafting policy reports and recommendations.
- Experience or interest in advocacy strategies to influence public opinion and policymakers.
- Understanding of the legislative process and how to navigate it to advance voting rights reforms.
Communications:
In Texas, social media and digital communications play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and influencing political outcomes. The Communications Fellow will harness various platforms to foster a dialogue around voting rights and democracy, reaching diverse communities statewide.
The Communications Fellow will play a crucial role in amplifying our mission through strategic communication initiatives. They will help our Digital Organizer manage various channels to engage the public, mobilize support, and advocate for voting rights.
Through the Communications fellowship, fellows will learn:
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- Social Media Content Creation: Developing content for platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn to educate, inform, and engage our followers. This fellowship will heavily focus on TikTok content creation.
- Video Editing: Creating captivating video content to distribute on social media platforms. Learn how to cut clips, add sound effects, music, text and more.
- Web Design: Editing and updating our website, ensuring it serves as an effective advocacy tool.
- Marketing Initiatives: Designing merchandise for our webstore and collaborating on marketing strategies to promote our products.
- Email and Blog Writing: Crafting persuasive emails and insightful blog posts that convey our advocacy efforts and inspire action among supporters. This includes drafting content for our digital newsletter.
- Digital Advertisements: Testing and executing online ad campaigns to reach target audiences and raise awareness about various rapid response voting rights topics.
Specifically, Communications fellows will gain skills in content creation for all social media platforms, SproutSocial, Canva, CapCut, Action Network, WordPress, Meta Business Suite, and more, all while defending voting rights and helping strengthen democracy in Texas.
The ideal Communications candidate has:
- Proficiency in creating engaging content for social media platforms, especially TikTok.
- Skills in video production and editing for social media.
- Marketing: Experience in designing merchandise and developing marketing strategies.
- Ability to craft emails, blog posts, and digital newsletters.
- Experience in planning and executing online ad campaigns.
Applications are now open and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, with an expected start date to be August 15, 2024 and end date being December 1, 2024.
An ideal fellowship candidate has:
- A passion for democracy and voting rights
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
- The ability to work well with others, including staff, volunteers, and community members.
- Basic skills in using digital tools and platforms for communication and coordination.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects.
- Meticulousness in carrying out research, managing volunteers, or creating content.
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and new challenges.
- A strong belief in making democracy more inclusive and representative for all.
Contact us by email at mmarin@commoncause.org if you have any questions. You can complete the application here. Submit your application by July 21, 2024.