We are looking for a Community Organiser, based in Glasgow, to work with us on a short-term, freelance basis to support organising with people in debt.
Dates / Hours / Location: We’re looking for someone to start as soon as possible, initially for 3 days a week for a month and then 1.5 days a week for the next 3 months (32 days total). We are looking for someone based in the Glasgow area or able to travel there on a regular basis. Ideally you will already have connections and contacts with community groups in the area.
There is flexibility in number of days worked per week. If you are interested in the role but would need to work to a different pattern, we would still encourage you to apply.
Rate: £150 per day.
Background
Debt Justice is a campaigning organisation working to end unjust debt and the poverty and inequality it perpetuates, in the UK and across the world.
This role is part of our project tackling the UK’s household debt crisis. Nearly ten million people in the UK are now ‘over-indebted’, meaning they are behind on bills or are finding their debt repayments a heavy financial burden. The crisis has been growing over the last decade but has increased dramatically because of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. More and more people are now borrowing to cover bills and essentials.
In response to this, we are organising with people in debt across the UK to campaign against unjust debt and change policy and practice. As part of the Together Against Debt project we aim to establish groups in five areas across the UK, and so far have set up groups in London and Manchester. Groups have gone on to organise in their areas, secure publicity and media coverage, lobby their local representatives, and win campaigns.
Summary of role
The purpose of this role is to assist the Senior Community Organiser in building and developing a group of people with experience of debt so that they can fight and win on the issues that matter most to them.
You will initially be responsible for promoting the project and bringing people into the group though a variety of outreach methods. This could include going to community meetings that are likely to have people who have experienced debt in attendance, speaking to the leaders of local organisations, and taking other creative actions to meet with people that have direct experience of being in debt. Your role would be to inform people about the project and encourage as many people as possible to take actions such as attending meetings. As the group begins to meet regularly, you will support the group to organise and assist members to take action with each other.
Skills and background
We’re looking for someone who can support this project on a freelance basis. You will be working closely with a Senior Community Organiser.
You will have the following skills, knowledge and experience:
- Some knowledge and experience of community organising and/or experience of motivating people to participate in collective action
- Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to connect with people from all walks of life and build trust and good working relationships.
- Effective time management skills in prioritising own workload
- An understanding of and commitment to the principles of anti-oppression and economic justice.
Application process
Please send a CV and brief one page covering letter/email, outlining:
- Why you’d like to work with us on this project
- Any community organising and/or campaigning experience you have
- Any experience relevant to the outreach aspects of this role, such as prior similar experience or your knowledge of community groups and networks
- Your availability and the details of one referee.
Please send this to application@debtjustice.org.uk by Wednesday 6 July. If shortlisted, we will arrange a short half hour informal interview, and if offered the role we will take up your reference.
Please note, as this role involves potentially working with vulnerable people the appointment will be subject to a DBS check.
If you are considering applying and have any questions about the role, please contact eva@debtjustice.org.uk.