Paid Canvasser - Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance

Job Title: API PA Paid Canvasser

Job Type: Part-Time, Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Field Manager

Location: Pittsburgh

Commitment: Temporary, with an immediate need beginning July and concluding in November. Possibility of extending through December. 

Who We Are: The Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance's (API PA) mission is to build long-term power for Asians and Pacific Islanders in Pennsylvania, by: (1) coordinating political, electoral, and legislative work in order to to hold our elected officials accountable, (2) engaging in culturally competent and linguistically accessible direct voter contact with our communities, and (3) building solidarity with other aligned communities of color across the state.

We operate primarily in South Asian, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities, and are the first and only political organization directly advocating for the needs of Asian and Pacific Islanders in Pennsylvania. We won't stop until our people have political power and our communities have everything we need to be safe, healthy, and strong - and we're excited to work with you to make that happen.

The Work You'd Be A Part Of: 

API PA will be launching door to door canvassing programs from July 2024 to November 2024 with the goals of: Speaking to members of Asian Communities about upcoming elections and convincing them to take action in support of API PA supported candidates.

API PA will provide training and materials, including PPE as appropriate. We are looking to invest in our canvassers by engaging them in meaningful work, giving them constructive feedback, and exposing them to a variety of opportunities in the policy / advocacy space. We're looking for individuals who are passionate about working towards progressive and equitable systems, especially to the betterment and empowerment of Asian Pacific Islander communities.

Individuals who are interested in participating in building political power for Asians and Pacific Islanders in Pennsylvania and learning the skills of canvassing but are unable to commit the time required for a paid position are encouraged to contact us about other opportunities.

Your Day-to-Day Work (Essential Functions): 

• Door to Door Canvassing: Using provided technology, you will engage in face-to-face conversations with community members in target geography
• Tracking conversations and recording data
• Participating in canvassing training and debriefing sessions
• Participating in organization-wide meetings and events as directed by supervisor
• Other duties as necessary

Skills/Qualifications/Requirements

Requirements

• Vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosted
• Physically able to walk up to 2.5 miles per shift
• Access to a cell phone
• Access to a dependable vehicle
• Some tech literacy, specifically knowing how to use cell phones and tablets, Google maps, and data entry using an app, is necessary for this position
• Conversational fluency in English

Note that API PA currently requires all staff placed in this role to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including maintenance of appropriate booster shots, unless they are granted an accommodation by API PA. Employees will be required to demonstrate compliance with this requirement prior to their first day as a condition of their terms of employment.  

Necessary Skills

• Strong verbal communication and listening skills, specifically looking for people who are outgoing and willing to talk to strangers about political issues
• Able to work independently
• Personal knowledge of and/or experience working with Asian American communities 
• Ability to work with diverse staff
• Understanding of and commitment to API PA's values, or strong willingness to learn

Desirable Skills

• Conversational fluency in an Asian language is highly desirable, including but not limited to Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, and Urdu
• Prior canvassing or equivalent experience (sales, door to door marketing, phone-banking, call centers, etc.) appreciated, but not required

Hours: This position ranges from 12-30 hours (hours available expand to 40 starting in September) per week, for shifts for 6 hours at a time (Shift hours may expand to 8 hours starting in September). Must be flexible to work some weekends. This is a temporary position, to be filled on a rolling basis, for a program running from March 2024 through December 2024.

Salary: Hourly rate: $21/hour starting

Benefits: Healthcare for full time (30+ hours) employees, paid time off, paid holidays, travel reimbursement, weekly pay

The position will be open until filled. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis. API PA is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.