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PFLAG Field Organizer

PFLAG (Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is hiring a part-term Organizer to coordinate an exciting project to launch an African American community PFLAG chapter in the Portland metro area. With the support of the McKenzie River Gathering Foundation, funds are available to hire a part time organizer coordinate the effort to begin this chapter.

This is a project of PFLAG, organized with the support of Unity Project of Oregon (formerly Brother to Brother) and Basic Rights Oregon Education Fund.

Please forward and post this job announcement, and encourage any qualified candidates to contact Teri Noble at terinoble@gmail.com.

PFLAG Field Organizer
Position Description
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Oregon State Council

JOB TITLE: Field Organizer. This is a part-time, temporary position with the potential for an extension.

About PFLAG:
PFLAG is a national organization that promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights.

PFLAG Oregon State Council consists of ten active chapters. The State Council is currently hiring an organizer position to do focused outreach into the African American community in the Portland Metro area with the goal of launching a new PFLAG Chapter.

Overview of Project:
PLAG recognizes the need to increase the racial diversity of those we serve. We want to move forward on a strategic organizing plan that will reach out to African-American parents where they live (churches, community centers, neighbor-to-neighbor gatherings, etc.) to provide a safe space for sharing and support and lay the groundwork for robust advocacy and organizing campaign among the African American community. PFLAG is undertaking this initiative in collaboration with Unity Project of Oregon and Basic Rights Oregon.

Position Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will be able to draw on existing relationships, skills and knowledge about the unique cultural implications of identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender within the African American community.
• Identify, connect with and develop relationships with key groups of parents and leaders within the African American faith community who are impacted by issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
• The organizer will be able to convey the basic principles of PFLAG ‘s mission and objectives.
• Organize meetings among potential PFLAG leaders, parents and faith leaders within African American community by identifying participants, meeting location, and meeting agenda, in collaboration with supervisor.
• Identify and support emerging leaders
• Attend monthly PFLAG Portland Chapter meetings
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with local organizations and communities of faith to maximize potential for collaboration
• Maintain administrative systems as necessary to document participation; prepare reports and updates weekly and/or as directed
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Reports to PFLAG Oregon State Council Coordinator

Qualifications

• Previous community, student or labor organizing experience preferred
• Experience in working with volunteers
• Ability to problem solve and be proactive
• Commitment to collaboration and team work
• Commitment to PFLAG’s mission
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability have a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends
• Valid driver’s license, insurance and access to a car
• Knowledge of Oregon’s political environment preferred

Compensation: $15.00 per hour, non-benefited, 10 hours per week. Mileage reimbursement for use of private vehicle.

Please send applications electronically to: terinoble@gmail.com

People of color; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are encouraged to apply.