Fund for the Public Interest Summer Jobs

Fund for the Public Interest Summer Jobs

Job Title: Canvasser, Field Manager, or Campaign Organizer
Location: New York, New York
Term: Summer 2013
Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM

Campaign Description: In the Manhattan office we will be working with Environment NY on their campaign to ban Marcellus Shale gas drilling. Horizontal high-volume hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale, called “fracking” for short, is the leading environmental issue in our state.  The grassroots efforts of Environment New York and other environmental organizations has kept drilling out of our state so far, but the oil and gas industry have been relentless in pressuring the State to allow drilling.

We don’t have to look farther than our next-door neighbors in Pennsylvania to see the risks inherent in Marcellus Shale gas drilling.  Since 2004, the gas industry has drilled more than 3,000 fracking wells in Pennsylvania and has left a trail of environmental pollution and public health problems in its wake.  It has contaminated drinking water with toxic chemicals such as benzene, toluene and formaldehyde, and dumped under-treated drilling waste in rivers and streams.  Health experts are finding huge risks from air pollution near drilling sites, and residents living near gas operations have consistently experienced dizziness and nosebleeds.

Gov. Cuomo is moving closer to allowing Fracking here in New York and we know that is a result of the influence of huge corporations like Halliburton and ExxonMobil.  Currently the governor is proposing opening up 5 rural New York counties along the Pennsylvania border to gas drilling.  The plan is to start with 5 counties, but we’ve seen in other states that once the drillers get their boots in the door, they will push and push to get into the rest of the state, from the Finger Lakes to the Catskills.  If we’re going to defend New York’s health and environment from Marcellus Shale drilling, we need to make sure the Governor and our legislators in Albany hear the voice of the public over the voice of the gas industry.

Job Activities/Scope: We sign up members and fundraise for Environment New York through street canvassing. We get out into public places and talk with as many people as possible about the work of Environment New York. We identify people who support the issue and get them involved. Canvassers will receive rigorous training on the skill of canvassing, and will have the opportunity to receive optional, additional trainings campaign skills such as generating local media coverage, petitioning, and campaign strategy.

Knowledge and Skills: There are no requirements for prior knowledge or skills. Broadly, we are looking for candidates who work hard, communicate well, and are interested in working toward positive social change.

Compensation/Pay: The average pay is $11-$16 per hour.

To apply: Apply online HERE, and we will be in touch shortly. You can also call our office directly at (212) 575 – 8571