Direct Action & Research Training (DART) Center Recruitment: University of Kentucky Campus, February 9th

(Courtesy of Virginia Blum)

Representatives from the Direct Action & Research Training (DART) Center will be on the University of Kentucky campus Thursday, February 9, at 6pm in room 101 of the Career Center to discuss vocational careers in the field of community organizing, and to schedule interviews with students interested in launching a career fighting for social change.

The DART Network is a nonprofit network of affiliates, founded in 1982 to assist in the development of strong, grassroots community organizations committed to democratic principles and values of justice and fairness. The DART Network currently
consists of 21 affiliates spread throughout Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, Indiana, and Kentucky, each with their own leaders, staff, funding base, and accomplishments toward social and economic justice at the local level. We are broadening our power into new communities throughout the country by training a new generation of community organizers!

The DART Center has won important victories on a broad set of justice issues
including:

· Education reform in low-performing public schools
· Fair immigration policies
· Police misconduct
· Living Wage campaigns & job training
· Affordable housing, etc.

As part of DART's mission, we have provided a paid training program for those interested in launching a career fighting for social and economic justice known as the DART Organizers Institute. This program is designed to give people the skills in grassroots organizing to launch a permanent career within the DART Network. The Organizers Institute is a combined classroom and field training covering such topics as:

· Entering a community
· Identifying and training local leaders
· Strategic planning and issue cutting
· Relationship and community building
· Direct Action on community issues
· Fundraising

Locations & Dates:

This is a field training that begins June 18, 2006 and will formally conclude October (though permanent salaried placement is to be expected upon graduation).
Organizer Trainees (OTs) will be equipped in June with an intensive classroom workshop in Louisville Kentucky, but most of the training will take place while
working to build the power of one of the local DART affiliates.

Qualifications:
Although it may be helpful, no direct experience is necessary. OTs hired to participate in the DART Organizers Institute must demonstrate a desire to pursue community organizing as a long-term professional career. A master's degree or similar life experience is preferred though unnecessary. Candidates must have a college degree or be graduating prior to June 18, 2006. Also, candidates must display a workmanlike diligence, be driven to produce sustained results, have proven capacity to build relationships of trust, create and execute a plan, act professionally, feel comfortable working with congregations, be accountable and willing to hold others accountable, demonstrate disciplined thought and action, and work in a team setting. OTs must also have access to a car during their training and be flexible regarding relocation. Fluency in Spanish/English is a plus and people of color are encouraged to apply.

Salary & Benefits:
This is a paid training program. OTs will be given a living stipend of $6,500 during the four-month training. DART will also pay all transportation costs to the classroom orientation and host city, and mileage reimbursements during the field portion of the training. Room, board, and tuition will also be paid by DART during the 7-day classroom orientation. After successful completion of the program, DART will work to place graduates into fulltime positions making initial salaries up to $35,000/year, plus benefits.

To Apply:
We encourage you to meet with a representative of DART for our Information Session
that will take place on the University of Kentucky campus Thursday, February 9, at 6pm in room 101 of the Career Center. Mark this date on your calendars! This is the only day a DARTrepresentative will be able to visit UK's campus during our national recruitment drive. If you are interested, but cannot make the info session, please contact: Karen Modzelewski at karen@thedartcenter.org or (352)256-3109 immediately. Interviews will be scheduled following the information session, to be held the on the following day (Friday, February 10).