Protestants for the Common Good Fellowship
Description:
Protestants for the Common Good (PCG) is an education and advocacy organization, advancing justice in public life by engaging people of faith in matters of public policy and community life. Our Common Good Agenda defines our work as we relate faith to the critical issues of human rights, economic justice, public education, criminal justice, health care, the environment, and global affairs. The quest for economic justice stands at the heart of the Common Good Agenda and guides our strategic planning and program operations. Our goal is to help lay and clergy make the connection between their faith and public policy issues. We recognize advocacy as an integral component of our discipleship, and we carry that message into all of the congregations with which we work.
The 2010 Beatitudes fellow’s primary focus will be twofold: development of Advocacy Networks of laity and clergy in two to four regions of the state and facilitation of relationship-building strategies with elected officials in those regions. Job responsibilities will include:
• Research and analysis of 2010 legislative trends and results
• Meetings and conversations with members of the IL General Assembly
• Development of materials for education and recruitment efforts in local congregations
• Education/cultivation with clergy and laity in churches in key legislative districts
• Recruitment of lay and clergy persons to participate in regional Advocacy Networks
• Participation in public witness on key policy issues.
Skills Required:
• Passion for working at the intersection of faith and public life;
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Ability to function as a team member while also accomplishing tasks/goals independently
• Capacity to balance “big picture” initiatives with attention to details;
• Basic knowledge of research methods
• Experience in public policy advocacy helpful.
Unique opportunities:
• Opportunity to learn about public policy advocacy and political systems
• Engagement of laity and clergy in non-traditional faith activities, i.e., public policy
• Interactions with state legislators (members of the IL General Assembly)
• Opportunity for in-depth learning about one or more significant justice issues, e.g., education funding reform, criminal justice, the environment, sex trafficking
• Participation in one or more advocacy coalition groups organized in response to critical state or local issues
• Experience in day-to-day operations of a nonprofit, faith-related advocacy organization
• Collaboration with dedicated and collegial staff experienced in working with interns.
Learn more about Protestants for the Common Good.