Open Democracy Organizing Fellowship

Student Internships - Spring, Summer or Fall

Who We Are 

Open Democracy is a New Hampshire-based nonpartisan non-profit working to achieve political equality for all by ending the influence of big money politics, protecting the freedom to vote, and ensuring fair redistricting. Founded by America’s campaign finance reformer, Doris “Granny D” Haddock (1910-2010), Open Democracy engages thousands of NH citizens in nonpartisan grassroots campaigns, legislative advocacy, public education events, and through our Regional Democracy Teams.

Fellowship 

Open Democracy is seeking creative and passionate Organizing Fellows to help build the Open Democracy movement in New Hampshire. Fellows will receive training in grassroots and online organizing, as well as communications, and will work directly on one or more of the following campaigns, depending on the individual’s interests:  

1. Organizing Our Walks - Planning and participating in local/statewide walks that educate and engage the public on democratic reform. Responsibilities include scouting routes, outreaching to media, recruiting walkers/volunteers, and event planning. 
2. Pressing Candidates on Our Issues - Challenging state candidates to address money in politics reform throughout New Hampshire’s state representative, senate, and gubernatorial races.   Responsibilities include attending campaign events, recruiting volunteers, questioning candidates, and documenting/broadcasting responses online. 
3. Organizing the Regional Democracy Teams:   Building and organizing the Teams to take weekly action across the state to strengthen our democracy.   Responsibilities include grassroots organizing, communications, legislative advocacy, voter registration campaigns, facilitating weekly briefings, and more!

Fellows must bring a passion for or an interest in democracy, written/verbal communication skills, and an ability to work collaboratively. Candidates with grassroots organizing experience, policy research/writing skills, or design/multimedia skills are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Positions are 20 hours per week, with placements in Open Democracy’s Concord office or remote.  There is no stipend for these positions, but all travel and project expenses are reimbursed by Open Democracy and course credit can be arranged. Concord-area low or no cost housing can be arranged for successful candidates. 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] Thank you for your interest, and please contact us anytime to learn more. 

Open Democracy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, promoting and administering any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, or physical disability, or any other legally protected basis. We will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination. 

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Democracy Research Fellowship 

for Open Democracy’s Open Democracy Index Project

Summer or Fall 2022

Open Democracy, a nonpartisan 501c3 which works on campaign finance reform and voting rights issues in New Hampshire and nationally seeks two highly motivated researcher/writers to prepare an updated version of its Open Democracy Index (www.opendemocracynh.org/odi) which will be released on January 1, 2023.  This document has been used by state legislators and policy leaders to inform the direction of future legislation and initiatives in New Hampshire.    

For the Open Democracy Index project, you will design a research study on the current state of civic engagement in New Hampshire, including data collection, data analysis, brief literature reviews, and preparation of draft documents.  This data will be presented in both long and short form for use by Open Democracy, policy leaders, and the media. You will be publicly acknowledged and may have the opportunity to write a publishable article.

With Whom Will I Work?

You will operate in a collaborative environment with the Open Democracy staff and board members, as well as both activists and academics.   You will work on your own schedule and partly from home. The time commitment can range from 20 to 40 hours per week, depending on the candidate’s situation.   Travel and project expenses are reimbursed by Open Democracy, and course credit as well as Concord-area low or no cost housing can be arranged. 

Qualifications:

A successful candidate should be able to work independently, meet negotiated deadlines, be detail-oriented, and communicate effectively orally and in writing. Additional qualifications include:

• A passion for, and previous experience with, data analysis and research is preferred.  A willingness to abide by basic research ethics and follow standard protocols, including honesty, truthfulness and thorough documentation, is essential.
• Working knowledge of the US and NH political systems.
• Experience using Google and Microsoft Suites, especially for spreadsheet data management. 
• Because you’ll be summarizing your findings for policy makers, writing skills and the ability to communicate complex information in an accessible format are highly preferred.

How Do I Apply?

Email Olivia Zink [email protected] expressing your interest with a resume and cover letter to apply.

The Coalition for Open Democracy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, promoting and administering any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, or physical disability, or any other legally protected basis. We will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination.

Coalition for Open Democracy | 4 Park Street, Suite 301 | Concord, NH 03301 | 603.715.8197 www.OpenDemocracyNH.org| [email protected]