Temporary Canvasser - AI Data Center Regulation

About the organization

Citizen Action is a statewide grassroots movement organization that fights for political, social, racial, economic and environmental justice. We work at the grassroots to give people a sense of their own power. We collaborate with organizations and coalitions in communities throughout New York to address critical issues at the local, state and federal levels.

About the position

Citizen Action is looking to add a temporary canvasser to support our campaign for stronger regulation of AI data centers in New York. The canvass position focuses on going door-to-door in communities to engage residents about the impacts of large-scale AI data center development and the need for responsible regulation.

Canvassers will talk with community members about how data center development can affect electricity demand and utility bills, water resources, local infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and community decision-making. The goal is to raise awareness, hear directly from residents about their concerns, and build grassroots support for policies that protect working families and local communities.

This position will report to the Temporary Field Director.

What you’ll do and the impact you'll make

Go door-to-door multiple times a week for a total of 10 hours per week.

Engage community members in conversations about AI data center development and the need for stronger regulation.

Discuss issues such as rising electricity demand, utility costs, water use, environmental impacts, and the effects of data center development on local communities.

Share information about Citizen Action's campaign and opportunities for residents to take action.

Invite people interested in the organization and its campaigns to get involved.

Record responses from community members and accurately track canvassing data.

Identify community members for follow-up by organizers based on their interests and engagement.

Consistently meet established goals for door-to-door outreach, conversations, and recruitment.

Perform other duties as required by your supervisor.

Skills/Qualifications

Great communication and people skills.

Respect for diverse communities and varied worldviews, and a commitment to promoting racial and gender justice.

Ability to use a script as a guide while having authentic conversations with community members.

Ability to go door-to-door and speak with community members on the phone.

Patience and persistence.

Access to a tablet or laptop and a phone with internet access.

Comfort using basic online software, with training provided.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Reliable transportation to travel to canvassing turfs. A valid driver's license is required if using a personal vehicle.

Ability and willingness to learn and use VAN, Scale to Win Dialer and Text, EveryAction, New/Mode, Google Drive, Slack, Asana, Action Network, and other tools used by the organizations.

Availability on evenings and weekends.

Location

This position will be based in New York State, with priority areas being Buffalo, Binghamton, Ithaca.

Pay rate: $21.50/hour

Working Hours: 10 hours/week for 8 weeks

Equal Opportunity Employer

Citizen Action of NY and The Public Policy and Education Fund are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. We are looking for the most passionate people who want to join our team. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the terms of the ADA and state/local laws. Please let us know if you need assistance participating in the interview process.