Community Organizer
About the Organization
ABLE NH builds the power and capacity of the disability community and co-leads powerful and dynamic movements for social change alongside people with disabilities. With our partners and leaders, we bridge the grassroots to the state and national disability agenda. ABLE NH supports strategies to disrupt the status quo while also building pathways to influence policy conversations.
Our vision of a world of belonging and inclusion centers the leadership of people impacted by disability to move our work on inclusive school culture, employment, healthcare, housing, and civic engagement.
ABLE NH has a policy position in each priority area. ABLE NH has existing relationships with stakeholders and decision-makers in each area except competitive integrative employment (CIE). Current CIE relationships with employers can be strengthened. It will be the Director of Policy and Advocacy’s role to strengthen relationships in each policy area, elevate ABLE NH’s priorities, and move issues toward achieving short-term and long-term policy goals.
ABLE NH’s mission is to advocate for the human rights of children and adults with disabilities and promotes full participation by: improving systems of supports, connecting families, inspiring communities, and influencing public policy. ABLE NH is the Granite State's disability justice organization free of public funds which permits members and staff to engage in courageous conversations directly naming barriers which prevent people with disabilities from accessing the American dream. ABLE NH’s members and staff are a passionate, highly motivated team looking to advance equity, opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities in the life domains of: healthcare, civic engagement, employment, and education. ABLE NH believes that we are strong partners within the disability community and effective intersectional partners with sister organizations doing anti-oppression advocacy and building beloved community across the Granite State. Our mission advancing civil and human rights for people with disabilities is achieved using a synergistic blend of the disciplined practice of community organizing – organizing people and their stories – to make clear demands about what needs to change, backed up with evidence-based best practices.
About the Job
ROLE
The Community Organizer at ABLE New Hampshire is a key role focused on empowering individuals with disabilities, their families, and allies to advocate for change. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Community Organizer mobilizes community members and partners to address issues critical to the disability community. This position reports to and is evaluated by the Executive Director.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Community Engagement and Leadership Development
- Cultivate and expand task forces by recruiting, developing, and supporting members and volunteers.
- Lead and facilitate monthly chapter and task force meetings, often held during evenings.
- Conduct individual outreach meetings to build relationships, learn personal stories, and identify opportunities for individuals to engage in public advocacy.
- Foster leadership among individuals with disabilities by identifying and mentoring emerging leaders.
- Collaborate, when applicable, with the NH Leadership Series program to support leadership development efforts.
Advocacy and Public Participation
- Empower individuals with disabilities, families, and allies to participate in public forums, listening sessions, and legislative hearings.
- Assist with the preparation of testimony, letters, and other advocacy materials to support legislative engagement.
- Coordinate with the Policy Director to ensure member participation at key legislative hearings and meetings aligned with ABLE NH’s priorities.
- Arrange transportation and logistical support for individuals scheduled to testify or speak.
Community Education and Campaigns
- Organize and facilitate advocacy training sessions, events, and experiences, such as State House tours, rallies, and informational gatherings.
- Develop and execute family engagement initiatives, including legislative training workshops, coffee events, and community activities.
- Educate the public about services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and advocate for service improvements.
Issue Campaigns and Outreach
- Plan and execute local, regional, and statewide issue-based campaigns and public actions.
- Coordinate and host community meetings and public forums to raise awareness and build support for advocacy goals.
- Collaborate with national community organizing partners and facilitate member participation in national advocacy events, such as the annual Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C.
Event Support and Record-Keeping
- Support the planning, outreach, and facilitation of events, including ABLE NH’s annual Advocate NH Conference.
- Conduct outreach to grow ABLE NH membership and support membership drives.
- Maintain detailed records of advocacy activities and public engagement efforts.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of one year of experience in advocacy, community organizing, or related work (personal experience in advocacy is also valued).
- Demonstrated passion for social justice and a commitment to fostering inclusive communities.
- Understanding of New Hampshire’s legislative process or a strong willingness to learn.
- Knowledge of or eagerness to learn about the disability community and related issues.
- Proven ability to build relationships with diverse communities and cultivate leadership.
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with an ability to inspire and persuade.
- Proficiency in Google Workspace applications (Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.).
- Access to reliable transportation for in-state travel.
- Team-building skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
The Community Organizer at ABLE NH plays a pivotal role in driving meaningful advocacy, amplifying the voices of individuals with disabilities, and building strong, inclusive communities across the state.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
ABLE NH is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. ABLE NH complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity).
Please submit resume and cover letter to
Subject Line: Community Organizer Position