Activist/Advocacy Careers?

Question

I really want to get into a career in Activist/Advocacy. My degree is in Communications so I think I've been overlooked, I have been searching with no luck. I do volunteer in community organizations, but I want to make a career of it. I live in the Atlanta GA area. Any suggestions? I'm interested in Child advocacy, Community, Education and/or Social justice...

Answer 1

Your CV needs to list your volunteering activities in the same manner as your jobs, and focus on the tasks you have done at each organization that relate to outreach/advocacy. You need experience in traditional outreach methods: paper newsletters, community meetings, information booths at events, press releases, etc., as well as online methods: how to get a message out via an organization's own web site, via online discussion groups, via email newsletters, via online social networks (MySpace, FaceBook, etc.). You should join TechSoup (http://www.techsoup.org) and NetSquared (http://www.netsquared) and get up-to-date on using online methods for outreach -- it will help you become an expert yourself.

If you have this experience as a volunteer, if *will* lead to paid work, because you will have both a CV that reflects your experience and an excellent network with potential employers.

Don't limit yourself to (c)(3) nonprofit organizations -- volunteer for organizations that are NOT (c)(3), such as political groups (environmental groups, for instance) and political candidates. This is where you will learn about convincing members of the general public regarding a particular issue, countering the outreach efforts of opposing groups, how to deal with conflict reported in the press, etc. It's where you will learn the critical skills that will set you apart from others applying for the same jobs.

Answer 2

I could've written that post myself - I also have a degree in communication and am trying to make a career in activism/internatioal development.

Volunteer volunteer volunteer. Research the heck out of organizations in your area that support your interests. I can't even count how many hours I put into researching this recently myself. I now have a list of about 40 organizations in my area that I could either work or volunteer for.

Once you have your list (I made a new folder in my favourites) go through and see what events they have coming up. Email to see if you can volunteer for the events, either at the event itself or on a planning committee. I've done that and now have five or six international development events I'm volunteering for, three of which I'll have quite a large hand in planning.

Also, try to find conferences you can attend. If you're under 30, there are lots of youth conferences that may be available. Again, this depends on your area, but I'll be attending EIGHT youth conferences on international development (in one way or another) before November. I've registered for a few already, and a few I'm helping to plan so I'll get to go for free. The conferences get your foot in the door to meeting new people (networking is very important in this field) and expanding your knowledge base.

All of these things can go onto your resume and will help you to compete against people who have more experience than you.

Also, try to find continuing ed courses at your local colleges or universities. There are lots of different directions you can go in, so again - research the heck out of it.

I'm lucky in that I have a background in program and volunteer coordination. But even just for communication, all NGOs and non-profits use communication specialists. Like I've already said, do your research. I've spent HOURS over the past 2 weeks doing this and my hard work has paid off. I still don't have a paid job, but at least I have my foot in the door and it'll help!

Good luck!

Answer 3

I have a great idea.  What about going to the courts and being a child advocate or help battered women work their way through the court system and help them get on their feet and away from abusers.  The very best of luck to you.  I am sure this will be a rewarding career for you.  With excellent communication skills, you will be dynomite!