The Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) is an environmental justice organization with deep roots in California’s Asian immigrant and refugee communities. Since 1993, APEN has built a membership base of Laotian refugees in Richmond and Chinese immigrants in Oakland, and more recently, Asian Americans in South Bay LA. Together, we have fought and won campaigns to make our communities healthier and just places where all people have the resources we need to live full, dignified lives. We are growing our local roots and building power to make decisions at the state level that have real local impact. By building an organized movement, we’re leading a transition away from an extractive economy based on profit and pollution and toward local, healthy, and life-sustaining economies that benefit everyone.

Classification: Temporary (12 weeks over 3 months), Part-Time (5 hours per week), Non-Exempt, Work authorization is required

Compensation: $30/ hour

Location: Hybrid, work must be performed in one of our 3 geographies in California

Reports To: Oakland Lead Organizer

Direct Reports: This role does not have supervisory responsibilities

Position Summary

Support APEN’s member recruitment, with a focus on working-class members in Oakland and increase APEN’s membership among working class Oakland residents through consistent outreach, member engagement APEN activities, and structured follow up to support long term participation and leadership development. 

Roles and Responsibilities

Outreach & Recruitment (Working-Class Focus)

• Identify and reach out to working-class community members in Oakland (tenants, low-wage workers, immigrants, seniors, parents, etc.)
• Have one-on-one conversations to learn about their concerns and introduce APEN’s work
• Share clear information about how APEN supports environmental justice and community power
• Invite potential members to attend meetings, events, or actions
• Recruit and support at least 5 working-class members to stay actively involved with APEN

Member Support & Leadership Development

• Build strong relationships so members feel welcomed and supported
• Follow up with members after meetings or events
• Help new members get oriented and understand APEN’s structure and campaigns
• Encourage members to grow into leadership at their own pace

Tracking & Supervision

• Keep simple notes on outreach efforts and member participation
• Check in with supervisor every other week to share updates, challenges, and progress
• Reflect on outreach strategies and adjust as needed

Qualifications

• Oakland resident
• Aligned with APEN’s values
• Familiar with APEN’s work
• Connected to working-class communities in Oakland (through neighborhood, family, faith community, school, workplace, etc.)
• Comfortable building relationships through one-on-one conversations
• Fluency in Cantonese and Mandarin is required

Salary And Benefits

Hourly rate of $30 per hour. Benefits include:

• Sick time
• APEN is also a family-friendly employer

Accessibility And Working Conditions

This position may require in-person work at our Oakland office, as needed. This position will follow APEN’s COVID safety policies and protocols regarding in-person work. Masks are required to be worn in APEN offices and indoor events, with the exception of eating and drinking. All employees also are required to be vaccinated as part of our safety policy or be subject to weekly testing.

APEN will continue to closely monitor local and state health officials guidance around COVID and any additional guidelines around safety for people to return to offices and gather in-person as needed. 

This position will not require carrying or moving heavy equipment, regularly ascending or descending a ladder, or standing or sitting for long periods of time. This position will not require working in hazardous or unusual conditions such as outdoors in inclement weather.

We provide reasonable accommodations for the application, interview, or any other aspect of the internship selection process to applicants with disabilities. Please email hiring@apen4ej.org to request an accommodation.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted through February 24, we will be holding interviews in February, and our target candidate start date is early to mid March. Applications are due electronically by clicking “Apply Now” on the APEN website. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The application must include the following:

• Resume

APEN is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, caste, or any other characteristic protected by law. APEN conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. Queer, transgender, intersex, gender non-conforming, disabled, black and indigenous people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.