MIXTECO INDIGENA COMMUNITY ORGANIZING PROJECT

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Organizer

DEPARTMENT:  Behavioral Wellness
PROGRAM: Kuni Mi

REPORTS TO:  Senior Program Manager

LOCATION: MICOP Office, Paso Robles

STATUS: Non Exempt

HOURS OF WORK: Full Time, 40 hours per week

ABOUT MIXTECO INDIGENA COMMUNITY ORGANIZING PROJECT

Founded in 2001, Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) supports, organizes and empowers the indigenous migrant communities of California’s Central Coast through improved access to health and community resources, community organizing, language interpretation, education, direct assistance, cultural promotion, and our indigenous-led Radio Indígena community radio station. MICOP offers a fast-paced, multilingual and multicultural work environment dedicated to carrying out our mission.

Summary   

The Kuni Mi Youth Organizer  organizes and coordinates the youth group, working directly with Indigenous migrant youth to strengthen protective factors regarding mental health and emotional well-being, while simultaneously driving community organizing and policy advocacy efforts that promote youth leadership, civic engagement, and the defense of policies impacting their communities. This position serves Mixtec, Zapotec, and Purépecha youth in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties youth who face multiple intersectional vulnerabilities related to race, language, culture, income, and immigration status. The role's focus includes education on mental health, holistic well-being, self-love, and self-care, as well as skill-building to address social and structural factors affecting emotional health thereby empowering youth to support their community and creating safe, affirming, and culturally relevant spaces for all, including the Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organize and conduct meetings with youth under the age of 25.
• Participate in wellness resource fairs at high schools.
• Participate in community meetings and events.
• Collaborate with other mental health departments within MICOP.
• Participate in the OYE event.
• Network with other mental health organizations.
• Create mental health awareness brochures.
• Staff a health information booth at Jardín.
• Make phone calls to parents when necessary.
• Prepare documentation to track attendance at activities, as well as OC-approved MICOP flyers for newsletters.
• Distribute flyers at schools and universities, as needed.
• Conduct surveys to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Coordinate transportation as needed; organize the activity calendar; and make trips to Costco to purchase necessary items for youth incentives.
• Carry out administrative tasks such as: reserving office space for meetings, sending activity reminders to youth participants, creating brochures about the Kuni Mi program, updating information regarding transportation services, drafting copy for Radio Indigena announcements, and performing other duties as needed.
• Prepare information for various reports, as required.
• Plan and facilitate community organizing activities that engage youth in identifying community issues, forming coalitions, and organizing actions that promote equity and social justice.
• Support and guide youth in advocacy initiatives, including researching specific topics, crafting advocacy messages, holding meetings with decision-makers, and participating in public hearings or civic engagement opportunities.
• Coordinate and implement youth-led advocacy campaigns focused on addressing systemic racism and discrimination, strengthening youth leadership, and promoting change at both the community and political levels.
• Document the youth group's activities and update the group's social media presence, ensuring that social media content is appropriate and visually engaging.
• Communicate with funders as needed.
• Organize discussions and workshops on mental health topics; work with the youth to select topics and encourage participants to share openly during the workshops.
• Create a calming atmosphere using relaxing music or sounds; set up a safe space for the youth to gather; and clean the meeting area after the youth have departed.
• Plan activities and discussion sessions throughout the week.
• Research mental health topics relevant to youth.
• Perform other assigned duties.

REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to speak Spanish and an Indigenous language, such as Mixtec.
• Strong communication skills with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to work with youth and motivate them.
• Computer skills: MS Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Familiarity with Canva and social media (Instagram/Facebook).
• Commitment and dedication to the project.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with colleagues.
• Ability to meet goals and manage time effectively.
• Well-organized; ability to maintain an activity calendar.
• Ability to work flexibly, including working hours on weekends or evenings.