Utah’s Disability Law Center is seeking a qualified, self-starter to initiate a grassroots project aimed at improving the accessibility of Utah’s primary election and caucus systems. The chosen applicant will recruit, energize, and educate voters to prepare them to participate in their local caucus meetings or vote in-person during the presidential primary election. Volunteers will evaluate the accessibility of the site and the voting process, then report their observations. Qualitative and quantitative data will be compiled then a report produced.
Responsibilities
- Write and submit a project plan by January 12, 2024
- Recruit volunteers to attend their local caucus meetings or vote in-person at a vote center.
- Assist volunteers with voter registration as needed.
- Assist with preparing volunteers to evaluate basic architectural features which contribute to accessibility such as: parking, pathway to the meeting or voting area, entrances, set up of the meeting or voting space, etc.
- Assist in educating volunteers about evaluating the programmatic accessibility of the electoral experience such as signage, voting methods, appropriate accommodations, etc.
- Reach out across the state to senior programs, college and university students, programs that support individuals with disabilities, civil rights organizations, community volunteer programs, etc. to reach volunteers from different size counties and various communities.
- Collect and compile data. Assist with writing a report.
- Provide enthusiastic support to individual volunteers, connecting them with each other, supporting their desire to make meaningful change in their communities, and recognizing their individual and collective efforts.
Requirements
- Undergraduate student in Utah majoring in Political Science, Communications, Public Relations, Legal Studies, or something similar
- Working knowledge of Utah’s political process for choosing presidential candidates
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge of social media
- Competent in the organization and compilation of data
- Driven, organized, creative, and hard working
- Strong project management skills
- Coordinate with and report to the DLC’s Voting Access Program Coordinator
- Professional, engaging, demeanor.
- Communicates adeptly and respectfully with individuals of all abilities.
- Experience with PowerPoint, Word, Excel, developing on-line training, a plus.
- Lived experience with disability a plus.
- Commit 10 hours per week (average) from January 8 – April 5, 2024, with exceptional effort to move the project forward in preparation for caucus night on March 5th. Must be available to engage with volunteers throughout the evening of March 5th.
About the Disability Law Center At the Disability Law Center we envision a just society where Utahns with disabilities are free from stigma, discrimination, and abuse. They have the authority to make their own decisions and the same rights and opportunities as those without disabilities. Their voices are heard, which inspires discussion and motivates change. Utahns with disabilities have equitable access to supports and resources needed to be as independent as possible and full participants in their communities. With a staff of 30, comprised of attorneys, advocates, administration, and support staff, we work to advance and enforce the legal rights, choices, and opportunities of Utahns with disabilities.
Organizational Values DLC employees value integrity, compassion and empathy, collaboration, and impact. That is why we exemplify the highest standards of honesty and professionalism. We approach our work seeking to understand the experience and point of view of those we come in contact with. We believe in the power of people coming together to create real and lasting change, and we are committed to work that meaningfully improves the lives of people with disabilities.
Benefits
- Learn about disability law and systemic advocacy from skilled and passionate advocates at Utah’s highly revered nonprofit civil rights law firm, the Disability Law Center.
- Lead a grassroots campaign with potential for real impact on future access to the electoral process in Utah.
- Receive mentoring and support of project management skill development.
- Flexible schedule, most work can be done remotely.
- Compensation in the form of a stipend TBD.
TO APPLY Submit a resume and letter of interest to Sheri Newton: snewton@disabilitylawcenter.org
