Virtual Activist Programme
by Politrip
Job Details
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The Politrip Virtual Activist Programme
How would you like to gain experience volunteering on the US Presidential election?
Digital organising is the future of modern election campaigns, and never more so than in 2020 where a global pandemic has dramatically altered the ways we can engage with voters. 2020 has also limited opportunities for many of us, whether that be lost employment, cancelled travel plans, changes to further education or a ruined social life. But as a Politrip Virtual Activist you can still make the most of 2020 by playing your part on the frontlines of one of the most important Presidential Elections in history.
As a Virtual Activist on our 2-week placement you will have the chance to increase turnout on election day through phone-banking in key swing districts, networking with campaign staff and meeting other volunteers, all whilst gaining valuable transferable skills and experience. You’ll be able to choose to volunteer for a range of campaigns right across the US – from Joe Biden’s Presidential campaign to key Congressional and Senatorial races.
And on the Virtual Activist Programme, it isn’t all work. We will also be providing a range of networking and social events including campaign watch parties, and even the opportunity to meet (virtually) some of your political heroes!
The 2-week Virtual Activist placement starts on 19th October and runs until Election Day on 3rd November.
What’s in it for you?
Whilst this is a paid-for placement and there is no remuneration involved, it is a unique opportunity to take part in one of the most exciting and historic Presidential elections in history. This is no ordinary placement and will be a sure-fire conversation starter in interviews, setting you apart from the competition.
In particular for students studying politics and other humanities subjects at University, it can often be difficult to gain credible, practical experience relevant to your degree. Politrip gives you the chance to take part in hands on campaigning and learn about a modern election campaign works:
- Digital organising systems: learn about the cutting edge software and methods campaigns are employing to reach out to voters
- Voter contact strategies in a pandemic: take part in phonebanking, text banking and virtual events
- Microtargeting: why campaigns contact certain voters in the final weeks of a campaign
- Get out the vote strategies: how to help voters make a plan to turn out to vote or post their ballot
- Voter protection and electoral security: why the sanctity of voting is under threat in this election and what you can do to help
- Campaign structure: learn about the inner workings of a grassroots campaign effort, meet key staff and learn about campaign terminology
- Explore the issues that matter: Politrip will be hosting a number of exclusive networking events throughout your placement allowing you to meet and engage with a range of advocacy groups from Gun control groups to LGBT rights activists
As well as all this, Politrip is also about having fun, meeting new friends and making a difference for a cause you care about. It’s not just a conversation starter in interviews - your campaigning experience will give you lots of cool stories to talk about for years to come!
Additionally, the Virtual Activist programme is as flexible as you need it to be. We are running multiple volunteering sessions and events each day which you can choose to sign up for. Those who take part in the most events will go on our leaderboard and have the chance to win exciting prizes and opportunities. However, there is no minimum amount of hours you need to commit and therefore the programme can be easily planned around work or studies.
Who we’re looking for:
We look for Politrippers who possess 3 core values:
Driven
Committed to improving yourself and your opportunities, and enjoy taking on new challenges and solving difficult problems.
Ethical
You want to make a positive difference in your world. You respect and engage with people from different backgrounds, who have different opinions from your own.
Adventurous
You thrive on the unknown, love meeting new people, gaining new experiences and exploring new situations. You are organised and independent, with excellent situational awareness.
How to sign up:
To apply, please visit our website using the apply button below. There you will be asked some basic eligibility questions. If you pass eligibility, you will be able to pay a £20 fee via Paypal to secure your place. You will then be issued with a form via email with details to pay for the remainder of your placement. You must return this form and make your payment within 5 days or before 5pm on 17th October to secure your place.
About Politrip
Politrip was founded in 2017, following our Director and Founder’s experience of campaigning on the Hilary Clinton Presidential Campaign in Miami during the 2016 Presidential election. It is the world’s first political travel company, giving young people from around the world the chance to fully immerse themselves on the frontlines of election campaigns.
We ran our first trips to the US Midterms in the Summer and Autumn of 2018, when a team of 50 ‘Politrippers’ volunteered on Congressional Campaigns in Florida, New Hampshire, California, and Virginia. Our participants even had the opportunity to meet Nancy Pelosi, Kamala Harris, Tim Kaine and attend a rally headlined by Barack Obama!
In 2019 a group of 20 Politrippers headed to Des Moines Iowa to spend the summer campaigning on the Presidential Primary Campaigns of Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren. Whilst in Iowa, our participants got to meet nearly all of the 25 Democratic Candidates for President including: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Beto O’Rourke, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar and Bernie Sanders.
This year we had planned to take over 300 volunteers out to the Presidential election, but unfortunately due to COVID that was not possible. Instead we have designed a unique virtual placement giving people the chance to play a role in the election from anywhere in the world.
A 2-Week Virtual Politrip Placement starting on 19th October costs £195.
NOTE: This programme does not reflect the political views of RateMyPlacement.
How to apply
To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.
The deadline has expired
We still have opportunities just like this one ready for you to apply.