query: hiring organizers

[colist-admin at comm-org.utoledo.edu]

[ed:  Ben's query raises a very important set of issues I hope we can 
discuss on the list, as I know others out there are also concerned about 
these issues.]

From: "Ben MacConnell" <bmacconnell at hotmail.com>

After spending several frustrating weeks talking to fellow organizers (some 
national and state field organizers and others straight up community 
organizers) I found out that we are all basically saying the same thing: 
hiring folks is not something anyone is doing well. And it almost seems 
like we are resigned to catch as catch can and assume the worst. I don't 
think this is acceptable.

Right now, DART has several organizations that have funding, adequate 
leadership, and great potential to be powerhouses in their cities. But no 
qualified organizers to fill the positions.

So, my interests are two-fold. First, I'm interested in the discussion 
around organizer recruitment in general -- despite meaningful work, 
relatively good salary and benefits, and a respectful, energizing 
environment, why are college professors/career centers not delivering 
graduates?

Second (and more importantly) I am interested in filling positions in the 
DART network with quality people. I am convinced that organizers are not 
going to show their hand, and probably don't have much to show anyway in 
terms of "hotspots" for organizer recruitment. But professors or other 
interested parties hang out on the list serve as well, and I'd like to not 
just send out a job description, but talk to them about more extensive 
recruitment (e.g., doing campus visits and interviews, getting a list of 
students and talking to them directly about alternatives to micro-level 
social work or even worse corporate level careers).

That's what I meant to say and I appreciate you stopping me to clear my 
thoughts. Please let me know what you think I should do next.

Ben MacConnell