Area Coordinators (ACs) are experienced Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) members who work directly to support the organizing and advocacy work of AIUSA’s Local Groups and members-at-large in an assigned state or regional area.
The core work of an AC is to assist, support and empower Local Groups, through relationship building, connecting people and resources, and celebrating successes. ACs help encourage and inspire people to make a difference locally and globally.
ACs also work to engage communities in Amnesty International’s human rights work. ACs help people become active participants in our movement towards a world in which everyone’s rights are respected.
As member leaders, ACs have the opportunity to directly impact and shape the future and the direction of the organization through active participation in governance and consultation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Support and Empower Amnesty International’s Local Groups
- Build relationships with Local Groups and develop strategies for engaging and communicating with each group.
- Maintain close and ongoing contact with Local Group coordinators, getting in touch with them regularly and attending Local Group meetings as often as possible to get to know the groups’ strengths, needs and leadership potential.
- Assist, support and empower groups in finding effective ways of working, including developing good communication methods, trying new things, growing, setting goals, and diversifying their membership.
- Provide clarity on AIUSA’s policies and procedures or refer questions to staff.
- Support the establishment and onboarding of new AIUSA Local Groups.
- Assist Local Groups in planning events, actions or campaigns as requested with strategies that foster impactful activism, future group leadership, and skill development.
- Share Local Groups’ impact on human rights and find ways to celebrate and recognize their work.
Build Grassroots Networks and Leadership for Human Rights
- Connect Local Groups and individuals to Amnesty strategies and tools for human rights work as well as other AIUSA member leaders, groups, and AIUSA networks in the region.
- Serving as a regional AIUSA point person, connect with emerging or existing Amnesty networks in the region or area.
- Work in collaboration with other member leaders in the region and AIUSA staff to enable state and region-wide meetings, events, legislative campaigns, training, strategic actions, and increase community awareness of human rights issues.
- Engage Local Groups to participate in AIUSA mobilizations and events (such as Write for Rights, Banned Books Week and the Annual General Meeting).
- Familiarize self and remain up to date on Amnesty International and general human rights issues, campaigns, policies and current events.
- Take part in AIUSA governance, regional and national consultations, conferences and meetings as often as possible, and encourage groups to participate as well.
other duties
- Engage in regular checks-ins with staff and the regional Area Coordinator Steering Committee representative to discuss work plans and other relevant updates.
- Provide regular updates to staff, fellow ACs and other member leaders in the region on Local Group events, actions, and other human rights engagements occurring within the area, uplifting exemplary work whenever possible and communicating about challenges or problems.
- Build community, and exchange ideas and strategies with other ACs by attending bi-monthly all-AC Zoom calls.
QUALIFICATIONS and expectations
- At least 1 year of active membership in an Amnesty Local Group, leadership in a student group, or other member leader role.
- Become an official dues-paid or dues-waived member of AIUSA.
- Develop an annual work plan and submit brief, regular reports on activities.
- Participate in an annual self-assessment and consultations as needed.
- Commit to at least two years in the position.
- Allow contact information to be shared with other AIUSA member leaders and activists in the area served.
AIUSA is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply. We prohibit discrimination of any kind based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, indigenous status, immigration status, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other legally protected and non-merit factors.
Contact our Grassroots Leadership and Engagement Team to learn more.
