We are looking for energetic, motivated individuals to join our team!
Established in 2022, Western Native Voice, Inc. is a domestic Montana Nonprofit Corporation and social welfare nonprofit under Section 501(c)(4) under the Internal Revenue Code. Western Native Voice works to nurture and empower new native leaders and impact policies affecting Native Americans through community organizing, education, leadership, and advocacy. We are engaged on all seven Montana Indian reservations and engaged in major Montana urban centers because approximately half of Montana’s native population lives off the reservation.
Job Title: Western Native Voice Intern
Qualifications:
- Ability to interact effectively and productively with the general public
- A team player who can work productively both independently and with others
- Self-motivated, good organizational skills, detail-oriented, ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
- An understanding of the economic and political issues that affect Indian Country, or a willingness to learn about the issues
- Able and willing to work on weekends and evenings
Responsibilities:
- Research (including, but not limited to) population distribution, demographics, policies, Native voting patterns, funding opportunities
- Assist in preparing materials to register and mobilize Native voters and educate communities on issues affecting Indian Country.
- Assist in planning, coordinating, and attending outreach events such as setting up information/voter registration tables, events such as area powwows, tribal college events, and other community activities.
- Assist in planning and coordinating materials for additional staff to conduct direct canvass outreach events.
- Assist in networking with community leaders, and recruit local volunteers and other supporters to build support for Native voting.
- Assist in working closely with tribal, county, state, and federal governments (tribal councils/legislatures, county commissioners, election administrators, etc.)
Key Competencies:
- A heartfelt commitment to improving Native American communities in Montana
- Attending classes in a college, university, or high school
- No Physical Requirements
Benefits of internships with Western Native Voice:
- Build relationship-building experience and skills
- Broaden research and writing strategies and skills
- Learn community organizing skills
- Gain knowledge of issues/policies pertaining to Montana’s Indian Country
- Learn about the historical perspective of culture in politics, history, and the power of the Native Vote
- Professional development in a workforce environment, opportunities for leadership development
How to apply: Send resume and contact information for three references to info@westernnativevoice.org
Summer Employment Opportunities
Western Native Voice: Expanding Horizons Summer Camp 2023
Summer camp description– Expanding Horizons Summer Camp aspires to bring Native American students from all across Montana, from rural and urban communities, together in an educational environment with a focus on building intellectual capacity, and emphasizing individual Montana tribal histories and practices. The camp will be held over a consecutive two-week period, featuring courses on Native American studies, Writing 1 and Writing II, Algebra I, and Algebra II. According to the Office of Public Instruction’s (OPI) fall 2022 Montana American Indian Data report, the math portion of ACT evidences a gap between high Native American students and their counterparts. (OPI, 2022). The average score of the ACT reading portion from 2016-2021 for Montana American Indian students is 57.8%, scoring at novice, which is below proficient. Expanding Horizons Summer seeks to provide a solution for high school American Indian students ACT proficiency levels.
Background checks/fingerprinting are required for all applicants.
Open positions:
Residential Team Leaders: (2) (1 female/1 male) (live in position during the summer program)
Residential team leaders are mentors/supervisors for high school students. Residential team leaders must demonstrate great leadership qualities such as: punctuality, alertness, initiative, compassion, and attention to security. We need role models to lead our students. They will be responsible for ensuring students make it to and from class, traveling on field trips, managing their dorm room area of students (female/male), enforcing an open door policy and lights out.
Minimum qualifications: Candidates should have at least TWO years of college experience, with at least one year of living on campus. Preferred candidates will have experience Native American students, Tribal cultures, or Native American youth programs. Residential assistants must live on campus for the entirety of the two week program. Flat rate of $1,000 ($500 a week, and lodging will be provided at no additional cost.
Instructor Positions:
Summer faculty is needed to teach courses in the three selected courses for the Expanding Horizons 2023 Summer Camp. The teachers will work within the framework of Expanding Horizons. The three courses are: Native American studies, Algebra 1 and II, Writing I and II. Dates of employment are June 18th-June 30th.
Minimum qualifications: All teaching positions require a bachelor’s degree, teaching experience and are teacher certification preferred. Preference will be granted to teachers experienced in teaching Native American students, who have a background in Native American studies or culture, and who are Native American themselves and live within the Billings city limits. Teachers will work Monday through Friday, 9 am-3 pm, with an hour of prep time. Teachers will receive pay depending on workload. The following three positions are available: Intro to Native American studies, Algebra I and II, Writing I and II.
All applicants are required to submit a letter of interest, resume, and the names and phone numbers of three (3) references to: Western Native Voice, 80 25th Street West, Montana 59102. Email tbelgarde@westernativevoice.org Phone 406-839-1296. Two of these references should be professional references and one reference should provide personal reference. Review of applications will begin May 1st, until all positions are filled.