About the Northwest Progressive Institute

JOIN THE STAFF OF THE NORTHWEST PROGRESSIVE INSTITUTE

The following explains what the Northwest Progressive Institute is all about and why you might be interested in becoming a part of our staff.

What exactly is NPI?

NPI (short for Northwest Progressive Institute) is a netroots strategy center. We are an institution created to advance the common good through ideas and action. We research ideas and propose solutions to elected officials, opinionmakers, and the American people. We're not like most think tanks in that we don't have a million dollar budget or an office building (although we are working towards eventually habving both!). We are built on activist roots. Our most important resources are volunteer energy (your energy!) and the Internet - the most democratic medium ever invented. We exist to organize and mobilize progressive thinkers, and give activists an outlet to make their voices heard.

What is NPI's Mission Statement?

We will work as a forum for progressive thought, an oasis for the promotion of peace and freedom, a warning against corruption and ignorance, and a light for others.

What does NPI do?

We pursue many different projects and interests, but ultimately they are all related to our guiding mission. Some of our major objectives:

Promoting progressive ideas and values. Right wing policies are slowly destroying the United Sates of America. We face huge challenges: not only do we need to take our country back from the right, but we also need to take back the Democratic Party. Democrats can't win unless they can present a compelling alternative to the policies of the Republican right. Waiting for the other side to self destruct and get out of the way is foolish and ultimately not a strategy that will lead to future success. One of our major objectives is to promote progressive ideas and values that activists and candidates for office can use to present that compelling alternative we need to be effective and win.

Building progressive media. Another one of our major objectives is building progressive media infrastructure to counter the Republican Noise Machine. Two of our biggest projects to date have been in pursuit of this goal: our widely read Official Blog, which provides daily political news and analysis, and Pacific Northwest Portal, a regional information gateway and media center for progressives.

Defeating right wing strategic initiatives. Our Permanent Defense division exists to fight against right wing ballot measures (especially those that attempt to repeal funding for public services provided by the government) and advocate for true reform of our tax system so that everyone pays their fair share.

In summary, our most important work is creating, maintaining, and expanding a significant online presence where we can present progressive ideas, amplify progressive voices, and take on the right wing. Additionally, we use our online presence to coordinate offline action.

Who are you looking for?

Basically, progressives who live in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska), want to make a difference in taking back our country, and have an interest in technology. If you have a specific skill or talent that you're really good at and can offer to the organization, that's even better. For example:

Topical experts. We're looking for people who have an expertise on major issues (the environment, foreign policy, economics, etc.) who enjoy writing and speaking about a particular topic that they care about.

People with legal experience. We need lawyers to help guide the organization and assist other staff with legal questions.

Good contributing editors. We're looking for people who are good writers to help contribute to our Official Blog and the writing of our topics.

Media wizards. We're looking for people who are good at graphics design and good with the creation of audio and video.

We should also add that NPI does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of age, religion, creed, national origin, gender, race, disability, income/social status, or sexual orientation. It's against our moral values. As progressives, we believe firmly in equality for every human being.

Why should I join NPI?

You should join NPI if you want to use your time and energy wisely and actually make a difference. We have a track record of accomplishing a lot without having very much to work with. We like to stay focused on what's important. We're not just principled, but we're also practical. We think globally and act locally. We understand the significance of responding quickly and efficiently. We know that working together, we're more powerful. We understand how to make use of the full potential of the Internet, which in the last few years has had an enormous effect on politics and media. We're pioneers and innovators.

We think both short term (i.e. the next election cycle) and long term (where will the progressive movement be in ten years? What are we working towards?) If you're progressive and you want to join a team of savvy thinkers and activists, the Northwest Progressive Institute is for you.

What does being part of the staff mean?

It means being willing to actively contribute to the work of the organization on a frequent basis - advancing the common good through ideas and action, whether that's blogging, helping with research, testifying before the Legislature, helping progressive candidates win elected office, or putting on events. It means making a serious commitment to a team effort... a caring and flexible group of people who are all deeply invested in revolutionizing grassroots politics. If you think you'd rather be part of our supporter community, we invite you to learn about ways you can sustain and follow our work.

I like what I'm reading. I want to join the Northwest Progressive Institute staff.

Great! Complete the form below and send to us, and we'll be in touch with you very shortly. All elements of this form are required. Don't hit "Submit" until you've filled everything out.

We ask that you only submit an application if...

you understand that doing so is making a serious commitment to a team effort,

you are willing to freely contribute your talents and at least some time out of your schedule to serve as a staff member,

you are ready to take on a position of responsibility,

you are prepared to respond promptly when we contact you,

and you want to have fun!

If you're not sure, consider becoming part of our supporter community instead. If you are sure, please continue on. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Age:

Gender:

Your Name (First and Last):

Your Email Address:

Your Telephone Number:

Your Address:

(include city, state, zip):

Employment Status:

What kind of work interests you the most?

Agreement:

By checking the box below and clicking submit, I release this application, including all of the above information, to the Northwest Progressive Institute, and certify that it is accurate. I understand that my privacy will be protected and my personal information will not be shared with any outside entity at any time.

I agree to the mission, vision, and values of the Northwest Progressive Institute and hereby state my interest in joining the organization as a volunteer staff member.

Please tell us a little bit about you. Any personal background you'd care to share with us? Any experience with other political organizations?

We will review your submission as soon as we can, however, we do not guarantee an instantaneous response. If you filled out this application in good faith, we will likely contact you first by email or by telephone.

Please be prepared to respond. Thank you.

Why do you want to join the staff? What, specifically, would you like to contribute?