Fund for the Public Interest: Canvass Director, DC Office

Throughout my summer working as the Canvass Director of the D.C. office, I had the opportunity to work on campaigns for Environment Virginia, Maryland PIRG, and Environment America. The Environment America campaign was one that truly resonated with me, as our office raised over $200,000 to get the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act passed on a federal level. As Director my responsibilities were largely centered around staff management, citizen fundraising initiatives, and membership development. My hands-on approach meant that I was deeply involved in the fabric of our team's development, from identifying and interviewing potential candidates to making the tough calls on hiring and terminations.

Each day was a balancing act of overseeing office dynamics and keeping our team on an upward trajectory to meet our fundraising target of $425,000. I instilled a culture of continuous improvement, initiating daily training sessions that were key to not only meeting but also surpassing our financial goals. I personally raised over $20,000, actively engaging with voters and canvassing up to four times a week, which not only contributed to our fundraising successes but also strengthened community engagement and support for our cause.

Although the role was demanding, with a workload of 75 hours a week, it was also immensely rewarding. I was introduced me to an impassioned office of change-makers, each driven to make an impact.

Every day presented new challenges, from shifting public sentiments to unexpected logistical hurdles. This work environment taught me to pivot swiftly and effectively, ensuring our message remained relevant and our strategies impactful. Moreover, effective communication was fundamental to my advocacy success, as I learned to articulate complex environmental policies to diverse audiences in a clear and compelling manner.

The skills I have gained from this position are not just tools I've wielded; they're lenses through which I view every challenge and opportunity.