Application: Canvasser

Our Streets seeks enthusiastic, community-oriented Canvassers to engage residents impacted by transportation projects and to support grassroots organizing and advocacy campaigns. Canvassers serve as frontline representatives of Our Streets, connecting directly with community members through door-knocking, phone banking, and event participation.

This role works closely with the Community Engagement Organizer, Community Engagement Specialist, Advocacy and Policy Manager, and Advocacy Coordinator to ensure that community voices are accurately reflected in Our Streets’ work.

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about door-knocking, personable, and dedicated to direct outreach, bringing a strong commitment to equity and shared leadership, and is excited to contribute to a growing, values-driven organization.

About Our Streets

Our Streets works to lead the nation in putting people first by transforming transportation and infrastructure in the Twin Cities, the metro region, and the state of Minnesota. We envision streets and neighborhoods that are vibrant places to live, work, and play—designed for people, not cars—and rooted in public health, climate resilience, and racial and economic justice. Our work creates bold, people-centered futures that repair past and present harms caused by unjust transportation decisions. We elevate community voices—especially those most harmed or historically excluded—through grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and transparent, community-led action. Together, we build shared power and pursue concrete, systemic change.

Position Overview

Door-knocking is the primary responsibility of this position and the most effective engagement method used by Our Streets.

The Canvasser plays a key role in advancing Our Streets’ mission by directly engaging residents on key transportation issues that impact them. This position supports organizational goals through strong collaboration, disciplined systems, and values-aligned leadership.

The Canvasser works closely with the Lead Organizers and contributes to a horizontal leadership culture in which staff are empowered to lead, take responsibility, and grow in their roles.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, community-centered nonprofit environment and is committed to building sustainable systems in service of justice-centered work.

• Hourly Wage: $28.85 with the expectation to work 20 hours per week
• Flexible Work Hours
• Flexible Location (Hybrid)
• Paid Time Off
• Cell Phone Reimbursement
• Bike/Walk/Transit Stipend
• Health, Dental and Vision Stipend
• Sick and Safe Time

Core Responsibilities

Direct Community Engagement (Primary Responsibility) (75%)

• Conduct door-knocking and phone banking to engage residents in assigned neighborhoods.
• Share information about Our Streets’ campaigns accurately, respectfully, and clearly.
• Listen to and document community perspectives, concerns, and priorities.
• Represent Our Streets’ mission and values in all interactions with the public.

Data Collection & Reporting (5%)

• Collect and record resident responses using approved data collection tools, including Survey123.
• Ensure canvassing data is entered accurately and in a timely manner.
• Monitor literature and outreach materials and report supply needs to supervisors.

Event & Tabling Support (0-15%)

• Staff Our Streets–led events such as Imagine and Open Streets activations.
• Participate in tabling at partner-led events when scheduled.
• Assist with event setup, outreach, logistics, and materials distribution as assigned.
• Confirm availability for scheduled events and secure coverage if unable to attend a previously confirmed shift.
• Return canvassing and event supplies to the office promptly following events.

Collaboration & Team Participation (5%)

• Collaborate with fellow canvassers during shifts to meet engagement goals.
• Participate in weekly Canvassing Team Meetings and All-Staff Meetings unless excused in advance.
• Support volunteer canvassers as assigned, including basic training and field support.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy direct community engagement, have strong communication skills, and are passionate about advancing equitable transportation solutions in Minneapolis. Flexible schedules allow for meaningful work that makes an impact.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, justice, and community-centered work.
• Relevant experience in canvassing, door-knocking, direct outreach.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and willingness to learn internal systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and roles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in nonprofit, advocacy, or community-based organizations.
• Familiarity with public policy, organizing, or movement-building work.
• Experience with budgeting, reporting, or compliance systems.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities (as applicable).

Work Conditions

• In-person work environment.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
• Ability to attend community events, meetings, or field activities.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and lift up to 40lbs. as needed.

How to Apply

Your resume should reflect relevant experience, including paid, volunteer, and academic work. Your cover letter should describe your interest in this role, your connection to Our Streets’ mission, and how your experience prepares you for this position.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Our Streets is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; people with disabilities; transgender and nonbinary people; and others historically excluded from nonprofit leadership.