OBAMA ORGANIZING FELLOWS:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some of the questions we have received about the fellowship program.
Thank you for everything you do – you are making history!
"We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
-Senator Barack Obama
Are stipends available to cover food, transportation and housing?
Stipends for food, transportation and housing are not available. Some free housing may be provided by supporters near trainings and organizing assignments, but housing is not guaranteed.
If I am organizing away from my local community, will housing be provided?
Some free housing will be provided by supporters near trainings and organizing assignments, but housing is not guaranteed.
Is this a paid position?
This is an unpaid position. However, those fellows who exhibit exceptional organizing skills and want to continue working with the campaign will be given top consideration for paid positions.
If I am in high school, can I apply to be an organizing fellow?
The organizing fellows program is for college students and graduates who can commit to work for the summer. If you are a high school graduate not currently in school, you are welcome to apply.
If my school lets out after June 14, can I still be an organizing fellow?
If you cannot begin until shortly after June 14, still apply to be a fellow and the campaign will decide this on a case by case basis.
Will being an organizing fellow help me get a job on the campaign for the fall?
If you are looking to become more involved with the campaign, applying to become an organizing fellow for the summer is a great way to start. Working as a fellow does not guarantee a paying job. However, those fellows who exhibit exceptional organizing skills and want to continue working with the campaign will be given top consideration for paid positions.
Will the June training be available for other volunteers?
The June 14 training is only for Obama organizing fellows. However, additional volunteer trainings and organizing materials are available online. Sign up to volunteer here and check out the campaign's action center here.
When will I find out if I am selected as an organizing fellow?
Applicants will be notified in May, and assignments will begin in June.
If I am no longer a student or recent graduate, can I still apply to be an organizing fellow?
Because the organizing fellows program will start on June 14 and run through the end of the summer, we expect most applicants to be students and recent graduates. However, anyone can apply and become an organizing fellow if you are free during that time. People of all ages are needed to help build the movement!
Can I get college credit for my work as an Obama organizing fellow?
Contact your college/university with questions regarding college credit. The campaign cannot guarantee that you will receive college credit for work as an organizing fellow.
If I can't be an organizing fellow, how can I help with this program?
If you can't take the time away from work or your family that's required for the fellowship program, you can still get involved.
- Reach out to someone you know who may be interested in this program, and let them know we could use their help: Invite
- House an Organizing Fellow -- If you have a spare room, you can help by offering housing to an Organizing Fellow near their training or near their eventual assignment. We haven't set locations for all of the trainings and assignments, but if you sign up, our staff will be in touch as the campaign grows: House a Fellow
- Support this program by making a donation to this campaign: Donate
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is May 15 by midnight eastern time, but we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE people to apply early.
What kinds of things will I be working on as an organizing fellow?
Organizing fellows will be coordinating voter registration drives, organizing phone banks, planning canvasses, doing volunteer recruitment, and helping with campaign events. Fellows will always be in contact with campaign staffers.
Will I be working out of a local campaign office?
Organizing fellows may work out of a campaign office or directly in the community, but will always be working with campaign staffers and local Obama volunteer groups.
Who will I be working with and reporting to as an organizing fellow?
Organizing fellows will always be working with a campaign staffer, and will also be working with volunteers, other organizers, and people in the community.
How many hours a week will I be working?
Organizing fellows will be required to work a minimum of 30 hours a week.
What other opportunities are available for people looking to get more involved but don't fit the parameters for the Organizing Fellowship?
There is a place for everyone in the campaign, and everyone's support is needed to elect Barack Obama President. If the organizing fellows program does not work for you, there are still lots of exciting opportunities to get involved. Sign up to volunteer here and check out the campaign's action center here. Please email us back at this address if you have further questions.
Can I choose where I am placed?
The campaign will work with you to decide where you are placed for your fellowship.
If I have been through prior campaign trainings, do I need to go to the training on June 14?
The June 14 training is mandatory for all organizing fellows. The fellowship application asks you to list any campaign related trainings you have attended, either with Obama for America or any other campaign. Please include types, dates and location. Submit your application as early as possible, and the campaign will be in touch with you about your application in May.
What is the difference between a campaign fellowship and a campaign internship?
If you are looking to become more involved with the campaign, applying to become an organizing fellow for the summer is a great way to start. Those fellows who exhibit exceptional organizing skills and want to continue working with the campaign will be given top consideration for future campaign positions.
Who should I ask to be my references?
People who you have worked with in the past, professors who you have close relationships with, or anyone else who can speak to your skills as an organizer would make good references.
Can I write more than 500 words for my responses?
No, keep your responses between 300 and 500 words. We also recommend writing your responses out in another program and copying and pasting the text into these spaces to ensure your work is not lost.
If I am not a US Citizen, can I be an organizing fellow?
The Obama Organizing Fellowship program is only available for U.S. citizens.
Can I have another job while I work as an organizing fellow?
Organizing fellows will be required to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Fellows can have other jobs during the summer as long as they do not conflict with their work as an organizing fellow or the mission of the Obama campaign.
When will I find out if the campaign is using my spare rooms to house organizing fellows?
The need for housing is based on the number of volunteers in a particular area. We will contact you as the need arises, in as timely a manner as possible. Thank you for everything you do!
Can I have another job while I work as an organizing fellow?
Organizing fellows will be required to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Fellows can have other jobs during the summer as long as they do not conflict with their work as an organizing fellow or the mission of the Obama campaign.
How can I help spread the word about the fellows program?
Here are flyers you can print out:
8.5 x 11
4 to a page
You can also forward the fellows application around to your personal contact list: fellows.barackobama.com.
Thank You
Thank you for being a part of the campaign! Applicants should expect to receive further communication in May.
Thank you again for everything you do.
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