What is the One MKE Coalition? 

A nonpartisan coalition by the City of Milwaukee Public Library, City of Milwaukee Election Commission, and Milwaukee community partners, including local engagement agency NEWaukee.  

The cornerstone of a well-functioning democracy lies in active civic participation. Wisconsin voting-age residents consistently turn out at or above 70%; however, the City of Milwaukee has witnessed a decline in civic participation. In 2012, Milwaukee lagged behind the state turnout by three percentage points; over the years, that gap has expanded to seventeen percentage points in 2020.

Last September, Mayor Johnson issued an executive order instructing his cabinet members to determine how their agencies can increase civic engagement. 

One of those initiatives is this new coalition called One MKE. One MKE will build and deepen genuine relationships with residents about their needs and conduct proactive, nonpartisan outreach to help create a culture of civic action across Milwaukee. 

What is the Community Engagement Coordinator’s Role? 

As the Community Engagement Coordinator, you’ll help our Coalition achieve our big goals of ensuring Milwaukee residents:

• Engage with local, state & federal civic services that save money & improve wellbeing

• Attend events to meet other residents and get involved in the community

• Participate civically and access nonpartisan voter resources 

Along with a team of your peers throughout this summer and early fall, we hope to: 

• Reach over 100,000 residents 

• Return 14,000 pledges to vote

• Deploy 7,000 service screenings

• Increase civic participation in the City of Milwaukee

Key Responsibilities

We are seeking enthusiastic and outgoing individuals to join our team as Community Engagement Coordinators. As a CEC, you will be the face of our coalition, engaging with community members to raise awareness, gather support, and collect pledges to vote. This role is crucial for building relationships and mobilizing community action. Your key responsibilities will include: 

• Attend Milwaukee’s biggest & best community events to connect directly with community members about our coalition and its initiatives.

• Engage in meaningful conversations to inform and ask individuals to take our services screener to find out what benefits they might qualify for.

• Collect postcard pledges to vote and contact information for future communication. 

• Distribute informational materials and answer questions from the public in a nonpartisan manner.

• Accurately record and report data from community engagement activities.

• Send text messages to those you meet to invite them to participate in other parts of the campaign. 

• Attend training sessions and team meetings to stay informed about campaign updates and strategies. 

• Represent the coalition positively and professionally in all interactions.

Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Comfortable working outdoors and walking or standing for extended periods.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Passion for the City of Milwaukee and its residents. 

• Previous canvassing or sales experience is a plus but not required.

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Benefits & Compensation:

• $22 / Hour 

• Full or Part Time Work Available; Flexible Scheduling. 

• Expense account for gas, supplies & other needed items.

• All technology & tools needed.

• The opportunity to make a tangible impact in your community.