About the role#
The Canvassing Fellow position is a temporary, full-time leadership development program designed for individuals passionate about social justice, economic equity, and workers' rights. Fellows will work under the mentorship of Michigan United staff to execute an electoral canvassing campaign for the 2026 election cycle. This role focuses on building community power through voter outreach, leadership training, and systems-based analysis of power structures.
What you'll do#
- Execute a high-energy electoral canvass through door-to-door conversations.
- Register, educate, and mobilize voters while identifying potential supporters for key campaigns.
- Complete canvassing lists and record conversation details using the MiniVAN app.
- Participate in daily team stand-up meetings, debriefs, and ongoing training curriculum.
- Collect stories, photos, and videos for promotional use.
- Attend monthly staff development trainings and fellowship opportunities.
- Engage in occasional relational outreach via SMS.
What you'll need#
- A commitment to the MI United Action theory of change and a dedication to racial, gender, and economic justice.
- A strong desire to learn and grow as a leader or organizer.
- Effective communication skills and comfortability engaging with the public.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Reliable transportation to travel to and from canvassing locations.
- Access to a data-capable smartphone.
- Previous experience working with culturally, religiously, and economically diverse teams is preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan.
- Modality: On-site.
- Term: Fall 2026 (concludes November 6, 2026).
- Compensation: $23 per hour at 40 hours per week.
- Additional financial incentives include a $1,000 retention bonus for staff remaining through November 6, 2026.
About Michigan United
Michigan United is a nonprofit organization founded in 2012. It operates as a statewide network of community members and institutions focused on advocacy and social change. The group organizes around issues including immigrants rights, criminal justice reform, and environmental justice. It maintains a main office in Southwest Detroit and additional locations in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Flint.
How to get in at Michigan United
Applying to Michigan United early gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can submit your materials before the applicant pool grows large. This ensures your profile is seen while the team is still actively evaluating candidates. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the specific recruiters behind these roles. Reaching out directly to ask about the position or a potential referral often improves your response rate compared to submitting through a general queue. This approach shows you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the work.
